If you want to hold onto your brain cells, you may need to change your media habits. Focusing on one task at a time is good for your health.
That’s the lesson from a recent university study that found that using multiple devices at once was linked to a loss of brain tissue. Previous studies have found that chronic multitasking can weaken your attention span, memory, emotional intelligence, and social skills.
Resist Media Multitasking
Ironically, multitasking feels good in the short term.
Try these strategies to break the media chains that bind you:
1. Understand how your brain works. Media multitasking is problematic because you’re doing complex tasks that draw on the same resources.
2. Shut off your phone. Remove the temptation to check your messages.
3. Post your hours.
4. Schedule breaks. Take a 10-minute breather each hour to avoid the temptation to multitask.
5. Do a status check. Slow down. Switch to doing one thing at a time.
6. Alternate between activities. Arrange your workday so that you update your database or clean up your files in between calling clients.
7. Think long term. You’ll avoid multitasking when you keep the long term consequences in mind.
Maximize Learning
Multitasking is especially detrimental when it comes to learning. Students who text during class gain less knowledge and have more difficulty applying the information they do remember.
If you or your kids are trying to spice up a boring lesson, try these alternatives instead of checking your Facebook page:
1. Set goals. It’s easier to stay engaged when you clarify your purpose.Consider how that career training session could help you to attain a promotion or raise.
2. Play games. Turn any activity into a contest, even if you’re competing with just yourself. If you’re studying a foreign language, use a crossword generator to transform your vocabulary drills into interesting puzzles.
3. Form a circle. Reach out to others who are trying to learn the same information and skills. Invite a co-worker to join you as you practice using an updated software program.
4. Experiment with different approaches. Keep up with the latest research on learning strategies to see what works for you. You may find it easier to study in silence while your best friend thrives on background noise.
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.
Roy Clayton.
