Does the headline of this article seem confusing? Isn’t technology the reason we find it increasingly hard to concentrate? Isn’t our 24/7, always-connected culture causing us trouble focusing on a single task? The answer to those questions is mostly yes. However, there are tech tools that can help improve focus, concentration, and productivity. Think of it as fighting fire with fire. Here are some ways to use tech to combat tech distractions and boost efficiency.
Using blocking apps for better productivity
If you haven’t downloaded a blocking app yet, it’s worth trying. These apps are free to download and can sync across all your devices. Blocking apps are excellent tools for improving productivity by letting you choose what to see and when to see it. Many of us enjoy scrolling through social media to stay connected with friends and family. But that’s not what you should do on a Monday at 9 a.m., right? Blocking apps let you restrict social media access during work hours, study sessions, or whenever you need to focus on getting things done.
Also interesting: 6 Tips on How to Stay Focused at Work
The concept behind blocking apps is simple but effective. Let’s say you recognize that you spend too much time checking sports scores or browsing Instagram at the office. You can set up the app to block your favorite sports site or Instagram during specific times. This approach uses a psychological technique known as nudging. Behavioral studies suggest that a nudge can push us toward productive or positive behaviors. In this case, the nudge is a message that appears if you try to access a blocked site, reminding you that it’s time to focus.
Starting the journey to better focus
In the modern era, our devices have seamlessly integrated into our daily routines, almost becoming extensions of ourselves. The pervasive nature of this phenomenon can significantly impact our ability to concentrate effectively. However, it is crucial to acknowledge this as a legitimate concern to enhance our focus. Luckily, various solutions are available, with technological alternatives being among them. By recognizing the issue and leveraging resources such as blocking applications, individuals can begin their journey towards improved concentration, enhancing productivity and efficiency.
Utilizing tech tools for productivity
One effective tool includes scheduling features that help you plan your day more efficiently. It also contains timers for fans of the Pomodoro Technique, where you work for 25 minutes and then take a short break. After four 25-minute work sessions, you take a longer break. There is a more drastic alternative for those who find that blocking app nudges are insufficient.
Exploring alternatives like the Light Phone
Consider switching to a dumbphone. The Light Phone, for example, has gained popularity. It features a headphone jack and Bluetooth and can be a personal hotspot. However, it only supports calling, texting, and a few simple apps like a calculator or an alarm. The Light Phone’s electronic paper screen, similar to an e-reader’s e-ink, reduces blue light exposure, promoting better sleep. While limiting access to phone calls and texts may seem extreme, it offers a way to leverage technology for improved productivity and focus. Another example of a minimalist “smart” phone is the Punkt phone, also available on Amazon.
High-tech eyewear and headphones enhance focus and relaxation
New high-tech eyewear and headsets are emerging, equipped with sensing technology designed to improve mental focus and promote relaxation. One notable example is the ‘Mindset’ headphones, which offer guided meditation. The technology senses brain activity as users listen to the sound of waves. When focus is maintained, the wave sounds soften. Conversely, if the mind starts to wander, the waves grow louder. The tech monitors breathing for relaxation, and as users relax, they hear bird songs through the headset. While these innovations are not yet widely available and remain somewhat costly, they are expected to become mainstream tools to help manage digital distractions.
Biofeedback devices for enhanced concentration
In addition to high-tech eyewear and headphones, biofeedback devices are becoming an interesting option for those looking to improve their focus. These devices measure physiological functions such as heart rate, breathing, and brain waves, providing real-time feedback. This continuous monitoring helps users learn to control these functions consciously, improving concentration and stress management over time. Smartwatches like the Google Pixel Watch 2 or even smart rings are the most popular form factor for such solutions.
The future of personal technology?
As these technologies become more accessible, they have the potential to significantly impact how we manage our mental focus and relaxation. While currently a bit pricey, the trend suggests that such devices will soon be a common addition to personal tech collections. Their ability to help individuals regain control in an age of constant digital distraction makes them a promising investment for the future. Virtual reality (VR) is becoming an emerging tool for enhancing focus and relaxation. VR environments can be tailored to minimize distractions and create immersive settings that promote deep concentration or relaxation. For instance, imagine yourself in a serene virtual forest where ambient sounds and visuals work together to help you concentrate or unwind.
Before you go: Future Technology – What Exciting Things Could We Have?
Upon carefully evaluating your requirements and circumstances, use a blocking application to restrict internet access and deter time-wasting apps during academic or professional hours. This initial measure has the potential to amplify your productivity and elevate your mood, thereby enriching your overall quality of life. As you hone your ability to manage digital diversions, contemplate further delving into supplementary technologies to augment your concentration and efficiency. It is paramount to leverage technology as a facilitator in reclaiming authority over your life rather than permitting it to dictate your actions.
Photo credit: The feature image is symbolic and has been done by Mikhail Reshetnikov.
