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Why none of us can concentrate anymore
Being in a constant state of information overload isn't natural.
“Even sitting down and responding to a text message feels difficult. I just can’t focus anymore.”
__________
Jay:
Being in a constant state of information overload isn’t a natural way to live.
Hey there, friend.
I want you to take a journey down memory lane…
To remember a time when the first thing you did every morning wasn’t reach for your phone.
What was your life like before you had a mini computer in your back pocket at all hours of the day?
My bet is that you spent more time in nature.
You weren’t constantly checking your email.
You definitely weren’t mindlessly opening Instagram throughout the day as a “mental break.”
I have a feeling you had less anxiety, too.
Constant communication wasn’t an option, so when you couldn’t get in touch with someone, you didn’t panic or feel uneasy. You just let it be.
And maybe the most important point of all…
You didn’t have unlimited access to information every minute of every day. Your brain had time and space to rest and feel at peace.
The truth is that the way our society operates today just isn’t normal or easy.
When you’re flooded with information daily (whether that be from the news, your work, or your friends) it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Of course we feel anxious.
Of course we feel paralyzed.
Of course we can’t seem to stay on top of our messages.
Our brains were never designed to process this constant bombardment of negative headlines and toxic social media posts.
You are living in a way that quite literally no other human being on earth has ever been expected to live.
If our ancestors knew how much of our lives center around these tiny information devices, I’m sure they would be amazed. I also think they would feel a little sad for us.
So, my advice to you is…
It’s okay if you leave some message unread and unanswered.
It’s okay if you take a few days to answer your friends.
It’s okay if you turn off your phone (for as long as you need).
Your brain and mental health will thank you.
With gratitude,
📚 #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
🎧 Host of the On Purpose Podcast
🙏 Former Monk
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