Information Overload

Information Overload (IO) is something I'm affected by much more than the average person.

I wish I had a brain like a room out of an Ikea catalogue - uncluttered. Everything neat in its place. Peace and quiet to just simply breath. But no! My brain is chaotic, crowded and very very messy (rather like my bedroom).. There is no room for any more stuff and I really need to have a clear out. 

Y'see.. I tend to have a lot of trouble absorbing information. Written information especially. And in this age of endless emails, social media, blogs, apps, and up to the minute information about what is going on in the world, I frequently find myself with that tell-tale headache, brain-freeze, lethargy, insanity and frustration which makes me want to have a good metaphorical sweep out with a broom.  

Sometimes I'm very envious of my partner, a brain-box who thrives on knowledge and eagerly hoovers up information far more effectively than any Dyson. He says he finds it relaxing - I look on in disbelief and wonder, quietly slipping in to a catatonic stupor whilst feeling like a clapped-out old Electrolux letting out more than it takes in.

Thankfully all is not lost.

Over the last year or so I've been doing some experimenting to see how I can make things easier for myself.

I mentioned before that written information is a problem. Now I limit my time on Facebook..I even sign out after each time so it's more of a hassle to get back in again. 

I don't read blogs. I don't really scour the Internet unless it's for something specific (like ancient vacuum cleaner brands). 

I try to limit the amount of times I check my email in a day..not always easy mind you.. 

I rarely pay attention to the news these days, probably as most of it is rather depressing anyway. 

I do read books and if they're rather complicated I like to read them over and over again.

My partner rather ungraciously laughed when I found "The idiot's guide to Windows 8" too difficult to comprehend, while I much preferred a book with step-by-step photo illustrations. Cut all the wordy waffle and get straight to the point I say! 

Visual learner, me.

It's a simpler life, and quite nice in a way. I would love to be able to read more, but since adopting the strategies above, my mind is less cluttered and I'm less overwhelmed. 

Maybe it's like a muscle I need to exercise more and more..but I've not yet heard of any personal mind trainers yet!

Kerry.