Distractions were crucial for the survival of our species, helping us react quickly to potential dangers. However, in today’s world, constant notifications hinder our ability to maintain prolonged concentration. In this article our expert emphasizes Cal Newport’s concept of a “deep life” about the importance of focusing on tasks with minimal distractions, whether it’s work or personal activities.

Our working memory, powered by the prefrontal cortex, is essential for planning, organizing, and reasoning. Despite this capability, we often fall short of our goals due to interruptions like notifications. The author shares a personal experiment of limiting WhatsApp usage to reduce stress and improve presence with their daughters, and highlights the importance of managing distractions to enhance productivity and presence.