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Cognitive Load is something that can interfere with efficient processing and sequencing of thoughts in the mind, but there are techniques that can be used in order to help sustain a balanced state of cognitive functioning. The state we are aiming for is that of high speed and low drag - streamlined throughput; certain thinking styles can provide advantages in differing situations. It is best to use the thought-process that is most efficient for the situation.

To identify your cognitive load, you can reference the feeling of slowness or binding. This feeling can be automatically dismissed due to an innate urge to suppress it because of the discomfort it can bring. Try to slow your mind and persist with the feeling, as this allows the subconscious mind to become more familiar with it by building and sustaining neural pathways.

If you notice closely, cognitive load can feel heavier or lighter at times. This is dependent on the amount of processing you are doing at any given instance and influences your emotional state, causing elicitation of dismissal or suppressing actions. It is important to recognize where your focus goes in relation to your cognitive load, as this can give great insight into the switching dynamics of context.

There are different types of Cognitive Load:

Intrinsic (task/mechanism complexity)

Intrinsic load is the base amount of weight the task or thought-pattern carries.

Extraneous (distractions, poor design)

Extraneous load generally results in overload due to misplaced awareness and low cognitive fluency.

Germane (useful effort toward mastery)

Germane is a more balanced load, the optimal amount of weight to carry when working on a given task based on efficiency.

To keep an eye on your levels, you have to check the gauge. At different points the needle will be in the red, this is called overload. When the needle is all the way down, you have a clear mind - as generally seen in meditative practices. Somewhere in the middle is where you will be during most tasks. Intrinsic load is the naturally occurring weight of an operation, concept, or thought-process and can be seen as true weight. Extraneous load will arise when information enters the mind that is not pertinent to its intended processing. This can originate from external as well as internal sources. These artifacts can be tailored out by identifying the source of the information, making a determination of whether that source should be allowed at this specific time, and making connections to the next time that type of information may be elicited.