ReadersDigestAustraliaNewZealand-April2018

READER’S DIGEST

wander, we’re more likely to become

unhappy than when we’re focused.

he ix? Try listening to an audiobook

or learn a new language.

12

Not reading fiction.Volumes

of recent research show that

readingictionnotonlyengagesour

brains but also increases empathy,

fostering a deeper understanding of

new experiences and views.

13

Checking email constantly.

Closethatbrowserwindow

ASAP:inastudyinwhichwork-

erswereaskedtoeitherchecktheir

emailonlythreetimesadayoras

oftenaspossible,thethrice-daily

groupfeltaboutasmuchstressre-

ductionaspeoplewhouserelaxation

techniques such as deep breathing or

visualising a ‘happy place’.

14

Snubbing your desk plant

(ornothavingoneatall).

Voltaire’s Candide was probably

speaking metaphorically when he

said each of us should tend our own

garden, but research shows that

workerswithactualdesksidelowers

or foliage are more productive than

thosewithout.Onestudyevenfound

that people surrounded by office

plantsperformedbetterontasksin-

volving memory and attention.

15

Not doodling through

meetings.Doodlers may

look as if they’re tuned out, but

chancesarethey’reretaining

even more info than the active

listeners. In one study inApplied

Cognitive Psychology,subjectswho

monitored a monotonous phone

message for names of party guests

April• 2018 | 29