Cup of Inspiration

Today, October 17^th, we recognize Information Overload Day.

From the early morning hours to late at night, we have access to a mountain of information thanks to the internet. As we get ready for the day, we can watch and read news reports on our phones or computers. Once we are at work, we open email and sift through a never-ending inbox. After work we settle down, watch more news on TV or read on our phones before and after dinner with our family. This constant flow of information can be overwhelming at times.

For Information Overload Day, we recognize that there should be a limit of how much information we take in. It is important to prioritize our mental health while staying informed of events in the world as well as information at work.

Consider limiting how much time you spend consuming the news as a start. In the morning as you enjoy your cup of coffee spend a little time discussing your plan for the day with your loved ones. It does not have to be a long discussion but something that will help you set your frame of mind, helping you remember to prioritize your loved ones. Once you get into the office, set certain times during the day that you will check your inbox, rather than reading your e-mail all throughout the day. After work when you get home set aside some time to discuss your day with your loved ones at the dinner table rather than stressing over the news on the TV or on your phone. If you live alone spend some time listening to some calming music or watching a funny TV show, even reading a humorous story before diving into the day’s news. Before going to bed make sure you take some time to just relax and not worry about reading that last e-mail or watching that last news story. This will help you put your mind at ease as you go into your bedtime routine.

It is important to stay informed. We do need to be aware of events in the world as well as events in our local cities and in our jobs. However sometimes it can be just too much for our minds to process. Today in celebration of Information Overload Day we plot out how much information we can process for each day remembering our mental health and remembering what is important in life. It is good for us to take in information, but do not let all the information thrown at us in this information age become a burden to you.