If you're looking to preserve your cognitive health, it may be wise to modify the way you interact with media. Focusing on one thing at a time can help improve your wellbeing.
A recent university study has highlighted the downsides of using multiple devices simultaneously, linking it to a loss of brain tissue. Previous research has discovered that chronically multitasking can have negative impacts on one's ability to focus, memory, emotional intelligence, and social skills.
Protect your grey matter by doing less and accomplishing more. Try these tips for becoming more single-minded.
Resist Media Multitasking
In the short term, multitasking often feels great - it's exciting and rewarding to cross multiple “to do’s” off your list. However, if it becomes a habit, you may need help to break this cycle and form better habits.
If you're looking to break away from the media's grip, here are a few tips that might help:
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Understand how your brain works. Media multitasking can be detrimental as it puts too much load on your resources. For instance, it would be more effective to engage in one task at a time such as having a conversation with your child's teacher and reading the financial pages separately - each requires undivided attention.
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Shut off your phone. To stay distraction-free, it's a good idea to switch off your phones, tablets and other devices for a few hours each day. This can help you avoid being tempted to check your messages.
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Post your hours. If you're feeling overwhelmed by others' expectations of your being available throughout the day, it's important to communicate to them in advance which hours are best for contact and when you'll be “offline.”
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Schedule breaks. When we start to lose focus, it's easy to turn to multitasking as an escape. To avoid this and stay on track, it's important that you take a 10 minute break every hour to avoid the temptation.
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Do a status check. Catch yourself when you’re researching medical symptoms and editing a marketing proposal at the same time. Take your time to focus on one task at a time in order to ensure you are giving each situation the attention it deserves.
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Alternate between activities. It is possible to balance multiple responsibilities and pastimes. You can prioritize workday activities such as database/file updates in between calls with clients. If you have been busy in the morning, a short walk could help you relax before tackling other tasks.
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Think long term. Being aware of the long term consequences of multitasking can help you stay motivated to avoid it. Picture how much better your life would be if you could think more clearly and increase energy with less effort.
Putting down your phone and closing a few browser windows can make you happier and more productive. Ask yourself what’s most important at that moment. Then, give that task your full attention.
