The art of being unreachable: reclaiming focus in a constantly connected world
In today's hyper-connected world, the constant buzz of notifications and the pressure to be always available can drain our cognitive capacity and leave us feeling exhausted. But what if there's a way to reclaim some of that focus and attention? The answer lies in the art of being unreachable, a concept that might seem counterintuitive in an era where being 'always on' is often glorified.
The Science of Being Unreachable
A study by Adrian Ward and colleagues revealed that the mere presence of a smartphone, even when silent and face-down, can significantly impact our cognitive capacity. The act of resisting the urge to check notifications or engage with the device is a low-effort mental barrier that quietly eats away at our focus. This finding highlights the subtle yet powerful impact of our surroundings on our mental state.
The Golf Course Conundrum
I found myself reflecting on this while walking a golf course alone in the evening, with my phone safely zipped away in my bag. It's not about the golf; it's about the hour or two where I'm unreachable, and something settles within me. This experience resonates with a growing body of research that suggests being unreachable can provide a mental respite, allowing us to focus and recharge.
The Default That Flipped
The pressure to be always available is not just a modern phenomenon. A 2016 study by Liuba Belkin, William Becker, and Samantha Conroy found that organizational expectations can 'steal employee resources' even when actual work time is not required. The act of waiting for an email or message is the cost, not the content of the communication itself. This highlights how deeply ingrained the always-on culture has become in our professional lives.
The Benefits of Quiet
The quiet that comes with being unreachable offers a range of benefits. In a study published in PLOS ONE, hikers who spent four days in the backcountry without devices scored higher on a creative-reasoning test compared to those about to embark on the same trip. While it's challenging to isolate the impact of device-free time from the natural environment, the direction of the finding is clear: taking a break from constant stimulation can sharpen our minds.
Practical Steps to Reclaim Focus
Reclaiming some of that focus doesn't require drastic measures. Here are some practical steps to help you reclaim some quiet and attention:
- Create Physical Distance: Move your phone to another room, bag, or even the boot of your car. For me, my evening walk around the golf course works wonders, but any activity that genuinely removes the phone from reach can be beneficial.
- Close the Laptop: Shutting the laptop lid is a small but powerful ceremony that signals the end of the workday. Keeping it open can blur the boundaries between work and personal time.
- Separate Work and Personal Lives: Consider using a second phone or creating a separate work profile on your device. This physical and digital separation can help you mentally disconnect from work.
- Set a Stop Time: Decide when work ends before you start, and stick to it. Honor your personal time by closing unnecessary tabs and focusing on the task at hand.
- Communicate Your Availability: Let people know your preferred communication times. A simple signature line or a quiet word can turn your silence into a known quantity, reducing the anxiety of unanswered messages.
The Choice to Be Available
The always-available life is often presented as a necessity, but it's a choice. While on-call shifts and global teams exist, they represent a smaller share of the workforce than the always-on culture suggests. The expectation to answer emails at nine in the evening is a habit that we quietly ratify with every response. By setting boundaries and being intentional about our availability, we can reclaim some of that focus and attention.
When Quiet Becomes a Burden
However, it's important to recognize when the pull to always be available becomes a heavier burden. If you find yourself experiencing a low hum of dread when offline or feeling that switching off is not an option, it's crucial to seek professional help. Talking to a qualified counsellor or therapist can provide the support needed to navigate these challenges.
In conclusion, the art of being unreachable is a powerful tool for reclaiming focus and attention in a constantly connected world. By understanding the science behind it and implementing practical steps, we can strike a balance between being available and preserving our mental well-being.
