We discussed the impact or side effects of infobesity in our last post. Let’s have a look at how to minimise the effect of infobesity no matter where you are. Though chances are that you are already aware of some these techniques, you never think about them seriously, which results in making the situation worse.
7 Easy ways to overcome the impact of information overload
Use technology wisely: Though digital technology is the root cause of heavy overload of unnecessary information, you can use it to your advantage. If you notice that you are spending a lot of time filtering information, then spend some more time to find out tools, software and techniques that can do the job for you.
Stop multi-tasking if you cannot handle it: Multi-tasking is a good way to save time. However, it does not serve its real purpose if you get stressed, fall sick or goof up with any of the tasks that you want to accomplish in one go. The best way to overcome this problem is to focus on one task at a time.
Make important decisions in the morning: Though every individual’s bio-clock is set according to their lifestyle, eating and sleeping habits, research confirms that a majority of highly successful people are early risers and they make their important decisions in the morning hours. This simple habit keeps them stress-free the rest of the day. You need not be disappointed if you are not an early riser. The idea is to use your creative and productive potential when your physical and mental energy levels are at their peak, which is when you wake up after a good night’s sleep, no matter what time of the day it is.
Don’t work continuously: It has been proved that you cannot focus on one thing for more than 90 minutes at a stretch. Simply taking a 5-minute break every 90 minutes of work will boost your thinking and focusing power immensely.
Do similar tasks together: This is what requires managing capabilities. For example, if you are going to the market, make sure that you finish your shopping in one go instead of going twice or thrice. Accumulate all your shopping needs for one day and make time for it. If you have to pay bills, make sure that you pay all the bills for the month in one or two sittings instead of spending half an hour every alternate day.
Keep email, whatsapp and soclal media distractions away: You can spend your whole day on social media, if you wish. However, the result will be postponing or forgetting important tasks for that day. You may have to make time for those tasks any other day, which will mean postponing the task for that day to next day or getting stressed in order to accomplish the tasks of both days together.
Observe a Silent or Electronic-free day: This is my favourite method to de-stress myself. If you can manage, keep yourself away from cellphones, PCs, laptops or any type of electronic devices for at least one day every fortnight. This will work wonders for you.
In fact, my idea of enjoying a day off is to do nothing at all. No electronic media, no newspapers or magazines and not even watching TV for a day. If you can meditate, you will notice a remarkable change in your overall energy levels and ability to focus on the task at hand.
We’ll discuss mediation or yoga in our next post.
Read about what is infobesity