I previously asked a friend if she had watched a show I like.
Oh I dont watch TV anymore, she responded.
I waited for her to explain that shed taken up reading or was just too busy.
Ever since getting TikTok I just cant focus for a whole episode, she said instead.
I was shocked, but I guess I shouldn’t have been.
This constant multitasking wears on our ability to filter out irrelevant information.
What exactly is an attention span?
But say someone walks by and says your name.
Both conditions present challenges withexecutive functioning2, which includes attention and focus.
Pings and pop-ups divert us from the task at hand and into our feeds or inboxes.
Researchers theorized that this was due to the brains use of schemas, or frameworks for interpreting complex information.
The brain relies on past examples to interpret new information.
The study also found that with more phone usage came more phantom phone signals.
Thankfully, recent research indicates there are scientifically proven ways to stay more present and focused.
This persistent bouncing from one thing to the next can have detrimental effects on our focus and performance.
Some of this is unavoidable and built into the nature of a job.
Meditate
Meditation canalter your brain chemistryand hasa slew of worthwhile benefits: including an improved attention.
Not sure where to start?
Check out our favoritemeditation apps(there are options for every budget and experience level).
(Hint:These are our favorites.)
Glucose, a simple sugar, is the brainsmain source of energy12.
To better understand your own attention span, Ricker recommends keeping a work log.
Set aside a specific amount of time to get work done and set a timer.
Plus, the log of your good days can be motivating.
The takeaway
Maintaining focus can feel like an increasingly uphill battle.
On the bright side, there are expert-backed practices we can implement to preserve our attention.
For additional support, consider taking atargeted focus supplement.
