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Our average attention span is now lower than that of goldfish
A new study proves it: our average attention span is now lower than that of goldfish! Where does it come from that we can not concentrate anymore?
Do you remember Dorie from "Finding Nemo"? The pallet doctor fish lady suffers from a miserable short-term memory and a low attention span. She is amusing, no question. But nobody wants to become like them!
Unfortunately, the trend, according to a new study, but right there: our attention span is getting lower.
The study, commissioned by Microsoft Corporation in Canada, examined more than 2, 000 subjects, including those using EEGs.
While the same survey showed an average attention span of 12 seconds in the subjects in the year 2000, it now only gave a short concentration of just 8 seconds.
That's a second less than the average attention span of goldfish!
Where does the lack of concentration come from?
The study says that especially multi-screeners (ie people who play or write with their smartphone, for example, while the TV is on) lose more and more the ability to filter unimportant things from their environment. They are easier to distract.
The scientists therefore see the "blame" for this trend in the further development of the media. Especially through the mobile Internet, we are always and everywhere bombarded with information. The brain reacts to this flood of information with a shortened attention span - so it can absorb more (at least superficially) in less time.
A positive side effect: the ability to multitask has improved in recent years. We react more flexibly, we can switch faster from one task to the next.
You do not want to let that sit on you like that? 10 tips for a better concentration:
- Silent questions: Your counterpart bores you with a topic? Formulate in your head questions such as: B. "What is the conclusion of this monologue?" The further listening is then much easier.
- Look at your feet: As your concentration wanes, fix your feet and imagine they are rooted to the ground like a tree. You will feel more present right away!
- Parrot-Trick: When it comes to a complicated situation, summarize it briefly in your own words - that helps to actually understand it.
- Going outside: If there's an important conversation, it's best to take a walk outside. Due to the common line of vision one speaks rather with one another instead of against each other.
- Power Napping: A 15-minute nap will double the concentration, current studies show.
- Fish oil capsules: 1 g of omega-3 fatty acids daily promote brain cell communication.
- Breaks: Sitting disturbs the breathing, the brain performance decreases. Get up every hour for 5 minutes.
- Full on receipt: Eliminate all sources of interference: door to door, cell phone and phones off. And banish all things from your field of vision that might distract you.
- Drink 2-3 liters: Lack of water affects the oxygen and nutrient supply of the brain.
- Walnuts: The unique nutrient combination acts like doping on our brain.
