In the world as we know it today, we sometimes struggle to keep up with our senses constantly being blasted by light, sound, and a never-ending stream of information from the moment we open our eyes until we close them. We’re all plagued by tech fatigue most of the time – and we don’t even know it!
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! As embarrassing as it sounds, I’m addicted to digital stimulation.
Though they’re not as bad as they used to be, and possibly not as harmful 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 result?
Overstimulation!
What is 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 and remember things. It is also commonly referred to as tech fatigue.
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 attention theft has become the norm, it’s becoming more and more difficult to focus on just one thing for a lengthy period.
Consider the generation of kids who have been raised by social media. They grew 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.
Funny thing is, it’s not just young people and kids that 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 near 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:
Ask yourself, how long can you stay away from your phone?
Simply muting and putting your phone in another room will improve your focus tenfold.
The Effects of Digital Overstimulation
1. The Mental Effect:
If you’re reading up to this point, you probably have already figured out that social media takes a toll on you mentally. But the question is, how does social media affect our mental health?
Overstimulation doesn’t just affect our ability to focus; it takes a toll on our mental health. The constant influx of information, pings of notifications, and stimuli can lead to heightened stress levels, anxiety, insomnia, and even burnout. The device that is supposed to entertain us has started to drain us mentally!
We are looking for ways to drop our stress levels and not add to them. Our brains are not designed to handle the perpetual onslaught of stimuli, and the consequences can be severe.
People who use their devices excessively have been linked to signs of anxiety and depression, such as excessive worry, higher insecurities, dissatisfaction, and unhappiness.
Any of these ring a bell?
2. 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 want to stay on top of everything, we fall into the pit of 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 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 prioritising meaningful, focused work. You can start by taking control of your activities with digital devices rather than letting them control you!
Digital overstimulation is not the badge of honour that we think it is. The effects of digital overstimulation are exhausting, but the good news is, they’re reversible.
Practical tips for reducing overstimulation and breaking free
- Digital Detox: Designate specific times in your day for a digital detox. Mute your phone, turn off notifications, step away from your screens, and give your mind the space it needs to rejuvenate. Don’t fall victim to doomscrolling and the endless cycle of shallow content.
- 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. Don’t become a victim of doomscrolling! Instead, choose content that adds value and knowledge to your life. Social media should be used as a tool for betterment. Quality over quantity should be the mantra. And perhaps consider practicing mindful breathing.
- Scheduled Breaks: Intentional breaks are crucial. Step away from your desk, bed or couch; 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 constant need to be “present”, the way every ping of notifications urges us to pick up the phone, and the self-sabotage of “just a few minutes” – these are all symptoms of addiction. The battle against overstimulation is real, but it’s one we can win with the sword of conscious effort and the shield of small lifestyle changes. By reclaiming control over our attention and promoting a mindful approach to technology, we can break free from the restraints of constant stimulation and lead more fulfilling, focused lives.