Physical

Emotional

Individual approaches to managing technostress emphasize three separate areas of personal initiative:  motivated learning, relaxation techniques, and self-restraint / pacing.

Motivated Learning

In terms of motivated learning, the need for continual, timely upgrading and training is a repeated theme in technostress literature. 

In a 2004 study involving over 400 academic librarians, business faculty, and education faculty, conducted by Sonya S. Gaither Shepherd, Instructional Technology Librarian at Georgia Southern University, the level of technostress experienced by all study subjects decreased as their levels of computer skills increased (p. 228). (This area of formal training will be expanded upon on the Organzational Strategies page.)  For a full account of the Shepherd study, click here: . 

While formal training is critical, a more informal learning approach is also important.  As  Terence K. Huwe writes, “In order to stay composed … you need a foundation.  That foundation is reading, not only professional rags ...but management literature and IT literature … This is the basis upon which confidence, composure, and clear strategic thinking thrive in the face of a tidal wave of new technology” (2005, para. 17). 

Relaxation Techniques

Various relaxation techniques include:

• Listening to music
• Meditation
• Massage therapy
• Exercise
• Socializing
• Changing activities (e.g. from technical to non-technical)
• Deep breathing
• Visualization
• Positive internal monologue

More information on various relaxation techniques can be found by clicking on the following links:

• Peer Health at Williams College: 
• University of Maryland Medical Centre: 
• MindTools.com: 
• BBC Health: 

Success in effective relaxation techniques is also dependent upon maintaining general good health, with emphasis on proper diet, exercise, and adequate rest.

Self-Restraint / Pacing

There never seem to be enough hours in a day to accomplish everything we want to accomplish.  Therefore, employing technostress management approaches will take some prioritizing.   For example, since learning about new technology is critical to managing technostress, it is important to consciously set aside some time each day or each week to accomplish that.  It will be a matter of not doing something else. 

Set realistic goals.  As Kupersmith points out, "No one can be an expert at everything… pick an area where you can make a contribution and concentrate your efforts there” (para. 44).

Technology often suggests to us that we can do more than we are doing.  There is a tendency to run with it, falling over ourselves in trying to keep up with technology's pace.  It is important to pull back on the reins, to consciously restore a human pace to our activities: