Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Ever feel like you're
constantly like playing catch
up with your to do list but atthe same time you're just like
drowning in notifications?
You know what I mean.
It's like you're alwaysconnected, right, but never
really present.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Yeah, I bet you're
nodding your head, right now
because, let's face it, it's astruggle we all share in this,
like tech, saturated world.
But what if we could flip thescript?
Speaker 1 (00:23):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
And make technology
work for us interesting instead
of against us I like it that'sexactly what we're diving into
today okay this whole art oftaming tech and time all right,
we've got two okay, prettyintriguing sources to guide us.
Speaker 1 (00:41):
Lay it on me.
Speaker 2 (00:42):
First up.
Speaker 1 (00:42):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
A super practical
blog post from Strikingly that
throws down a gauntlet of 10awesome life hacks and websites
to boost productivity.
Speaker 1 (00:59):
All right, it's
almost like a cheat sheet for
getting things done.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
I love cheat sheets.
Speaker 1 (01:02):
Then we've got an
article from 2112 Interactive
that takes kind of a differentapproach.
Exploring 11 Amazing WaysTechnology Can Reduce your
Stress.
Interesting, so we're not justtalking about efficiency here,
no, but also like using tech toboost well-being.
Speaker 2 (01:18):
I see.
Speaker 1 (01:19):
So the question is
can we really find that sweet
spot where we're maximizingproductivity without becoming
slaves to our devices or burningourselves out?
Speaker 2 (01:29):
It's a fascinating
dilemma, isn't it?
It really is yeah we'rebombarded with information and
demands on our attention.
But these same devices.
They offer tools fororganization, connection, even
relaxation.
Speaker 1 (01:44):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
It's like we're
trying to tame a powerful Nice
applaud, but unpredictable beast.
Speaker 1 (01:48):
Exactly and that
strikingly.
Blog post is like a toolbox.
Speaker 2 (01:53):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (01:54):
Filled with gadgets
and gizmos.
I like it Designed to help uswrangle that beast.
That's awesome.
Some of these websites arepretty intriguing.
Speaker 2 (02:02):
Oh, yeah, like what.
Speaker 1 (02:03):
For example, they
list lifehackcom.
Speaker 2 (02:06):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (02:07):
Which, as the name
suggests, offers like a
smorgasbord of tips.
Speaker 2 (02:11):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (02:12):
Covering everything
from time management to
relationships to health.
Speaker 2 (02:16):
Wow.
Speaker 1 (02:17):
It's almost like a
one-stop shop for a life upgrade
.
Speaker 2 (02:20):
What's interesting to
me about Lifehack?
Is the underlying assumptionthat productivity isn't just
about work.
You know, it's aboutintegrating all aspects of your
life.
Speaker 1 (02:30):
I see.
Speaker 2 (02:31):
Do you think that's a
realistic goal?
Speaker 1 (02:34):
That's a great
question.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (02:35):
Or are we setting
ourselves up for failure by
trying to optimize every singlearea Right?
Maybe it's less about reachingsome unattainable level of
perfection.
Speaker 2 (02:46):
Oh, maybe.
Speaker 1 (02:47):
And more about being
mindful of how different areas
of our lives influence eachother.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
Interesting.
Speaker 1 (02:52):
Now here's one that
might pique your curiosity.
Speaker 2 (02:55):
All right In.
Speaker 1 (02:56):
Starried.
Speaker 2 (02:57):
It promises to
deliver the key takeaways from a
book.
Speaker 1 (03:01):
Okay, in just 15
minutes.
Speaker 2 (03:03):
Wow.
Speaker 1 (03:03):
It definitely sounds
appealing in our time crunched
world, for sure, but do youthink we risk missing out on
valuable insights?
Possibly by opting for thecondensed version.
Speaker 2 (03:15):
That's a valid
concern.
