Posts

Recovering what I lost (just my attention span)

3 mins

focus productivity distraction self-improvement experience Help Students

Table of Contents

Realizing the Problem

Returning to grad school after being a working professional for a year, I quickly realized how much my ability to focus had deteriorated. I used to work for hours without distractions, but now, constant digital interruptions and doom-scrolling had eroded my concentration.

It became difficult to even sit through a 20-minute video, let alone focus on tasks. Despite attempts like caffeine, quiet spaces, and packed schedules, nothing seemed to help. In Gen Z terms, I had fallen victim to social media brain rot. 🧠📱

Major Concern

This isn’t just my problem—it's a widespread issue. Research shows that **50%** of people feel their attention span has significantly decreased. After a deep dive into *YouTube* and *Google*, I found countless people sharing similar struggles, alongside potential solutions. 🚨

How I’m Fixing It 🛠️

### 1. Embrace the Boredom 🫥 It’s time to **get comfy with being bored**. The moment you reach for your phone is when you’re actually *bored*. Try doing stuff without distractions—like eating without scrolling through your phone or showering without music. It's annoying at first, but trust me, it works.

2. Be Intentional with What You Watch 🎥

I love watching videos while I eat. But instead of mindlessly watching shorts or quick YouTube clips, I now force myself to watch something longer and more meaningful. It’s like training your brain to focus again.

3. The Pomodoro Technique ⏲️

When I need to grind through work, I use the Pomodoro Technique. It’s all about working in focused bursts with timed breaks in between. If you haven’t tried it, you can learn more about it here .

Here are a couple of timers I’ve been using:

This one is hard, but cutting down on social media is essential. You don’t have to do it all at once. Just start by spending more time hanging out with friends, joining clubs, or studying with people. You’ll feel tired, but also clear-minded.

5. Study with Strangers 👥

If you need a little extra push, there are these study-with-strangers online groups where you can study alongside others in real time:

6. Adventure Studying 🌍

Sometimes a change of scenery can help. I call it adventure studying—whether it’s a café, a park, or somewhere you’ve never studied before. For me, IHOP has become a favorite spot. Try finding a place you like and shake up your routine.

Disclaimer: I'm not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the websites, apps, or tools I mentioned. Be sure to do your own research before using any of them to make sure they suit your needs.

Conclusion

Remember, **it's not a sprint; it's a marathon**. Recovery takes time, but the more you practice being mindful, the stronger your focus will get. Whether you're just starting or already deep into the process, progress is progress. 💪