How To Increase Your Attention Span: 11 Powerful Ways
In today’s article you’re going to learn everything you need to know about how to increase your attention span.
Having difficulty concentrating can be a result of having a brief attention span. While changing tasks often can be entertaining during leisure time, it can be counterproductive when you need to get work done. Luckily, there are some techniques that can improve your ability to focus, both in the short term and in the long run.
How To Increase Your Attention Span:
1. Practicing meditation daily, even for just 5 to 10 minutes, can enhance your ability to concentrate.
To begin, find a comfy spot to sit and take deep breaths. Try to clear your mind and refrain from thinking about anything as you sit and unwind.
By doing this every day, you can develop your attention span, much like how you would tone a muscle through exercise. If you are new to meditation, consider finding a guided meditation video to guide you through the process.
It’s important to find a quiet and cozy space to meditate and wear comfy clothing. Sit in a position that feels comfy for you to make sure a successful meditation session.
2. Classical music has a calming effect and can aid in improving your concentration.
If you’re having difficulty finishing a task, consider playing some classical music softly in the background. It’s best to keep the volume low to avoid it becoming a distraction, and try to block out any background noise. If you prefer something with more energy, you can try listening to music from a video game or a movie.
3. Consuming black tea can potentially enhance your attention span, as it contains an amino acid called L-theanine that affects the brain’s attention center.
If you’re willing to try something new, consider swapping out your morning coffee with a cup of black tea and observe if you notice an improvement in your focus. It’s important to note that black tea may not work for everybody, but it’s worth giving it a try.
4. Eliminating distractions is critical for improving your focus.
Electronic devices such as your phone, computer, and tv are the most evident distractions that can hamper your concentration. If you need to concentrate for an extended period, it’s best to keep these devices out of sight.
In case you require your computer to get work done, consider downloading a website-blocking tool to restrict access to certain websites until you complete your tasks. You can even enable features like Do Not Disturb or airplane mode on your phone to reduce disruptions.
Try to work in a room without a TV so that you’re not tempted to turn it on. There are several website blocking extensions such as FocusBooster (1) and BlockSite that you can use while working on your computer.
5. Focusing on one task at a time is more productive than multitasking.
Despite common belief, research indicates that multitasking can impede your progress rather than speeding it up. To manage multiple tasks, it’s best to prioritize them logically and complete them one by one rather than trying to do all of them without delay.
Creating a to-do list and ticking off tasks as you complete them is an effective way to manage multiple responsibilities. If you abruptly remember another task while working on something else, write it down on your to-do list to avoid forgetting about it.
6. Allow your brain to rest and rejuvenate by taking short breaks regularly.
Taking a fast break every 50 minutes or so is useful. During these breaks, you can take a walk around your house, grab a snack, or check your phone for texts.
It’s important to do something that relaxes you and takes your mind off work for a couple of minutes. If you tend to get engrossed in your work, you can set a timer on your phone to remind yourself to take breaks.
7. Your attention span is likely to fluctuate throughout the day.
Therefore, it is crucial to work during the times when you have the most energy and focus. For example, if you experience a dip in energy at 2 PM, it’s unrealistic to expect yourself to be highly focused during that time.
To be productive, plan to work during the times when your potential to focus is at its peak. To determine when you feel most and least energetic, keep an activity log for a day.
You may discover that you’re naturally a morning person, but your energy and focus wane as the day progresses. If you can’t adjust your work hours, organize your tasks so that you tackle the most challenging ones when you’re most energetic and the easiest ones as you start to feel tired.
8. When you’re having difficulty focusing, it could be a result of an absence of motivation.
You might not have an interest in what you’re doing, otherwise you might feel discouraged or overwhelmed. In such cases, seeking external motivation may be beneficial.
For example, if you want to write a novel but are having trouble getting started, you could join a writing class or enlist the help of an editor. Similarly, if you’re struggling to stay motivated at the gym, you could find an accountability partner or hire a personal trainer.
9. Incorporate an everyday 30-minute exercise routine to improve your ability to concentrate.
Consistency is key, so choose an activity that you genuinely enjoy doing to maintain the habit. Joining a local gym or fitness class can help keep you motivated.
Regular exercise can have a long-term impact on attention span, but even short bursts of physical activity like a 10-minute walk can provide an immediate boost in focus. Consider taking a fast walk when you end up struggling to concentrate.
10. In order to enhance your attention span, it is crucial to have a good sleep routine.
Getting less sleep can lead to forgetfulness and difficulty in concentrating. To improve the quality of your sleep, you should prioritize getting enough sleep each night, aiming for 7 to 9 hours of sleep. It is suggested to stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends, as it helps to establish a natural sleep-wake cycle.
Establishing a bedtime ritual such as taking a warm shower before bed can help your body recognize it’s time to wind down and sleep. Additionally, creating a comfy sleeping environment (2) by keeping the room cool and dark can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
11. Spend time in nature often.
Spending time in nature can aid in relaxation and rejuvenation. It can help stop long-term loss of focus. Being in nature tends to increase attention span as it allows the brain to unwind.
You can take advantage of free time to go for a walk or hike. Even small doses of nature, such as gazing at trees through a window, can enhance your attention span.
In summary, here are some tips to increase your attention span:
- Get rid of distractions: put away your phone, computer, and TV, and use website blocking extensions.
- Focus on one task at a time: make a to-do list and prioritize tasks in a logical order.
- Take a brief break every 50 minutes: rest and recharge your brain by doing something relaxing.
- Work when you’re most energetic: keep an activity log and plan to be productive during your peak times.
- Ask others to help encourage you: find some external motivation, like joining a class or hiring a trainer.
- Exercise for 30 minutes daily: pick an activity you enjoy doing, and try going for a brief walk if you’re having trouble focusing.
- Sleep for 7 to 9 hours per night: prioritize quality sleep by sticking to a sleep schedule, having a bedtime ritual, and creating comfy sleeping arrangements.
- Get outdoors as often as you can: being exposed to nature can help you relax and recharge, and even small exposures to nature can increase your attention span.
I want to thank you for taking the time to read my article about how to increase your attention span. I sincerely hope its contents have been a good help to you.