Speaker 1 (03:17):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (03:17):
While summaries can
be useful for getting a quick
overview Right, they might notcapture the nuances of the
author's argument or therichness of their prose right
it's like the difference betweenreading a restaurant review and
actually savoring the mealitself great analogy thanks and
speaking of efficiency, there'scloud convert cloud convert a
(03:39):
website that lets you convertany file type on the go so this
could be a game changer foranyone who's ever wrestled with
incompatible file formats.
I know I've wasted countlesshours on that.
Speaker 1 (03:52):
It's amazing to think
about how much time I know it's
crazy Do you used to spend onthose seemingly small tasks.
Speaker 2 (03:59):
Yeah, it highlights
the cumulative effect of these
micro efficiencies thattechnology can bring.
Speaker 1 (04:05):
I agree.
Speaker 2 (04:06):
But it also makes you
wonder are we using that extra
time effectively?
Speaker 1 (04:11):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (04:11):
Or are we just
filling it with more digital
distractions?
Speaker 1 (04:14):
That's a point worth
pondering.
Speaker 2 (04:16):
For sure.
Speaker 1 (04:17):
It seems like the key
is being intentional about how
we use that reclaimed time.
Okay, so strikingly, thewebsite where this blog post
lives.
They actually specialize inmaking website creation super
simple.
Gotcha, Imagine being able toshare your expertise with the
world.
Speaker 2 (04:35):
That'd be cool.
Speaker 1 (04:36):
Without needing to
become a tech wizard.
Speaker 2 (04:38):
Hold on a second.
Speaker 1 (04:39):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (04:40):
While making
technology more accessible is
generally a good thing, don'tyou think there's a risk that
simplifying website creationcould lead to a deluge of low
quality content?
How do we ensure that ease ofuse doesn't come at the expense
of valuable, well-researchedinformation?
Speaker 1 (05:01):
Yeah, that's a really
interesting point.
Maybe it underscores the needfor a more robust content
curation or critical thinkingskills to navigate this
ever-expanding sea ofinformation.
Speaker 2 (05:13):
Oh, that's true.
Speaker 1 (05:14):
Now, we can't wrap up
this toolkit segment without
mentioning Dumb Little man.
Dumb Little man, A website thattackles topics like happiness,
success and money with a playful, approachable tone.
Speaker 2 (05:30):
Interesting.
Speaker 1 (05:31):
It's almost like
they're acknowledging that we
all have those dumb littlemoments.
Speaker 2 (05:36):
For sure.
Speaker 1 (05:36):
But we can still
learn and grow from them.
Speaker 2 (05:39):
I find their approach
quite refreshing.
Speaker 1 (05:40):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (05:41):
They seem to be
challenging this notion that
self-improvement has to be right.
Serious.
Speaker 1 (05:47):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (05:47):
And intimidating
Right, maybe a little humor.
Speaker 1 (05:50):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (05:50):
Can make those topics
more palatable.
Speaker 1 (05:52):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (05:52):
And encourage people
to engage with them Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (05:55):
Yeah, so we've seen a
few examples of tools.
Yeah, that promise to boost ourefficiency, but what about
tackling the stress that oftencomes with our tech-filled lives
?
Speaker 2 (06:05):
Good point.
Speaker 1 (06:05):
Let's look at how
technology can actually help us
unwind, shall we?
Okay?
Our second article from 2112Interactive dives into this very
topic and offers somesurprisingly tech-savvy
approaches.
Speaker 2 (06:19):
I'm intrigued.
Speaker 1 (06:20):
The article
challenges this common
assumption that technology isinherently stress-inducing.
Right, it suggests that, usedmindfully, certain tech tools
can actually contribute tostress reduction.
Speaker 2 (06:36):
Interesting.
Speaker 1 (06:37):
It's like learning to
use fire for warmth and cooking
instead of just getting burned.
I love that analogy, and one ofthe first stress-busting tools
they mention is wearable fitnesstech.
Now we all know about stepcounters and calorie trackers.
Speaker 2 (06:51):
Right.
Speaker 1 (06:53):
But these devices are
doing so much more these days.
Many of them have features tomonitor stress levels.
Speaker 2 (07:00):
Interesting.
Speaker 1 (07:01):
Throughout the day,
providing insights into what
triggers those spites I see.
Some even guide you throughcalming breathing techniques or
use gentle vibrations to helpregulate your breathing.
Speaker 2 (07:13):
Interesting.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
Have you ever tried
any of these features yourself?
I have, yeah.
Speaker 2 (07:17):
And I have to admit I
was skeptical at first.
Speaker 1 (07:19):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (07:20):
But I was surprised.
Speaker 1 (07:21):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (07:22):
By how effective some
of these simple techniques can
be.
Speaker 1 (07:25):
Interesting.
Speaker 2 (07:26):
It's like having a
mini meditation coach on your
wrist.
Speaker 1 (07:30):
That's cool.
Speaker 2 (07:31):
Reminding you to
pause and take a breath when
things start to feeloverwhelming.
Speaker 1 (07:35):
I like that.
That's so cool and it seemslike a much more proactive
approach than just reacting tostress when it's already reached
a boiling point.
Speaker 2 (07:44):
For sure.
Speaker 1 (07:45):
Okay, Now for a tech
enabled stress reliever that
might surprise you.
Hit me CBD devices.
Speaker 2 (07:53):
CBD devices.
Speaker 1 (07:54):
CBD has gained
immense popularity lately for
its potential calming effects,and now there are devices
specifically designed to deliverthose benefits.
Speaker 2 (08:05):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (08:06):
Have you explored CBD
at all?
Speaker 2 (08:08):
I've definitely seen
the buzz around CBD.
Speaker 1 (08:10):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (08:11):
And while the
research is still ongoing, it's
fascinating to see howtechnology is being integrated
with alternative wellnessapproaches.
Speaker 1 (08:20):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (08:20):
It raises questions
about how we define medicine.
Speaker 1 (08:24):
I see.
Speaker 2 (08:24):
And the role of
technology.
Speaker 1 (08:26):
Right.
Speaker 2 (08:26):
And delivering those
solutions.
Speaker 1 (08:28):
That's a really
thought-provoking point.
Speaker 2 (08:30):
Thanks.
Speaker 1 (08:30):
It seems like the
lines are blurring.
Speaker 2 (08:32):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (08:32):
Between traditional
health care Right and
tech-driven wellness solutions.
Speaker 2 (08:37):
Mm-hmm.
Speaker 1 (08:39):
Now here's another
one that might raise an eyebrow
Online games.
Speaker 2 (08:41):
Online games.
Speaker 1 (08:42):
We often think of
gaming as a time waster, but
this article points out howcertain games can actually boost
concentration and reduceanxiety, especially during
challenging times.
Speaker 2 (08:54):
You know, I have to
confess.
Speaker 1 (08:56):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (08:56):
I was once a hardcore
skeptic when it came to the
benefits of gaming.
Speaker 1 (09:01):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (09:02):
I saw it as nothing
more than a distraction.
Speaker 1 (09:04):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (09:05):
But then, a few years
ago, I was going through a
particularly stressful period.
Speaker 1 (09:12):
I see.
Speaker 2 (09:13):
And a friend
recommended a game.
Okay called Kind Words.
Speaker 1 (09:18):
Kind Words.
Speaker 2 (09:19):
Tell me more.
Speaker 1 (09:20):
It's a beautifully
designed game where you
anonymously exchange kind andsupportive messages with other
players.
Speaker 2 (09:28):
Wow.
Speaker 1 (09:29):
It's incredibly
simple.
Speaker 2 (09:30):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (09:31):
But something about
the act of writing and receiving
those words of encouragement.
Speaker 2 (09:36):
I can see that.
Speaker 1 (09:37):
Had a profoundly
calming effect on me.
Wow, that's amazing.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
I love that you had
that personal experience that
totally flipped your perspective.
Speaker 1 (09:44):
It did.
