Exercising Your Attention Span

Current sources of entertainment overload our cognitive functions of stimulation and attention span. Because we have smart phones and social media, immediate mental stimulation is constantly at our fingertips. This has a deteriorating impact on the human attention span. Less and less are we actually exercising our minds to find stimulation. Our brains are becoming trained to receive stimulation in a quick and easy manner, making it almost impossible for us to stay focused and motivated when feeling stimulated takes a longer amount of time or hard work.

            There are many things you can do to combat this effect that technology and media have unfortunately given to us. One thing you can practice is reading. I know that sounds silly, but reading is not as common of a pastime anymore as scrolling on social media and watching short video clips is. Reading a physical book, no matter the genre, forces our minds to be patient to receive stimulation. You have to take the time to read through the plot of a story to get to the resolution of the conflict. When you fully immerse yourself into a piece of text, your mind is not only exercising extended focus and attention, it takes a break from reality and calms your nervous system from the stressors of the outside world.

            So next time you find yourself with some free time, instead of picking up your smart phone, try picking up an interesting looking book and submerge yourself in a new reality. Exercise your mind to be patient to receive stimulation and appreciate things off of the screens.

            To learn more about how to exercise and strengthen your attention span, call 708-633-8000 to book an appointment at Olive Branch Counseling Associates! A plethora of services are provided by our professional therapists via telehealth and in-person appointments at our office located at 6819—167^th St. in Tinley Park, IL 60477.

Myleigh, undergrad intern, 2025

Olive Branch Counseling Associates