5 Hassle-Free Ways to Integrate Tech into Your Daily Routine

Tech can be scary for someone that didn't grow up with an iPad Air in one hand and a selfie stick in the other.  Some words I've heard to describe it are crazy, ridiculous, complicated, and daunting.  I've also heard a few choice expletives which I'm not sure would be appropriate to put on a business page.

Even for young professionals in their mid-twenties, tech can seem like an impossible mountain to climb.  There is so much out there and almost too much to keep up with.  Anyone born between 1985 and 1995 has had the benefit of seeing both sides of the fence- a world without constant connectivity and a world where cell-phones are burning holes in the hands of almost every person we come in contact with.  However, like many other learned skills, technology is better experienced than taught.  That is why we recommend starting your journey by integrating technology into your daily routine using these five simple steps; 

1.  Try Out Wearable Technology
     Wearable technology like the FitBit, Apple Watch, Samsung Gear, Bluetooth Headphones, Garmin Activity Tracker, and others are all ways to start using technology on a daily basis.  They can be multi-functional (like the FitBit, which tracks your steps, monitors your heart rate, and serves as a watch), or may only serve one purpose (Bluetooth Headphones).  It's best to do a little research and find something that will meet your needs and is in a fair price range, and then get started!  

     Pros;

     Wearable technology is that most of the items pair with your cell phone, forcing you to become reacquainted with it in a new way.  For example, the FitBit connects to an application on your cell phone that allows you to connect with friends, see their progress, and get updates about your own progress.  

2.  Purchase New Appliances 
     If you are in the market for new appliances, try out some "smart" appliances.  They range from everything to microwaves which double as convection ovens, to fridges with Bluetooth technology.  These are great tools to have in your house, because they have basic functions you can use right away, as well as some fancy an fun features you can learn more about over time. 

     Pros; 

     The manufacturers know that these are necessities, and want one in every household.  This means that they make them as user-friendly as possible, and provide excellent customer service. 

3.  Invest in a Smart TV
     A Smart TV is a must for families who enjoy watching content outside of regular cable.  They allow you to connect directly to Netflix, Amazon Video, HULU, and other streaming applications.  They also have weather tools. yahoo, and other apps you can pull up while you're watching.  If you're in the market for a new TV, go for it!  They are slightly more expensive than other televisions, but the value well exceeds the price increase.  If you can't afford a Smart Tv or are just plain happy with the TV you have, go for a Chromecast or Roku, which allow you to stream the same applications from other devices to your TV!

      Pros; 
     
      No need to keep track of where your other devices are, and forget about having to plug in that laptop or iPad!   It's all in one place! 

4.  Re-Purpose Your Cell Phone
     This is a simple tip.  Find other uses for your cell phone.  Start tracking stocks, or using it for your grocery list.  You can try out some new games, or commit to using it for your calendar.  Finding new ways to use your cell phone besides just texting or calling with it is great practice in adapting to new technology.  As you start to use applications more, you'll get the hang of certain functions that are similar between different tech items. 

      Pros;
     
​      Most of us already have a smart phone- and most apps are free!  Use it to your advantage!  No extra investment needed. 

5.  Just Play Around
     If you don't want to invest in new technology just yet, find ways to do new things with your old technology!  This is especially helpful for computer software.  You an open up an Excel or Word document and just play around.  Try different formats, click random buttons.  There is very little you can do from these tools that will actually break your computer, so you're safe!  If you use Excel at work, try playing with new formulas at home- you might find something that could make your work tasks easier! 

     Pros;

     You can do all of this at home if you have a laptop or or computer.   There's no investment necessary, and you can't really mess it up!  Technology is like most learned skills- practice makes perfect!