Speaker 2 (09:45):
I think it speaks to
the incredible diversity within
the gaming world.
Speaker 1 (09:49):
For sure.
Speaker 2 (09:49):
There's so much more
out there than just the shoot
them up adrenaline pumping games.
Speaker 1 (09:54):
Right.
Speaker 2 (09:54):
We often associate
with the term.
Speaker 1 (09:55):
Totally.
Speaker 2 (09:56):
There are games
designed specifically for
relaxation yeah, mindfulnessyeah.
And even emotional healing.
That's amazing.
It's a great reminder thattechnology can offer a wide
range of experiences, for sure,and it's up to us to choose how
we engage with it.
Absolutely so true, yeah, andspeaking of how technology is
changing the way we interact,Okay.
The article also touches ononline dating.
Speaker 1 (10:19):
Online dating.
Speaker 2 (10:19):
As a potential stress
reducer.
Speaker 1 (10:21):
Interesting.
Speaker 2 (10:22):
It suggests that
having more control over who you
connect with, being able to getto know someone virtually
before meeting in person andpotentially avoiding the
awkwardness of blind dates.
Speaker 1 (10:38):
Okay, wow.
Speaker 2 (10:39):
And actually make
dating less stressful.
Speaker 1 (10:42):
It's interesting how
technology is impacting
something as fundamental ashuman connection.
Speaker 2 (10:47):
Right.
Speaker 1 (10:47):
While some might
argue that online dating takes
away from the spontaneity andserendipity yeah, Of traditional
courtship.
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (10:56):
Others appreciate the
efficiency and intentionality.
Speaker 1 (10:59):
Right.
Speaker 2 (11:00):
It brings to the
process.
Speaker 1 (11:01):
I think it boils down
to individual preferences.
Speaker 2 (11:03):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (11:03):
And what we're
looking for in a relationship.
Totally and finally, thearticle talks about the simple
power of technology to organizeour lives.
Speaker 2 (11:11):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (11:12):
Think about it.
Speaker 2 (11:13):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (11:13):
We've got to-do list
apps.
It yeah, we've got to-do listapps right calendar reminders,
smart home devices that canautomate tasks yeah, all of this
can free up mental spacevirtual and reduce that feeling
of being overwhelmed that bringsus back to the core question
yeah we're exploring uh-huh,taming tech and time it all
(11:33):
comes back to that.
Speaker 2 (11:35):
Organization plays a
crucial role.
Technology can either amplifychaos or provide a framework for
order.
Speaker 1 (11:44):
Yeah, that's a great
way to put it.
Thanks, so it seems like we'vegot this amazing array of tech
tools and strategies forproductivity and stress
reduction.
Speaker 2 (11:54):
Right.
Speaker 1 (11:55):
How do we make sure
we're not just trading one form
of stress for another?
That's the key, isn't it Right?
Speaker 2 (11:59):
It's so easy to get
caught up in the quest for more
apps, more gadgets moreefficiency, right More more, but
sometimes the best approach isto just step back and ask
ourselves is this really servingme Right, or am I just becoming
a slave to the algorithm?
Speaker 1 (12:18):
I've definitely
fallen into that trap before
thinking that if I just had theright app or system, I'd
magically become a productivitymachine.
Speaker 2 (12:25):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (12:26):
But in reality it
just added another layer of
complexity and pressure.
Speaker 2 (12:30):
It's like trying to
squeeze yourself into a mold
that doesn't fit.
Speaker 1 (12:33):
Ooh, I like that.
Speaker 2 (12:34):
True productivity.
I believe, comes from aligningour tools and strategies with
our individual values and needs.
Speaker 1 (12:43):
Right.
Speaker 2 (12:43):
It's not about
conforming to some external
standard, but about figuring outwhat works best for you.
Speaker 1 (12:50):
I love that.
Speaker 2 (12:50):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (12:51):
Oh, it takes the
pressure off of trying to be
perfect, yeah.
And shifts the focus toself-awareness and
experimentation.
