The processing capacity of the conscious mind is around 120 bits per second.
This, is the ability to understand 2 people talking simultaneously.
Yet, the experience of daily life is much more than 2 people talking simultaneously. The feeling of overwhelm is because the information speed coming at you is so much faster than your mind.
Lost, confused, distracted and unfocused.
Gloria Mark, in her book, Attention Span, says that the average time spent on a screen is declining over the years. It was
150 seconds in 2004
75 seconds in 2012
And now is around 45 -50 seconds.
Media multitasking is a myth and is expensive in terms of time and efficiency. The worst effect is the stress that it also causes.
All this time being distracted, the busy restless mind, constantly on screens has the additional cost of a calm, connected, curious and creative mind.
What can you do?
- Be conscious of your goals? Why are you on your device. What’s more important today?
- Become aware of the habit to check your phone, social media feeds and emails.
- Close apps, if not delete them.
- Take conscious time away from tech. Give your mind a break while walking, driving, reading etc. Allow your mind to wander. This may be creativity brewing.
- Practice 20min of undistracted reading daily.
- Practice mindfulness and meditation
Your well-being is determined by what you pay attention to, how focused and intentional you are on your goals, and on resting the mind.
Take the first step. Unplug for a few minutes a day, as a start
Resources
The organized mind – Daniel J Levitin
How to get your brain to focus Chris Bailey https://lnkd.in/e7tTQWB2
attention #wellbeing #mindfulness
