Why Our Brains Struggle to Slow Down in a Tech-Fueled World
Sometimes I love technology; sometimes I cannot stand it. It connects me, entertains me, and teaches me, but it also leaves my mind buzzing and restless. It is strange to think about how far we have come. If I tried to explain modern life to someone 100 years ago, how I can video call a friend across the world or find an answer to almost any question in seconds, I do not think they would believe me. What once would have sounded like magic is now completely normal. We take it for granted.
Technology has changed our world in incredible ways, but it has also changed us. Our standards for speed, communication, and attention have shifted dramatically. I once heard Jay Shetty say that the human brain downloads the equivalent of seventy four gigabytes of information every day. Seventy four gigabytes. No wonder so many of us feel overwhelmed. We were never designed to process that much information on a daily basis.
Sometimes I catch myself with my phone in one hand, my laptop open in front of me, the TV playing in the background, and music running through my headphones. My brain feels busy but not productive. When I finally turn everything off and try to do something simple, like read, cook, or just sit still, it feels almost impossible. It is as if my brain does not know how to slow down anymore.
Over time, I have realized I cannot avoid technology altogether, but I can learn to manage how I use it. I started setting a ten minute timer on Instagram each day. Once the time is up, that is it. I also began leaving my phone in another room when I am watching a show or working on something that needs focus. Most importantly, I try to do one thing at a time, even if that one thing still involves technology. When I do, I feel calmer, more centered, and less scattered.
Another thing that helps is making time to step away from screens entirely. Go outside and spend a few minutes in nature without listening to music or scrolling on your phone. Pay attention to your five senses. Notice what you see, hear, feel, smell, and taste. That simple act can reset your mind in ways technology never could.
Here are a few other things that can help quiet the noise:
Read a book instead of watching another episode.
Build something with your hands or do a puzzle.
Meditate, even for five minutes.
Write in a journal to process your thoughts.
Move your body through exercise, stretching, or a walk.
Drink water and check in with how your body feels.
None of these are complicated, but they are powerful ways to remind yourself what it feels like to be present.
This does not mean I have mastered balance. It is definitely a work in progress, but it is helping. The goal is not to reject technology; it is to redefine how we interact with it. When we set boundaries and learn to use technology intentionally, we create space for focus, rest, and real connection.
Technology is not the enemy. The problem is how easily we forget to slow down. If we can learn to pause, to choose what we give our attention to, and to focus on one thing at a time, maybe we can enjoy all the good that technology offers without letting it take over our peace of mind.