Mm-hmm.
Trying to be perfect, yeah, andshifts the focus Exactly To
self-awareness andexperimentation.
But speaking of potentialpitfalls, okay, I think it's
important to acknowledge theimpact of technology on our
social connections.
Right, yes, it can facilitatecommunication, but can it ever
(13:11):
truly replace the richness offace-to-face interactions?
That's a question that's beendebated, for sure, ever since
the rise of social media.
Speaker 2 (13:16):
Right, the richness
of face-to-face interactions.
That's a question that's beendebated, for sure, ever since
the rise of social media Right.
I think it depends.
Speaker 1 (13:23):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (13:23):
On how we use those
tools.
Speaker 1 (13:25):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (13:25):
If we're constantly
scrolling through feeds and
comparing ourselves to others,totally, it can definitely lead
to feelings of isolation andinadequacy, yeah.
But if we use technology tostay connected with loved ones
yeah To share meaningfulexperiences, right, to build
communities around sharedinterests, uh-huh Then it can
absolutely enrich our sociallives.
Speaker 1 (13:47):
It seems like
intentionality is key here.
Speaker 2 (13:49):
It is.
Speaker 1 (13:50):
As it is, with so
many aspects of our tech life
balance.
Speaker 2 (13:54):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (13:59):
It's about using
these tools consciously and
deliberately, exactly, ratherthan letting them dictate how we
spend our time and energy Iagree, and speaking of energy,
okay there's been a growingtrend toward digital detox oh
yeah taking intentional breaksfrom screens and devices to
recharge and reconnect withourselves.
Speaker 2 (14:19):
Ah, the digital detox
.
Speaker 1 (14:20):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (14:21):
It's become quite the
buzzword, hasn't it it?
Speaker 1 (14:23):
really has.
Speaker 2 (14:23):
But I think there's
real value in those intentional
breaks.
Speaker 1 (14:27):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (14:27):
It's like giving our
brains a chance to catch up, to
process all the input, to justchill, to simply be yeah,
without the constant stimulation.
Speaker 1 (14:36):
Exactly, and it
doesn't have to be some grand
off the grid retreat.
It could be as simple assetting aside an hour each
evening to relax, Read a book,take a walk or just have a
conversation with a loved onewithout any screens in sight.
Speaker 2 (14:51):
I find that even
short breaks throughout the day
can make a big difference.
A few minutes of mindfulbreathing, stepping away from
the computer to stretch and movemy body, or simply gazing out
the window at nature, or simplygazing out the window at nature
Right.
These little moments ofdisconnection can help me feel
more centered and focusedTotally.
Speaker 1 (15:15):
When I return to the
digital world.
So it's not about demonizingtechnology or trying to escape
it completely.
It's about finding that sweetspot.
Speaker 2 (15:25):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (15:25):
Like that dynamic
balance where we harness the
power of technology.
Speaker 2 (15:31):
Right.
Speaker 1 (15:31):
While also
prioritizing our well-being.
Yes, and those activities thatbring us joy and fulfillment
offline.
Speaker 2 (15:40):
I can agree more.
Speaker 1 (15:41):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (15:41):
And that balance
Right Might look different for
each of us.
Speaker 1 (15:44):
Right.
Speaker 2 (15:44):
Depending on our
individual needs, preferences
and values.
Speaker 1 (15:47):
Totally.
Speaker 2 (15:48):
There's no one size
fits all solution.
Speaker 1 (15:50):
That's why it's so
important to tune into our own
responses, to notice howdifferent technologies and
digital habits make us feel.
Are they energizing us ordraining us?
Are they helping us achieve ourgoals or distracting us from
what truly matters?
Speaker 2 (16:10):
It's an ongoing
process of self-discovery and
adjustment.
Speaker 1 (16:13):
For sure.
Speaker 2 (16:14):
And as technology
continues to evolve.
Speaker 1 (16:16):
Right.
Speaker 2 (16:17):
At such a rapid pace.
