Don't Let Your Phone Control You: It's 'The World's Largest Candy Store' For Your Brain

This story is part of a new series of features on the subject of success, Benzinga Inspire.

A recent conversation with psychologist, researcher and author Gloria Mark got the attention of Benzinga and it might just capture yours as well.

What To Know: In her book "Attention Span: A Groundbreaking Way to Restore Balance, Happiness and Productivity," Mark explores how the modern attention span has been invaded and overrun by technology.

Salon recently chatted with the psychologist about ways people can kick the distractions and find time to focus.

In the book, Mark touches on what she calls "attention traps." She told Salon that you can think of them as behavior patterns that keep people fixated on certain parts of the internet, including social media, games and other applications that keep us mindlessly coming back for more. 

"Humans are just naturally curious, and we're sitting in front of the world's largest candy store every time we open our phones or computers," she said.

She noted that the internet always has something new and exciting to offer you. Everything moves so fast online and everything is taking a toll on one's capacity. 

The "Attention Span" author talked about how each person wakes up with so many resources in the "tank." If you get the appropriate amount of rest, your tank might be full in the morning, but everything you do throughout the day drains resources. 

See Also: 4 Brain Hacks To Supercharge Your Success

Mark recommends finding ways to replenish the tank by taking breaks, which might mean meditation or exercise or even an entire vacation for some. She compared this mental tank to physical strength, noting that you can't lift weights all day without getting exhausted. 

Instead of quitting technology altogether or trying to implement a detox, Mark believes people should aim to take control of their attention. One way to do so is to be intentional in the things you do.

"A lot of behaviors that we do on our phones and our computers are automatic ... We have to bring these kinds of automatic actions to our conscious awareness. When we do that, then we can act on them and we can change," Mark told Salon. 

Taking a step back and observing yourself is one way to take control. Instead of impulsively acting on urges, you should try to stop and ask yourself why you feel the need to do something and imagine how it will impact you. 

You can't just flip a switch and make the changes, but being realistic, setting goals and striving to reach them can help you take back control of your attention, which can ultimately help improve productivity and happiness.

Read Next: Happiness Starts With Asking Yourself 1 Simple Question: If Your Answer Is No, You Need To Make Some Changes

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