How to effectively increase attention span

Gone are the days of scouring through thick books to extract information. Nowadays, most of us can barely leaf through a few pages without getting distracted. The Internet now being the information backbone has an answer to our every question (almost) and that too within a matter of a quick search, thereby reducing our ability to be mindful. And this is just one of the many causes.
A short attention span can create a bunch of difficulties in our everyday lives including poorer performance at school or work, impotence in completing daily tasks, forgetting important information, communication issues in relationships, etc.
Therefore, without much ado, let us know how to pay attention to our attention deficiency. 

Cease multitasking

If you think you are getting a lot of work done at once through multitasking, then you are in the dark. Multitasking, actually divides your attention among multiple tasks and requires constant switching between these tasks, blurring your focus as a result. To concentrate longer, try taking things one at a time. This will enable you to do each individual task more attentively, hence catapulting your productivity.

Stay active

Exercise has been long known for keeping us healthy. Along with its countless benefits, researches have shown that regular exercise brings about significant improvements in cognitive control abilities. So, if not breaking a sweat, at least do some light exercises like yoga, or walk, routinely to increase your attention span.

Replenish with a beauty sleep

Adequate sleep is essential for an alert mind. Just like exercise, sleep is also responsible for boosting your cognitive control abilities. A good night's sleep has the power to refresh you mind and body, sharpening your focus. No wonder our ancestor's said, "Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy wealthy and wise." Hence, maintain a healthy sleep schedule and check the clarity of their wisdom yourself!

Meditate to elevate

Meditation helps to clear the fog in your mind, extending the longevity of your attention. It is also a great way to scale down hyper activity, one of the major causes of shorter attention span. Furthermore, meditation keeps negative energy at bay and brings within a sense of self-discipline, which again elevates our concentration.

Drink your water

According to researches by the University of East London and the University of Westminster, only 300ml of water can increase your attention by 25 percent. Hydration does not seem mundane anymore now, does it? Not only that, water contributes in enhancing in your mood and tends to your mental health, consequently lengthening your attention span.

Shoo away distractions

While doing something which needs your assiduity, keep distracting objects like, phones and tablets, a safe distance away. In short, de-digitalise your surroundings. It is hard to pay attention when there is a constant 'ping' sound calling out to you. A couple of measures to protect yourself from distracting notifications include muting your notifications, switching off Wi-Fi, switching on flight mode, etc. Even after that, if your hand still itches to check your social media feed or discover memes, put app locks on the apps which consume maximum of your screen time.

Pros know the best

If your attention deficiency troubles are becoming unmanageable, seek professional help at the earliest. Although there is no cure for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with the help of proper medication and behavioural therapy, attention deficiency can be kept under control.

So, ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please?