According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, “attention span is the length of time during which one (such as an individual or a group) is able to concentrate or remain interested.” According to Forbes, over the past few decades, a person’s average attention span has decreased from twelve seconds to just over eight seconds, less than the nine second attention span of a goldfish. The decline in attention span can be attributed to the advent of social media, and a generally faster paced world. Maybe in your own life, you have noticed it is difficult to sit down and read a book, or even sit down to watch a movie without checking your phone a couple times. Having a short attention span can get in the way of completing tasks or even making time for other hobbies in an efficient and effective way.
One way to improve your mental focus is by taking care of yourself physically and mentally. This may seem obvious, but it is important to remember that the better you feel physically, the easier it is to have a better mental state. Make sure you sleep enough every night and have a sustainable sleep cycle. Maintain a balanced and nourishing diet that involves lots of brain healthy foods such as greens, fish, nuts and berries. Try and fit in some sort of exercise daily, even if it is just going for a short walk. Exercise not only provides physical benefits, but it also releases ‘feel good’ chemicals in your brain called endorphins and serotonin that improve your mood in a really beneficial way. Finally, another great way to work on your attention span is by practicing mindfulness and meditation. Taking time to meditate can help clear your head and turn your focus inward, connecting your mind and body. This helps to improve your attention span by helping you to focus on one thing at a time with a fresh mind. These activities help in improving your mental clarity and help you better focus on one task at a time.
Another way to increase your attention span is to spend time indulging in more long form entertainment or non digital activities rather than scrolling on social media or going online. Some activities you can do to replace technology include solving puzzles, going for a walk or a run, painting, reading, listening to music and baking. . Choosing activities that are offline and reduce your social media intake come with many health benefits for your brain. Participating in such activities can improve your cognitive function, including memory, problem-solving and decision-making skills. You can reduce your stress and anxiety through reducing or completely cutting out your social media intake. Reducing your stress and anxiety helps by providing a clearer mindspace for you to have a more extended focus on a task.
In conclusion, improving your attention span requires a combination of physical self-care, mental clarity and reducing distractions like social media. By prioritizing activities that nurture both your mind and body such as exercise, sleep, mindfulness and engaging in offline hobbies and learning new skills, you can gradually enhance your focus and overall well-being. Small, intentional changes in your daily routine can make a big difference in how you approach tasks and maintain your concentration in a fast-paced world.
