Photo quote de jour

This young guest at a friend's party inspired me to write today's quote de jour.

Dr Glenn Wilson, a University of London psychologist who conducted a study at the Institute of Psychiatry found excessive use of technology reduced workers' intelligence. Those distracted by incoming email and phone calls saw a 10-point fall in their IQ - more than twice that found in studies of the impact of smoking marijuana, said researchers. More than half of the 1,100 respondents said they always responded to an email "immediately" or as soon as possible, with 21% admitting they would interrupt a meeting to do so. Those who are constantly breaking away from tasks to react to email or text messages suffer similar effects on the mind as losing a night's sleep, he said.

With kids these days glued to their cell phones, and let’s face it, adults too, it was heartening to see her intent focus on blueberry picking. There’s much talk about the downside of multitasking. Studies show it adds to our stress-levels, lowers our productivity by 40% and reduces our competency of the task.

So, why do we keep at it? The multitasking illusion is addictive. The only way we’re going to notice the difference is to stop. Stop. Unplug.  For one week try not checking email compulsively while doing another task. Really listen to a friend/spouse/child/colleague/ on the phone or in person and nothing else. Check email once every one or two hours instead of every minute. I guarantee you this: you will feel more present, less stressed, more creative, more connected and dare I say it, a little smarter.