Digital habits that rob attention and energy — and how to combat them
The article examines everyday digital behaviours that can drain attention and energy, such as constant notifications, compulsive scrolling and switching repeatedly between tasks. It argues that these habits can make people feel busy without feeling productive, and that regaining control of technology use can support concentration, rest and more intentional time offline.
It recommends noticing the situations that trigger automatic phone use and creating practical limits, including reducing notifications, keeping devices away during focused work or sleep, and introducing pauses before opening apps. The emphasis is on small, sustainable changes rather than abandoning technology altogether, with the aim of making digital tools serve people’s priorities rather than interrupt them.
- Constant digital interruptions can exhaust attention and energy.
- Notice triggers and reduce unnecessary notifications.
- Small boundaries can make technology use more intentional.
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Many people find themselves constantly checking their phones, receiving notifications, or jumping between different apps and tasks throughout the day. These digital habits can leave people feeling rushed and overwhelmed, even when they haven't accomplished much.
The way we use technology affects our ability to focus, rest and spend meaningful time away from screens. Understanding these patterns is important because our devices are designed to capture our attention, and without awareness, we can end up spending more time online than we intend.
Rather than suggesting people abandon technology entirely, experts recommend practical changes such as reducing notifications, setting device-free periods, and pausing before automatically checking a phone. The aim is to help people use their devices intentionally rather than being controlled by them.