Cognitive decline is real and can begin as young as age 45 even if you are healthy. Cynthia Green, PhD, offers advice for rebuilding our attention span and our ability to focus.
Constantly switching between activities and attempting to multi-task (which no one is really good at) is exhausting for the brain, draining it of the energy needed to focus. Result: We make mistakes big and small and are less productive, more forgetful and just slower at everything.
Source: Bottom Line Inc, April 1, 2018. Link. Green recommends 10 ways to exercise better control over the disruptions, putting technology to work for you and engaging in activities that strengthen attention. These include:
- Stop being so available
- Find a meditative hobby
- Be social offline
- Stay hydrated
- Use a traditional alarm instead of your phone