Do you notice yourself fading out during important conversations? Do you suddenly forget your train of thought when you know it’s important not to?
The reasons for a short attention span include depression, ADHD, and injuries. Yet it’s possible to improve your focus and become more engaged, productive, and satisfied with your life.
Here’s how to increase your attention span within only a few days.
Exercise
Believe it or not, physical exercise can actually increase your brain’s ability to ignore distractions. It can boost your brain’s levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, all of which can improve your attention and focus. Dopamine and serotonin can also improve your sense of well-being.
If you’re new to exercising, don’t push yourself so much that you won’t be motivated to try again tomorrow. Start with a slower, more low-impact practice such as yoga or walking.
As you build resistance, you can push yourself to increase your exercise routine even more. It will improve your mood, help you sleep better, and even help combat your risk of serious health issues.
Meditation
Guided meditation is known for relaxing the mind, which can help you to focus and concentrate better. This is especially helpful if you struggle with depression or other distractions. Make sure to choose a time of day that works for you and a practice you will follow through on.
Spend Less Time On Social Media
Believe it or not, too much time on social media has been linked to things like forgetting things and interrupted attention spans. This is especially true if you’re given to mindlessly scrolling through your newsfeeds for hours on end.
While it may not be possible for adults to cut out their favorite social media apps altogether, you can limit yourself to a certain number of minutes per day. Meanwhile, take a walk, call a friend, or read a book. You may notice almost immediate changes in your ability to remember things.
Take Physical Notes
While listening to a lecture or meeting, you may notice that some things are more important for you to remember than others. You may also realize that you are given to zoning out when unimportant information is being passed along.
If you find you’re always daydreaming or distracting yourself, taking physical notes can help you. These can improve your memory, help you to remember details, and increase your attention span.
Remember that taking notes by typing is not as effective as the old-fashioned way. So come to your next meeting with a tried-and-true legal pad and pencil if you want to remember what you learned and stand out as someone who takes your job seriously.
How To Increase Your Attention Span
If you’re wondering how to increase your attention span, you can start by taking a look at your habits. With more meditation and physical activity, as well as fewer hours staring at a screen, you could be on your way to a stronger focus in no time.
Don’t stop getting smart about your health and well-being now. For more great advice, read our blog today.
