While listening to the radio the other day, I heard the results of a study stating that it takes an average of 23 minutes to regain one’s focus if one is interrupted with an instant message while working. The study seemed to concentrate on instant messaging, but I suppose that the concept would apply to any e-interruption, although the length of refocus time might vary depending upon any number of factors, including the nature of the interruption.
We are constantly bombarded by alerts from our phones, pads and computers. (Remember the days when an alert was something to be “alerted” about?) They are distracting and usually elicit a response that disrupts our focus and concentration from the task at hand. And, to make matters worse, we often go off on tangents triggered by the alerts?
I’m going to check my settings to reconsider which alerts are worth being interrupted for.