How to Increase Attention Span: 5 Tips to Help You Focus

Your attention span is the amount of time you can spend on a single task before getting distracted and moving to another project. People who have a short attention span might get distracted easily or abandon projects before finishing them.

A few signs of a short attention span include:

1. 1. Getting distracted easily: If you are susceptible to distraction, you may be sensitive to noises or stimuli that disrupt your focus.
2. 2. Having trouble reading: You may notice your mind wandering while reading longer texts.
3. 3. Leaving projects unfinished: Some people will start a task and leave it unfinished because they get distracted or become bored.

You can learn to increase your attention span by following a few core practices that increase your cognitive performance and improve your overall brain health. If you have trouble focusing, try these techniques:

1. 1. Focus on one task at a time: Avoid the temptation to multitask. Multitasking divides your attention and prevents you from getting much done on a single task. When you stop multitasking and focus on one thing at a time, you will have an easier time maintaining sustained attention on your project.
2. 2. Get enough sleep: It’s essential to pay attention to how much sleep you're getting, as sleep deprivation can affect how well you can focus because a lack of sleep can make it harder to stay alert during waking hours. Silence notifications on your devices when it’s time to go to bed and get at least eight hours of sleep each night.
3. 3. Limit distractions: It’s crucial to create a distraction-free work environment to help you pay better attention to the task at hand. Try sitting in a quiet space away from other people or windows to avoid losing focus. Consider leaving your phone somewhere else to curb unlimited access to scroll apps or read chats while working.
4. 4. Practice meditation: Meditation improves your cognitive control, helping to prevent your mind from wandering. You can start with breathing techniques to practice taking a break from the stimuli in your everyday life. Using deep breathing techniques and meditating for longer periods will help increase your control over your thoughts. Meditation is also a great way to take short breaks during your workday.
5. 5. Prioritize physical exercise: Doing any type of physical activity during the day is a great way to improve your overall well-being. You can take a brisk walk on a short fifteen-minute break or try other workouts like running or weight lifting. Physical activity has many mental health benefits and can help you manage stress.

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