Previous research estimated that
The average attention capacity is now only 8 seconds.
This is almost the time it takes to read a few sentences, before being distracted.
The study is a survey of a representative sample of 1,000 participants, which aimed to determine the factors of this chronic lack of attention. The analysis reveals that:
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Only 25 % of those questioned say they have no attention problems;
- Stress and anxiety contribute the most to a low capacity for attention (43 %);
- Lack of sleep and digital devices or screens are invoked by 39 % and 35 % of respondents respectively;
- boredom or lack of interest (31 %);
- multitasking (23 %);
- lack of physical activity (21 %);
- poor power/hydration (20 %);
- Medical problems like ADHD (18 %).
One of the main authors, Dr. Evita Singh, psychiatrist in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health of the University of Ohio, comments this data: “Stress, rumination and in some cases depression can certainly affect the capacity for attention and concentration.”
The consequences of the lack of attention: When you are systematically multitasking with too many ideas in mind, you risk mental exhaustion. This inevitably leads to depression or anxiety.
What measures? To improve attention capacity and the ability to concentrate longer, these researchers offer a new tool, the “Take Five”. This consists of:
- T – Make frequent breaks (Take frequent breaks)
- A-Concentrate actively on the current task (Actively hires in the One Task at Hand)
- K – Limit distractions (keep distractions to at least)
- E – Eliminate multitasking (Eliminate Multitasking)
- FIVE – Take five minutes to refocus (Take Five Minutes to Refocus)
“Many factors can explain our concentration or attention difficulties. But it is also essential to accept the idea that we do not need to be concentrated at 100 % of the time. ”
