If your workday feels like a blur of nonstop meetings, unread messages, and screen hopping, you might be dealing with digital exhaustion. Instead of letting digital tools fragment your focus and drain your energy, use these strategies to reset.
Stop using half your tools. Too many apps force your brain into constant modality shifts. Audit every digital tool you use. Remove duplicates, eliminate low-value platforms, and limit others to scheduled use. Even simple steps like disabling push notifications can cut daily context switching and reclaim hours of focus.
Match the message to the medium. Not all communication channels are created equal. Use video calls for complex, emotional, or nuanced conversations. Stick to email or text for straightforward, routine tasks. Set clear norms with your team so everyone knows when to escalate from written to live conversation.
Balance batching with streaming. Batching emails by setting aside defined times to process messages in bulk saves time but can create anxiety about the backlog. Streaming by responding to messages as they arrive reduces the backlog but fragments your attention. So combine both approaches. Reserve specific windows for batch processing and set rules for real-time replies, like responding only to a small list of VIPs.
Use “time tiers” for replies. Not everything needs an instant response. Adopt a one-hour, one-day, one-week framework: Reply quickly to simple asks, give space for thoughtful answers, and delay big-picture items. Set expectations with colleagues early, acknowledge receipt, and share your timeline.
Tune into tomorrow’s tip for more strategies to beat digital exhaustion. |
