In the fast-paced world of today. We feel the effects of digital overstimulation and sometimes struggle to keep up.
Our senses are constantly being blasted by light, sound, and a never-ending stream of information from the moment we open our eyes until we close them.
I’m no stranger to this lifestyle either.
One of my bad habits is staying up late watching YouTube videos in one sitting before going to bed, even though they’re sometimes educational but still – a bad habit is a bad habit.
I’m well aware this is not good, yet I still do it.
Why?
Because I’m addicted to digital stimulation!
Though they’re not as bad as they used to be, and possibly not as awful as other addictions. Nonetheless, it’s still a sign of a typical dopamine junkie.
However, I no longer surf mindlessly like I did in the past, I still frequently find myself watching related videos in an attempt to discover solutions to my issues.
In all honesty, you and I are both caught in a never-ending circus of stimuli that compete for our attention and sap all of our energy.
The end result?
Overstimulation!
Overstimulation, also known as sensory overload, occurs when your senses are bombarded with too much information at once. This can make it harder to process things.
One of the most destructive impacts of the constant bombardment is the strain on our attention spans. This is detrimental to our health, our cognition is being fried and before you hit 40 you can barely comprehend the simplest of things.
And in a society where our attention is constantly pulled in several ways, it becomes more difficult to focus on just one thing for a lengthy period of time.
Consider the kids who have grown up using TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, etc.
Their minds are being fried by the second, and they can’t focus on even the most basic tasks.
The funny thing is, it’s not just young people and kids who can’t focus anymore; adults have extremely weak concentration abilities as well.
Ask yourself this, and be truthful with yourself:
Where is your phone when you sit down to work or do any task?
Is it in your pocket or lying around somewhere around you? Does it buzz every few minutes?
If so, how often do you check it?
My guess is quite a lot.
The Moral here is:
Simply putting your phone in another room will improve your focus.
So with the above said, though it may look like the entire purpose of this article has been fulfilled. Nonetheless, let’s look at the main effects of how this overstimulation affects us in our daily lives.
The Effects of Overstimulation
The Mental Effect:
Overstimulation doesn’t just affect our ability to focus, it takes a toll on our mental health. The constant influx of information, notifications, and stimuli can lead to heightened stress levels, anxiety, and even burnout.
We are looking for ways to drop our manage our stress levels, and not add to it. Our brains are not designed to handle the perpetual onslaught of stimuli, and the consequences can be severe.
People who use their devices excessively use has been linked to signs of anxiety and depression, such as excessive worry.
The Productivity Paradox:
Overstimulation can also lead us to believe in multitasking. I’m no stranger to this either.
But when we try to multitask and wanna stay on top of everything, we’ve fallen into the productivity paradox. The paradox lies in the fact that, in our attempt to do more, we often sacrifice the depth and quality of our work. This is especially true in an environment of constant overstimulation, where our attention is divided among various stimuli.
The concept suggests that true productivity comes from focused and meaningful work, rather than attempting to juggle numerous tasks at once.
The more we try to do at once, the less we actually accomplish.
Our efficiency diminishes as our attention is scattered across various stimuli. Therefore, It’s time to rethink the notion of being constantly busy and start prioritizing meaningful, focused work.
Practical tips for reducing overstimulation and breaking free
- Digital Detox: Designate specific times in your day for a digital detox. Turn off notifications, step away from your screens, and give your mind the space it needs to rejuvenate.
- Create Tech-Free Zones: Designate certain areas in your home or workspace as tech-free zones. This could be your bedroom or a specific corner in your living room. Allow these spaces to be sanctuaries of calm and focus.
- Mindful Consumption: Be mindful of the content you consume. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media, choose content that adds value and knowledge to your life. Quality over quantity should be the mantra. And maybe consider practicing mindful breathing.
- Scheduled Breaks: Intentional breaks are crucial. Step away from your desk, go for a walk, or indulge in a few minutes of meditation. These breaks allow your mind to reset and come back to tasks with renewed focus.
In Conclusion,
The battle against overstimulation is real, but it’s one we can win with conscious efforts and small lifestyle changes. By reclaiming control over our attention and fostering a mindful approach to technology, we can break free from the chains of constant stimulation and lead more fulfilling, focused lives.
