Avoiding Information Overload

We live in a time with unlimited choices where we can pick exactly what we want and when we want it. But this much choice can lead to a theme known as information overload, which is overwhelming. 

We found that having too much information can hinder you when making critical decisions and that you make better decisions with fewer choices. Keep reading to learn the symptoms of information overload and tips on how not to reach this point.

Symptoms of Information Overload 

Information overload is when you are trying to understand and make a decision about something, but you have too many choices or too much information. The term comes from the book “The Managing of Organizations” which was written in 1964 by social scientist Bertram Gross. 

When our brains are overloaded with information, it’s harder to process and make sense of the information. This interferes with our ability to make decisions and perform at our best. Research shows that many people currently feel overloaded with information, creating additional tension and stress at their job. While stress is one symptom of information overload, brain fog is another huge one. Brain fog is basically when our brain has been zapped from energy. It leads us to feel exhausted and unable to process thoughts and impacts our productivity and ability to stay motivated. This can also lead to stress and anxiety because we will be unable to stay on task and finish the project at hand. 

Tips to Avoid Information Overload

Take A Break

So many of us spend the majority of our day at work and at our desks. Then we come home to only process more information as we unwind through social media or tv. We encourage you to instead take a break from technology and even disable notifications. To practice the art of doing nothing instead. This mindful practice will allow you to live in the present moment and just exist.

Be Selective 

When it comes to information overload, it’s best to prioritize and be selective of the tasks at hand. Make sure your email has the spam filter on, and don’t instantly respond to an email just because you see it. It can be helpful to create a “top five” list with the top five tasks that have to be completed for that day to keep you focused.

Recognize Your Emotions

If you don’t have a clear mind, your inner world will be chaotic. It’s important to have a strong self-care routine to protect your mental health. When we feel our best, we perform our best, and our brain enjoys the break. It’s also important to recognize your feelings when dealing with information overload and even distance yourself from that emotion. An example is the classic feeling of feeling very overwhelmed and stressed and wanting to give up. The next time this happens, take a step back and name the emotion you are experiencing, like stress. Instead of noticing the feeling in your mental and physical body instead, view the feeling as just a feeling. Is it sadness? Anger or anxiety? Observe what is coming up and you might find that instead of stress, you are feeling impatience by not finishing a project as fast as you planned, and this becomes an easier solution to solve. 

We all will experience information overload at some point in life, but it doesn’t have to control us and prevent us from our work. We found that managing information is a learned skill and will take time to implement. But by using the tips listed above, you can be on your way to having a clearer mind and a new capacity for learning.