A study conducted by UC Irvine and the US Army this year showed that being cut off from work email significantly reduces stress and improves focus.
Heart rate monitors were attached to computer users in an office setting, while software sensors detected how often they switched windows. People who read email changed screens twice as often and were in a steady “high alert” state. Those removed from email for five days reported feeling better able to do their jobs and stay on task, with fewer stressful and time-wasting interruptions.
We know that email, social media, mobile phones and other technology forms of communication are an important link to our work, relationships and education. They can, however, become a negative “stressor” if we allow them to rule our lives.
Fasting is a spiritual exercise people practice by abstaining from food for a certain amount of time to grow spiritually (there are also many health benefits as well). If you find yourself stressed-out with the constant contact of your technology world, maybe its time to take a “fast” from these devices to better keep your life in balance.
You may not be able to fast for a whole 5 days as referenced by the study, but even a short amount of time without the information bombardment would be beneficial.
