Brain On A Break

"You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus." Mark Twain

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Dear Investors and Friends,

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Welcome to this edition of SundayReads.

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Today, I’m finding it particularly challenging to write. The dark, stormy skies and the rain beating against my window seem to mirror the turmoil in my mind. A late-night gathering with friends, filled with discussions about our business efforts and growth, left me awake until the early hours. Fragments of that conversation keep surfacing, making it difficult to focus.

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I believe many of us face similar struggles. Studies show that our minds wander between 20 to 40 percent of the time when we’re reading. Maintaining continuous focus requires a significant amount of effort, so it’s no wonder I’m struggling today.

We’re constantly bombarded by distractions, both sensory and emotional. Sensory distractions come from the environment around us, while emotional distractions stem from our inner thoughts and concerns. When something emotional weighs on our minds, it’s hard to push those thoughts aside. Our brains are wired to seek solutions to our worries, preventing us from fully concentrating until we have a plan to address them.

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Emotional distractions are particularly challenging. It’s not the noise of people around us that disrupts our focus the most, but rather the chatter in our own minds. When our minds wander, they often gravitate towards negative, self-centered thoughts.

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According to Daniel Kahneman in Thinking, Fast & Slow, our brain operates with two systems: System 1 and System 2.

System 1 is the automatic, always-on network that processes stimuli and makes quick decisions. It’s the system that makes us turn our heads when we hear our names or freeze when we see a spider.

System 2, on the other hand, handles voluntary activities. It processes suggestions from System 1, makes final decisions, and allocates our attention. While we assume many of our actions are conscious decisions made by System 2, they are often influenced by System 1’s automatic reactions. System 2 manages anything that requires willpower and self-control, but it has limited capacity and gets fatigued easily.

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So, what’s the solution? Staying focused requires effort and care. Just like physical muscles, our attention “muscle” can get tired when overworked. Cognitive exhaustion leads to mental fatigue, making us less effective, more easily distracted, and more irritable. Here are some tips I’ve found helpful for improving attention:

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- Taking breaks: Step away from your desk for a few minutes every hour to clear your mind.

- Going for a short walk in nature: A 15-minute walk in the park can refresh your mind and improve focus.

- Removing distractions: Turn off notifications on your phone and computer while working on important tasks.

- Quitting multitasking: Focus on one task at a time to improve the quality and efficiency of your work.

- Taking naps: A 20-minute power nap can recharge your brain and enhance productivity.

- Taking technology breaks: Spend an hour each day away from screens to reduce mental fatigue.

- Allowing your mind to wander intentionally: Set aside 10 minutes to daydream and let your thoughts flow freely.

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In my business of personal finance, managing attention is just as crucial as managing time. As a financial advisor, I’ve seen how easily clients can become distracted by market volatility or sensational news. Focusing on long-term goals, rather than daily fluctuations, is essential for financial success. Taking breaks, simplifying your financial plan, and setting aside time for regular reviews can help maintain this focus.

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Do you have a favourite way to switch off and let your brain rest? Do share your tips.

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Best Regards

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Kavita Bothra

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Helping you think thoughts you may not have thought before.