Speaker 1 (16:18):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (16:19):
We need to stay
adaptable and flexible in our
approach.
Speaker 1 (16:22):
So if we were to
distill this whole conversation
down to one key takeaway, itwould be this OK.
Technology is a.
Be this Okay, technology is apowerful tool.
Speaker 2 (16:30):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (16:31):
But it's up to us to
wield it wisely.
Speaker 2 (16:33):
It is.
Speaker 1 (16:34):
It's about finding
that sweet spot where tech
enhances our lives withoutdictating them.
Speaker 2 (16:40):
Right.
Where we're in the driver'sseat making conscious choices
that align with our values andaspirations.
Beautifully put.
Speaker 1 (16:47):
And that journey of
taming tech and time Isn't a
solo mission.
It's not we can learn from eachother.
Speaker 2 (16:55):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (16:56):
Share our experiences
and support one another in
navigating this complex andever-changing landscape.
Speaker 2 (17:02):
I agree.
Speaker 1 (17:03):
And that brings us to
a final thought-provoking
question.
Okay, for you to consider.
Speaker 2 (17:08):
Right.
Speaker 1 (17:09):
If you could design
your ideal tech life balance,
what would it look like?
Speaker 2 (17:15):
Dentry.
Speaker 1 (17:16):
What role would
technology play in your daily
routine and what offlineactivities would you prioritize
to nourish your mind, body andspirit?
Speaker 2 (17:28):
It's a question worth
pondering.
Speaker 1 (17:30):
It is.
Speaker 2 (17:30):
And one that might
evolve as our lives and
circumstances change.
Speaker 1 (17:34):
Totally.
Speaker 2 (17:34):
The key is to keep
asking it.
Speaker 1 (17:36):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (17:36):
To stay curious.
Speaker 1 (17:37):
Right.
Speaker 2 (17:38):
And to remain open to
new possibilities.
Speaker 1 (17:40):
Couldn't have said it
better myself.
Speaker 2 (17:42):
Thanks.
Speaker 1 (17:42):
And remember we'll be
sharing links to all the
websites and resources we'vediscussed today in the episode
notes, so you can explore themfurther at your own pace, okay.
We also want to hear from you.
Yeah, what are your go-to techtips for staying productive
without losing your sanity?
Speaker 2 (18:00):
Right.
Speaker 1 (18:00):
What strategies have
you discovered for unplugging
and recharging?
Speaker 2 (18:05):
Good question.
Speaker 1 (18:05):
Share your insights
with us on social media.
You might even inspire a futuredeep dive.
Speaker 2 (18:11):
What's so exciting
about this whole conversation is
that it's constantly evolving.
Speaker 1 (18:26):
Right.
As technology continues toreshape our world, we'll need to
keep adapting, experimentingand refining our approaches to
taming tech and time.
It's like we're all navigatingthis uncharted territory
together, figuring out how tomake technology a force for good
in our lives.
For sure out how to maketechnology a force for good in
our lives for sure, andsometimes the best compass we
have right is our own intuitionand experience right, so yeah
trust your gut experiment anddon't be afraid to adjust course
(18:49):
along the way.
Speaker 2 (18:50):
Well said and
remember yeah the goal isn't to
achieve some mythical state ofperfect balance right it's about
finding what works for you inthis moment.
Yeah, and being willing toadapt as your needs and
circumstances change.
Speaker 1 (19:05):
Exactly.
Speaker 2 (19:06):
It's a journey, not a
destination.
Speaker 1 (19:07):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (19:08):
And we're all in this
together.
I agree.
Thanks for joining us on thisdeep dive.
Yeah, into taming tech and time.
It's been a good one.
We hope you've gleaned somevaluable insights.
Speaker 1 (19:20):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (19:20):
And, most importantly
, that you feel empowered to
create a tech life balance thattruly supports your well-being
and helps you live a morefulfilling life.
Speaker 1 (19:32):
Couldn't agree more.