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We live in a world where there is too much information. Today, it’s essential to know where to direct your attention and what you can ignore to keep your sanity.
How does information noise affect us?
Do you find yourself trying to get work done but worried that you’ll miss important messages and news? And when you get distracted, do you worry that you procrastinate while time is running out? The author of this article has the same problem, so let’s find out together how to manage your attention.
Problems with focus and concentration are very common today. If you don’t train your body, which isn’t adapted to sitting all day and eating junk food, it becomes weak. But you already know this (it’s not for nothing that gyms are so popular today). However, we rarely think about the fact that physical exercises also affect our concentration.
Our brain is very addicted to stimulation like pop-up notifications, important messages that, of course, should be answered immediately, or TikTok videos. However, it’s like potato chips – they’re great in the moment, but then your stomach hates you. In the 21st century, we can no longer afford to go with the flow, we have to control what we eat, how much we sleep, whether we work out enough and how we consume information.
What to do?
The principal thing is to consciously limit the information you consume. It’s about quality, not quantity. Analyze what and, more importantly, how much information your brain consumes daily. Define how much of it you need to grow and solve current problems and how much of this volume is junk information. Don’t worry if you find the second category to be the main one. It’s easier for our brain to process easy-to-consume information. Consider it your starting point.
No one says that you should stop consuming entertainment content at all. It’s like a diet – if you forbid yourself to eat a particular food, you’ll want it even more. But it’s also important to remember about the balance and make sure that your menu doesn’t consist only of junk food.
It’s worth mentioning that scrolling through your feed is a way to distract yourself from problems and relieve stress. Keep in mind that, on the contrary, it only increases anxiety and doesn’t help you combat it. At first, you’ll find it difficult to give up such habits. However, it’s definitely worth a try.
Manage information schedule
Today, the one who has developed self-discipline is free. It helps you structure the day and achieve heights. Information consumption should be included in your daily routine. For example, tell yourself that you’ll read the news and mail three times a day at certain times. Then you won’t miss anything important and stay focused.
Limit your information consumption
Yes, this advice is as old as the world, but it’s never too late to try to clean up your social media accounts, stop reading unreliable news content and get rid of unnecessary files on your phone and laptop. Moreover, it’s essential to have such “clean-ups” several times a year because after a while you’ll find too much information around you again.
Do an information detox
Giving yourself a break from a constant flow of information is as important as giving yourself a break from work. Going out of town, camping, or just turning off the Internet on Sundays are all great ways to reset.
What are the things you shouldn’t be afraid of?
For example, that you’ll miss everything. Thanks to social networks, it seems that we can always know what’s happening around us. Well, it’s not true. All important things are already in front of you, in real life. You have to learn to notice them. The moment you allow yourself to stop being controlling, peace will come into your life.
Can willpower help?
Very doubtful. Why fill the shelves with junk food, and then think “Well, I have willpower, I won’t eat it”? You’ll lose self-control anyway. It’ll be more efficient to prepare healthy food in advance and not even give yourself an opportunity to make a mistake. Simplify your life: clean up your phone, social media accounts and control information resources you read.
Most likely, while reading this article, you’ve opened other applications several times. If so, it’s time to deal with it. Your attention is the most valuable asset. Allow yourself the luxury of directing it to something that will help you grow and achieve your goals!
