You see it all the time. Look in any direction and there will be someone furiously typing on their smartphone. People walk with their heads down to focus on who knows what with absolutely no recognition of what they might walk right into.  Even though I am just as guilty as the next, it’s becoming a pet peeve of mine and I’m trying to stop the addiction.

Here are 5 steps to fixing the faux pas:

1. Try for real interactions. Instead of sending incessant emails and office IM’s, stop by your colleagues desk or schedule a time for a real meeting, whether it’s in the conference room or out to lunch!

2. Research online time management tools. There are programs out there that show you where the minutes on your computer are going. This can be a real eye-opener and show you just how much of your day is spent responding to emails. BLAH.

3. Particularly, the habit that irks me most. PUT AWAY YOUR PHONE when out to any social function, whether it is business or personal. There is nothing more frustrating then going out with friends, family or coworkers and having the company you keep act so distracted on their phones. They leave them out on the table while you eat and check them regularly, even if there is no blinking light (as if that would make it more urgent…)

4.  Create boundaries for yourself. Don’t reach for your phone before even getting out of bed in the morning. Try not to browse your emails before hitting the sack. And definitely do not check your phone throughout the night. That’s just creepy.

5. Complete one task before starting another. We’re on our computers all day long it’s a wonder not everyone has gone blind. Thank you, Lasik. Instead of trying to multi-task, try prioritizing and then checking off a list. Too many open browsers can cause stress and often lead to mistakes in your work.

So there it is. Try these 5 steps and it may improve your life. As Ferris Bueller so famously said, “If you don’t stop and lo0k around once in a while, you could miss it.”