Short Tech Breaks by Liam Sharma

Short Tech Breaks tackles the modern paradox of technology: tools designed to boost productivity often drain our mental resources instead. Centered on the science of cognitive recovery, the book argues that intentional, brief disconnections from screens can combat stress, restore focus, and enhance well-being. Drawing on neuroscience and psychology, it reveals startling truths—like how the average adult interacts with their phone 352 times daily, and how even a fleeting notification can disrupt focus for up to 23 minutes. These micro-interruptions create “attentional blinks,” cumulative mental fatigue that erodes creativity and emotional resilience.

Unlike digital detox guides demanding prolonged abstinence, this book offers flexible, science-backed micro-pauses. Its standout concept—“dose-dependent disconnection”—tailors strategies like the 5-5-5 Rule (5-minute breaks every 55 minutes of screen time) to individual lifestyles. Early chapters unpack how tech breaks reactivate the brain’s default mode network, linked to creativity, while later sections provide step-by-step plans, including “notification fasting” and phone-free zones. Case studies from corporate workers and remote professionals demonstrate improved focus and reduced anxiety, challenging the myth that multitasking equals productivity.

By blending rigorous research with relatable analogies—comparing cognitive resources to a rechargeable battery—the book makes complex concepts accessible. It balances self-help practicality with interdisciplinary insights, offering a lifeline for screen-fatigued readers seeking sustainable ways to thrive in a hyperconnected world.