Information overload is when you get too much information to be able to deal with it well.
It is a challenge that has become more common in the digital age. According to recent research findings, eight in ten (80%) of respondents experience information overload.
So, what are the effects of too much information? According to Psycology Today...
"Information overload can lead to real feelings of anxiety, feeling overwhelmed and powerless, and mental fatigue. It can also lead to cognitive issues such as difficulty making decisions or making hasty (often bad) decisions."
As we know, anxiety, fatigue and bad or hasty decisions can lead to all kinds of work problems for a real estate agent. Not to mention the potential mental health and relationship complications that come from being overwhelmed constantly with too much information.
What can be done? ... here are a few tips that can help:
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Minimize notifications on your devices. These "push" notifications are almost always a bad idea. Too often, you end up getting unwanted information that you are not seeking. This causes you to multitask and lose focus on what we are doing.
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Prioritize information. Identify and focus on the most significant and relevant information first, while rejecting or deferring less important information. This can aid in reducing the amount of data that must be processed, making it more manageable.
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Set Boundaries. This can include setting time limits for activities like checking email, skimming through social media, and watching the news.
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Practice "mindfulness". Pay attention to your thoughts, stress and anxiety levels, you can then take steps to back away accordingly.
- Schedule in "digital detox." Disconnecting from technology for certain periods of time, such as during meals, weekends, vacations, or before bed, can be very healthy. This helps you reduce the amount of information that needs to be processed and gives your mind a break from constant stimulation.
What have you done to prevent or manage information overload? Share in your thoughts and ideas as a comment below.
Featured in the Bananatude group.
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