Hidden Brian Podcast: "Finding Focus"

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Do you have days when you feel really busy but haven't gotten much done? Technology enables us to do remarkable things; however, it’s also significantly impacting our mental stress and ability to focus.  Listen to this interview with Gloria to learn more about how to improve your focus and Get Shit Done!

Check out my Five-Minute Insights below and link to the podcast:

Interview with Gloria Mark, professor of psychology, University of California, Irvine Gloria Mark's Research on how technology affects our attention span:

Her studies reveal a sharp decrease in attention span due to technology. Our average time to 'switch screens' dropped from 2.5 minutes in 2004 to just 47 seconds in 2020.

Some other key findings include:

• We now check email 77 times per day!!
• Average work time focus before interruption is only 10.5 minutes
• Average time to return to the original task is 25.5 minutes!!
• Multitasking also increases blood pressure, stress markers, and error rates
• Interruptions increase mental stress and reduce focus  

 Tips for Restoring Attention

1. Conscious Action: Notice and control automatic tech checks (turn off ALERTS)
2. Task Management: Keep a list of tasks to complete as you think of them (to do later)
3. Email Management: Designate specific times for email (2-3x per day)
4. Distraction Control: Set clear daily goals and delay interruptions (set a 25-minute timer)
5. Effective Work Planning: Save high-focus times for critical work (mornings, post-exercise)
6. Take Purposeful Breaks: Choose brain-relaxing activities (walk, meditate, pet your dog)

By being mindful of technology use, we can mitigate its impact on our focus and mental well-being. 

If you suffer from a Busy Brain, I can help with accountability, goal setting, improving habits, and building skills to make you more successful, let's chat: Schedule a free 30-minute coaching session.