Even if people sleep more than they used to and work about as much, a new study says they’d be more exhausted than previous generations because technology is blurring the line between work, rest and play.
Writing reports in bed, reading e-mails in the gym, listening to podcasts while walking the dog: technology has blurred the divide between work, rest, exercise and play, according to a study by British think tank Onward, The Telegraph reports on Wednesday .
“What we like to call ‘multitasking’ isn’t really multitasking – it’s more of a division of attention. If you talk to your partner when completing a project, neither will be done well, and your brain will tell you – which makes you feel weak,” burnout psychologist Audrey Tang told English media.
Dubbed “confetti time,” those minutes lost here and there during a split-attention period would lead to stress, fatigue and an increase in anxiety, even during activity rest, the study found.
Here are five tips to regain your vitality.
1-Avoid overcrowding your days off
It’s okay to rest on a Sunday and not organize activities, reminded report author Jenevieve Treadwell.
2-Close your notifications
Choose a time period to reply to your messages and dismiss your notifications to avoid distractions in the meantime that would prevent you from fully immersing yourself in a task.
3-Learn to say no
Learn to respect your boundaries and decline an activity or task that would overwhelm your day-to-day life. This also applies to housework, which does not always have to be perfect.
4-Leave your phone in another room
Leave your phone in another room during a workout or activity to avoid being tempted by an email or notification that would sap your free time or workout.
5-Leave the work out of the bedroom
Never work in bed, says psychologist Audrey Tang. “I honestly think a big factor in burnout is bringing work into the bedroom — one of the most private parts of the house,” she said.
A simple change that can make a big difference, she believes.