Avoiding Addiction

Control your BlackBerry, or it will control you, say experts.

• Ask yourself, "Why do you I need a BlackBerry?" Do you have to be in touch 24 hours a day? What about only during working hours? Or only until dinner time?
• Don't simply shut it off without first discussing your needs with your boss and co-workers. Suggest a meeting to agree on boundaries. Should your supervisor be able to reach you any time? Michael Miller of the National Defense University's Information Resource Management College believes his employees should be available while working from home, "because if they were here, I could just pop into their office." But he doesn't believe his employees constantly should be on call.
• After defining your needs and those of your office, configure the device accordingly. For example, set it so it won't ring or vibrate on weekends or evenings.
• Use your BlackBerry discreetly when you're with people, whether in meetings or at social engagements. Even if BlackBerrys are quiet, it is still distracting to speak to someone whose attention is clearly elsewhere. Remember your manners.
• You don't need to respond to every message immediately. Prioritize.
• If all else fails, and if the BlackBerry is not vital to your job, you can always get rid of it. Remember, there's a reason it's nicknamed CrackBerry.