Even if humans sleep more than before and work about as much, they would be more exhausted than previous generations because technology is blurring the line between work, rest and leisure, according to a new study.
Writing reports in bed, reading emails at the gym, listening to podcasts while walking the dog: Technology has erased the separation between work, rest, training and leisure, according to a study by British think tank Onward, reports by The Telegraph on Wednesday.
“What we like to call ‘multi-tasking’ isn’t really multi-tasking – it’s more of a division of attention. If you talk to your partner while finishing a project, neither will be done well and your brain will tell you so – which will leave you feeling weak,” said psychologist Audrey Tang, who specializes in burnout. to the English media.
Qualified as “confetti time”, these minutes lost here and there during a period of divided attention, would thus lead to stress, fatigue and an increase in anxiety, even during activity. rest, the study said.
Here are five tips to regain your vitality.
1-Avoid overfilling your days off
It’s okay to rest on a Sunday and not organize any activity, reminded the author of the report, Jenevieve Treadwell.
2-Close your notifications
Choose a period to respond to your messages and close your notifications to avoid distractions in the meantime, which would prevent you from fully immersing yourself in a task.
3-Learn to say no
Learn to respect your limits and to refuse an activity or a task that would be too much for your daily life. This also goes for household chores, which don’t need to be perfect all the time.
4-Leave your cell phone in another room
During a workout or activity, leave your phone in another room to avoid being tempted by an email or a notification, which would cut your leisure time or workout short.
5-Leave the work out of the bedroom
Never work in bed, said psychologist Audrey Tang. “I honestly think a huge factor in burnout is bringing work into the bedroom – one of the most private parts of the house,” she said.
An easy change that can make a huge difference, she believes.