Many individuals struggle with the constant push to maximize productivity in every aspect of life. The approach of saving time, such as reducing ten seconds on a task completed multiple times a day, may seem beneficial, but it can also lead to overwhelming pressure and burnout.
Recent neuroscience reveals important insights into how our brains handle focus. The locus coeruleus, a small cluster of neurons in the brainstem, serves as a regulator for cognitive processing. This structure operates in different ‘gears’: Gear 1 allows for wandering thoughts, Gear 2 promotes focused engagement, and Gear 3 triggers hyper-alert responses to crises.
Research indicates that maintaining our cognitive function in Gear 2 is ideal for concentration and effective problem-solving. While Gear 3 may be necessary in emergencies, it hinders analytical and creative thinking.
It may, in fact, be foolish to insist on driving the engine of thought at ever greater speeds
Crucially, when operating under pressure, the locus coeruleus can easily shift into Gear 3, resulting in a stressful mental state that diminishes output quality over time. Thus, it may be counterproductive to continually strive for faster thinking. Acknowledging the necessity for mental downtime can be just as essential for fostering high-quality thinking as the time spent in productive activities.
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