Technology and being constantly connected has become such an integral part of our lives, that for most of us, it does not even occur that it might be affecting us (and in particular, our brains) in a negative way.
By having the internet at our fingertips, we are literally being bombarded with information all day long – emails, text messages, social media, google, apps and games.
Unfortunately, constantly consuming information, means that our brains never really get a chance to recharge and properly process all that incoming information – a state which is referred to as information overload.
Psychologists have reason to be concerned about how people are using their digital devices as information overload has been found to affect us in a number of ways:
· Our ability to remember and consolidate memories becomes poor
· It increases anxiety
· Creativity decreases
· We become less productive
When it comes to optimal brain functioning and our mental wellbeing, I cannot stress enough the importance of regularly giving our brains a break from incoming information.
Not only will this create a sense of space and simplicity, and make you feel and function better, it will also allow you to be more connected and engaged with the world around you.
Cutting down on your exposure to information through your digital devices can be as simple as:
1. Limiting your screen time and distractions by using apps like Clearlock, OFFtime, and Qualitytime.
2. Having one day a week where you don’t use your devices at all. (Get the family to join you!)
3. Set boundaries around where and at what times you will use your devices at home. (E.g. no phones in the bedroom or Wi-Fi gets switched off at 8pm.)
4. Uninstall apps from your phone that you tend to regularly check e.g. Facebook, Instagram.
5. Have a dedicated “no-information-consumption” time during your day. It can help to spend time outdoors, away from your devices and wifi, or to go for a walk without your phone (Yes, even listening to podcasts, no matter how uplifting and inspiring, can contribute to information overload.)
I challenge you to give at least one of these strategies a try this week and notice any changes that might arise from it.
Just to give you a heads up… You may experience feeling more relaxed, sleeping better, having less of a sense of urgency to do things and feel less compelled to constantly check your phone, to name but a few.
x Lineé
