The Magic Number
Miller’s Law is often interpreted to argue that the number of objects an average human can hold in short-term memory is 7 ± 2. That means, at a given time, we can only take in about 5 to 9 pieces of information.
Why is this important?
You know how sometimes, for example, you’re right in the middle of preparing a meal, then suddenly the baby cries waking up from her sleep, then someone rings the doorbell —- and you just, for a second, feel like things are too much, like you’re about to burst?
Well, that means you’re full. Your brain has taken in too much information.
There are many applications for this. Teachers, for example, may notice when their students seem to start zoning off during class. Uh-oh, too much information. This being aware then allows them to adjust how they would like to proceed with their lessons so that their students stay engaged.
Some children are actually quite good at noticing when their parents seem to be full. Right when dad is busy arguing with the credit card company on the phone while changing baby’s diapers and grabbing for the baby powder, his elder child may pop in and say “Dad, ok if I have a cookie?” The chances of dad absent-mindedly nodding his head to say ‘yeah, yeah, whatever…’ would be higher!
So, what can you do? Be gentle on yourself. Notice those times when it seems like you’ve taken in a lot of information. Put your attention to the fullness you’ve taken in, and just breathe, and allow yourself to calm down. Allow yourself to say that that is enough information for now. And give your self space to breathe.
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