The Fragility of Attention

Our attention is a fragile resource. When we spread it too thinly, we can easily be distracted by myriad other stimuli. Not surprisingly, the result of working on too many things at once is that most of them suffer in some way.

Most of us rely on directed attention when focusing on our work, or when we engage in potentially dangerous activities, like crossing the street.  And, most of us know from experience that when we keep our attention directed for too long, it can become tiring.

One way to keep our attention in top form is to allow it sufficient time to recover on a periodic basis.  When our minds are inadvertently drawn to something interesting that does not require intense focus, we tap into what is called involuntary attention.

Taking periodic breaks gives our attention a chance to refresh.

In a classic study on violinists and the impact of practice on their levels of achievement, Dr. K. Anders Ericsson, of Florida State University, discovered that the truly great violinists typically worked in cycles of three focused practice sessions of 90 minutes each day with renewal breaks between each session.

You will perform any task more effectively if you take a 10-20 minute break every ninety minutes or so. Get up, eat a healthy snack, take a walk or just close your eyes for a while and you will return to your next task more refreshed and energized.