Did you know that a task thats interrupted (1)_____ 50% longer and has 50% more mistakes than an uninterrupted one? It takes a while for our brains to get into a focused state(2)_____ were able to concentrate fully on a task without feeling (3)_____. Once were in that state, we can enjoy a very productive flow,(4)_____ we dont get interrupted. A focused mind is still(5)_____ to disruption from external input. Interruptions—i.e. switching to a different, largely(6)_____ set of thought patterns—(7)_____ and scramble much of your (8)_____ loaded and nicely optimized brain state. (9)_____ frequent interruptions can prevent you from ever fully entering that state of flow. When you interrupt someone,(10)_____ it takes them 23 minutes to(11)_____ to the original task, plus(12)_____ to 30 minutes to return to the flow state(13)_____ they can be fully productive again. Almost half of the time you interrupt someone, youll actually knock them(14)_____ task completely,(15)_____ they wont return to the original task right away when the interruption(16)______. You may think youre only putting them on pause for a minute or two, but the actual break from the task that(17)_____ your interruption may be significantly(18)______. Frequent task switching has also been measured to significantly increase stress levels. So interrupting others not only hurts their(19)_____, but it may also damage their health. Interruptions are expensive too. One estimate puts the (20)_____ of workplace interruptions at $588 billion per year in lost productivity for the U.S. economy. (1)