MANAGING DIGITAL OVERLOAD
CABIN IN THE WOODS. Colored pencil and marker on paper. By Reade Levinson, Reuters data journalist, London
“Unplugging means a cabin in the woods somewhere, no WiFi or cell service, building fires in a stone fireplace, long walks in the forest and cold lake swims.” Reade Levinson, Reuters data journalist, London.
Digital overload can be a strain and that combined with the cumulative effect of stress and trauma can compromise our wellbeing and ability to be at our best.
Digital overload is a risk of a 24 /7 news cycle which requires the use of digital devices to report the news. We all need to find the ways that work for us to de-stress, whether it’s a healthy daily routine that we follow, ways we find to recharge or switch off or dealing with digital overload.
Some of our colleagues shared their personal approaches:
“I think it’s really important that we do everything we can – especially in smaller bureaus – to make sure people know when they are expected to be on and when they can safely switch off.”
“You won't be giving your best work if you don't take care of yourself. Leaders need to set a good example and make the need to look after yourself public and understood in your teams.”
“I do crossword puzzles and word games (to manage stress). I find I can’t do them well unless I manage to clear my mind, so it’s my form of mediation.”
“I try to be very clear with colleagues that I am not responding to email out of hours (absent a serious emergency) – and I will often not even look at email.”
For further information:
Nieman Lab: dealing with digital demands
Harvard Business Review: conquering digital distractions
https://hbr.org/2015/06/conquering-digital-distraction
BBC Worklife: Can Germans right to switch off survive the digital age?
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