Information Overload

A reader asks, “Dear Dr. LeCrone, I have an urgent problem. My life is too full of information and as a result, I am under more stress rather than less. My employer insists that I carry a beeper and I also carry a cell phone. I can be reached at work by voice mail, e-mail, fax and have an answering machine at home. With all of this “wealth” of information you would think that I would be happy and in control (I admit to a high need for control). Instead I feel “trapped” by information and resent the ability of others to reach me at all times. The request for my time through all of these technological “ball and chains” is tying me in knots. Please help.

Dear reader. You seem to be suffering from what some authorities refer to as information overload, or information fatigue syndrome. The result of this malady is often irritability, anxiety, reduced attention span, and feelings of being overwhelmed. Information can eventually lead to burnout like symptoms and the sufferer may need professional attention.

Fortunately, there are some things that can be done to assist with this problem before it becomes severe. Begin by setting boundaries for yourself including the clear division between work and life outside of work. Learn to say no to demands on your personal time. While engaged in non-work related activities distance yourself from technological tentacles by turning off your cell phone and computer, engaging in non-informational related activities such as exercise, social activities, or passive entertainment.

When at work, learn strategies to limit the amount of non-productive information you deal with such a junk mail, unwanted phone calls, unscheduled meetings, etc. Make use of techniques to decrease “time wasters” that build up stress when using the computer. Stay focused when searching the internet and resist “link hopping” where the search ends in web roaming. Avoid fruitless searches due to poor use of search engines and improper or inadequate search terminology. Learn ways to redirect telephone conversations when conversations become unfocused, directionless and unproductive. You don’t have to be “all business” all of the time but efficient telephone time can be a valuable time and information management tool.

Make information your ally not your enemy and the results will bring less stress and a more efficient lifestyle.

Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright 2004