Plus Three ‘Recovery’ Strategies

To Avoid

Many of us turn to screens for relaxation, but digital engagement can be a hidden source of stress, says Chris Bailey, author of Hyperfocus: How to Be More Productive in a World of Distraction

01 Checking The News

‘The news is designed to be engaging, so you keep watching, but that often means it provokes anxiety – the last thing most of us need in the middle of a stressful workday,’ says Bailey. Scroll the headlines at set times, not intermittently.

02 BingeWatching TV

An episode or two of your favourite drama can distract your tired brain. But hours of it can interfere with sleep. A study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found an association between frequent binge-viewing and increased fatigue. ‘The indispensable brain recovery tool is a good night’s sleep,’ says Dr Pillay.

03 Posting On Social Media

Sharing content may drain mental resources, suggests a study by Cornell University. People were given the option to repost a message to social media. They then read an unrelated article and were tested on comprehension. Those who posted had worse comprehension.