How To Improve Attention Span
Scrolling through TikTok, flicking through TV channels, switching between tabs on a laptop or computer…it’s no wonder your attention span is struggling to keep up as our world is full of distractions. Maintaining a strong attention span is a major key to success in both professional and personal life.
Technology is partly to blame for shorter attention spans. For example, we cannot fully complete a work task before receiving an email about another one. Our attention is constantly being pulled in different directions making it near-impossible to concentrate on one thing and not end up feeling overwhelmed.
What is an attention span?
Attention span is the length of time in which a person is able to concentrate on a particular activity or subject. Of course, your attention span is highly personal and can vary depending on what you are doing. It can be influenced by many factors including mental health and interest in a task. Technology and multi-tasking are known to be the biggest factors affecting attention span.
How to improve attention span?
To get a better understanding of your personal attention span, start with some self-observation. Try to note the times you do your best work and when you find yourself easily distracted. If you notice that you have a longer attention span in the morning, that is the best time to dive into more complex, attention demanding work. The times when your attention span usually wanes is the ideal time for less demanding tasks or taking a break to recharge.
For most people, attention spans can be improved with techniques and the right environment. Try to incorporate strategies into your daily routine that are designed to clear your mind and destress. Here are our top strategies that should be undertaken while being patient and kind to yourself.
Meditate
Meditation is a helpful tool for people trying to improve their focus and memory. This technique can help you zero in on your goals and make you more productive for longer. Focus meditation, also known as concentration meditation, is a meditation technique for honing the mind’s ability to focus and remain engaged with a specific object, thought, or sensation to cultivate a deeper sense of awareness and tranquillity. By continually redirecting the mind back to the chosen focus you can develop the skilled of sustained attention.
Exercise
Evidence suggests that moderate levels of exercise can improve cognitive control and concentration levels for up to an hour later. Even taking regular movement breaks during the work day has been shown to enhance self-reported mood and focus.
Sleep
When people don’t get enough sleep, their attention and concentration abilities decline. No matter how packed your schedule is, aim to get at least 7 hours of sleep per night, although 8 hours is preferred. To aid sleep, create a comfortable environment in your bedroom. Make sure the room is dark, quiet and at the best temperature. Also, try to avoid using technology at least an hour before sleep as technology can emit artificial sources of blue light which stops the body from releasing the sleep hormone melatonin.
Use essential oils
Using essential oils can help you gain clarity and help boost concentration levels. Here are our top essential oils for boosting concentration levels:
Sweet Basis Organic Essential Oil
Sandalwood Organic Essential Oil
Please note that All SOiL essential oils are intended for external use only. Unless otherwise advised by a medical practitioner. Do not use undiluted on skin. Do not apply to broken or irritated skin. If sensitivity occurs discontinue use. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any medications or under medical supervision seek professional advice before use. Please keep out of reach of children.
SOiL advocates the responsible use of essential oils. We grow and source the finest quality essential oils from around the world to supply you with pure, potent plant extracts for aromatic and therapeutic applications. Essential oils are many times stronger than the plants they are derived from and are far more concentrated than the herbal tincture extracted from the same plant.
Accordingly, we recommend that you avoid oral use/ingesting pure essential oils without seeking professional advice beforehand. The issue is not the quality of the essential oils you take orally – there is no such thing as a ‘therapeutic grade’ of essential oil nor is one brand of essential oils safe to ingest over another brand. The issue is safety and even though essential oils are 100% natural, plant-derived extracts, they are botanical medicines which have the potential to cause harmful side effects when taken orally. Essential oils should only be prescribed for oral use in a clinical setting, by a suitably qualified practitioner.
There are many methods of obtaining the aromatic and therapeutic benefits of essential oils, namely; inhalation, massage, skincare preparations, bath and compress. If you require individual advice on oral use/ingestion or in relation to a specific medical condition, we recommend you consult a qualified practitioner, as described above.