The "New" Unplugging
Published by: Brenda Prinzavalli, Organizing Strategist on 28th Jun 2010 |
View all blogs by Brenda Prinzavalli, Organizing Strategist
How do you unplug? Literally?
We used to think of unplugging as a stroll on the beach, reading a book, hanging out with the family or friends. However we've reached a point where the unplug part is literal - unplug the technology or else! As someone who assists individuals and companies in being more organized, I definitely find value in the time saving, effective boosting and communication streamlining aspect of technology.
However, I also support the understanding that multitasking does not make you more organized or more effective AND all in less time.
As stated:
"While many people say multitasking makes them more productive, research shows otherwise. Heavy multitaskers actually have more trouble focusing and shutting out irrelevant information, scientists say, and they experience more stress.
And scientists are discovering that even after the multitasking ends, fractured thinking and lack of focus persist. In other words, this is also your brain off computers"
This is also in alignment with several of my Organizing Philosophies. The time it takes to adjust your focus from one task to another is counterproductive to effective use of time. Whether we are talking about different technologies, regular daily tasks of returning phone calls, working on a project or even having a meeting or conversation with someone, stay focused on the one task at hand without interruption and you will be more effective and productive.
So, I ask you during these power packed days filled with professional and personal demands, when will you unplug from technology? If you unplug from technology for even brief periods of time, it will help your brain unplug and truly have some downtime.
Now as you head out the door to take the dog for a walk - leave the phone at home!
We used to think of unplugging as a stroll on the beach, reading a book, hanging out with the family or friends. However we've reached a point where the unplug part is literal - unplug the technology or else! As someone who assists individuals and companies in being more organized, I definitely find value in the time saving, effective boosting and communication streamlining aspect of technology.
However, I also support the understanding that multitasking does not make you more organized or more effective AND all in less time.
In this article from the New York Times,
Your Brain on Computers:Hooked on Gadgets, and
Paying a Mental Price, it describes how this wonderful tool
of technology can definitely have a downside.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/07/technology/07brain.html?fta=yAs stated:
"While many people say multitasking makes them more productive, research shows otherwise. Heavy multitaskers actually have more trouble focusing and shutting out irrelevant information, scientists say, and they experience more stress.
And scientists are discovering that even after the multitasking ends, fractured thinking and lack of focus persist. In other words, this is also your brain off computers"
This is also in alignment with several of my Organizing Philosophies. The time it takes to adjust your focus from one task to another is counterproductive to effective use of time. Whether we are talking about different technologies, regular daily tasks of returning phone calls, working on a project or even having a meeting or conversation with someone, stay focused on the one task at hand without interruption and you will be more effective and productive.
So, I ask you during these power packed days filled with professional and personal demands, when will you unplug from technology? If you unplug from technology for even brief periods of time, it will help your brain unplug and truly have some downtime.
Now as you head out the door to take the dog for a walk - leave the phone at home!
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