Focus vs. Multi-Tasking

I read an article recently on the subject of email making us dumber. It stated that after a person spends some time sitting at a computer answering emails and messages that they score lower on an IQ test that is given immediately after. The article goes on to state that these people were not actually dumber, but their brain was just in a different mental state than an IQ test requires. Supposedly we humans have two brain modes. One mode is for focus and the other is for multi-tasking. IQ test obviously requires focus, while the cluttered task of answering messages on multiple subjects requires that focus to be spread around. Also, it takes a period of time for your brain to adjust to a switch in modes.

This was on my mind last night as I attempted to play softball for the first time. I have never been a real athlete (or even a pretend one), but I figured that I would give it a try. I think that sports are actually a very good way to not only exercise your body, but also your mind. In most all sports, you are required to use both modes of your brain at the same time. You must be constantly aware of everything going on around you, while at the same time focusing heavily on the task at which you are currently performing. This goes without even mentioning the pure reflex actions that your brain is perfecting. Not many people would say it, but I think that sports may actually be a very mental stimulating activity. It may even make your smarter.