Focus is selective and limited
We’ve all had those moments when it’s hard to focus.
You sit down to work on one project, only to get distracted by your full email inbox.
Or you’re just trying to get through the day but struggle withbrain fogthat makes it hard to focus.
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When our attention is impaired, it makes it really hard to function and get things done.
Attention is the ability to actively process specific information in the environment while tuning out other details.
It’s like a highlighter or spotlight and makes what we focus on stand out.
However, attention is limited in terms of both capacity and duration.
In other words, we can only focus on so much for so long.
Attention lets us focus on what’s relevant and tune out what’s not.
We use attention to learn more about our environment, form memories, and perform tasks.
Think of attention as a highlighter.
Newborns attend to environmental stimuli such as loud noises.
Attention plays a critical role in almost every area of life, including school, work, and relationships.
Types of Attention
Attention isn’t a one-size-fits-all ability.
There are actually many different types of attention that people may use.
Research suggests that sustained attention peaks during the early 40s and then gradually declines as people age.
In this case, however, attention is divided between multiple tasks.
Attention isn’t limitless, which is whymultitaskingis often a bad idea.
What Can You Do to Improve Attention?
We do it without really even thinking about it.
For people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), focusing attention is often more challenging.
However, even people without attention problems can benefit from using strategies designed to improve attention and focus.
Some things you could try include:
New ways of improving attention may also be on the horizon.
This may be helpful for treating attentional problems resulting from some conditions.
Takeaways
Attention is pivotal to who we are and how we function.
But it isn’t perfect.
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