My Attention Span was 💩 until…
When I went back to school, I realized my attention span was… not what it used to be 😅
So I tried something I remembered from high school English: listening to the audiobook while reading along.
And honestly? It worked.
Social media has been quietly rewiring us for super short bursts of attention, and that spills over into how we read, think, and focus. Reading felt harder than it should have—until I gave my brain a little support instead of judging it.
If focusing has felt harder for you too, try pairing audio + text and see what happens. No shame, just tools.
Because of this, I’ll also be publishing audio versions of my essays on my website and YouTube—for anyone who learns better by listening, or wants to read along.
And I know buying both an audiobook and a physical copy can be expensive and not accessible to everyone—this is where your public library really comes through. Libraries often have both formats (and apps!) for free 💛
#AttentionSpan #Booktok #Audiobooks #LibraryLove #learningtips
Lately, it feels like our collective attention span for reading has diminished over the years, doesn't it? If you've found yourself struggling to focus, getting easily distracted, or feeling like you can't dive deep into a book anymore, you're definitely not alone. I've been there, and it can be incredibly frustrating when you want to absorb information or simply enjoy a good story. While my personal experience pointed to social media as a big culprit, the truth is, many factors contribute to a 'bad attention span.' Constant digital notifications, the urge to multitask, insufficient sleep, and even high-stress levels can all chip away at our ability to concentrate. It's not necessarily a personal failing, but a sign that our brains are constantly processing too much stimuli. Recognizing this was the first step for me in trying to tackle my focus issues. Beyond the fantastic audio-text method I shared (which truly was a game-changer for my reading focus, reminiscent of high school English class where an audio book helped me follow along), I've discovered a few other strategies that can really help strengthen your overall attention muscle. Think of it as brain training! One technique I swear by is the Pomodoro Technique. It involves working in focused 25-minute bursts, followed by a short 5-minute break. This structured approach helps prevent burnout and trains your brain to sustain focus for manageable periods. Gradually, you can extend your focus time. Another crucial step is creating an 'anti-distraction' zone. For me, that means turning off phone notifications, closing unnecessary browser tabs, and finding a quiet corner. Even a few minutes of mindful breathing before a task can dramatically improve your concentration, helping to combat that feeling of your attention span being severely diminished. Consider a 'digital detox' for parts of your day. It’s challenging, but even setting aside an hour or two without social media or casual browsing can give your brain a much-needed break from constant stimulation. This helps reduce that feeling of your attention span being diminished over the years. And don't underestimate the basics: good sleep, hydration, and nutrition. Our brains need fuel and rest to perform optimally. A tired brain is a distracted brain, plain and simple. And seriously, that tip about your public library? It's gold! Not only can you often listen along for free with audiobooks and e-book pairings, but libraries are also fantastic, quiet places to actually practice these focus techniques. They offer a space away from the distractions of home, and you can access a wealth of resources – from books on mindfulness to physical copies that encourage a screen-free reading experience. Improving your attention span isn't an overnight fix, but with consistent effort and the right tools, you can absolutely reclaim your focus and enjoy deeper engagement with whatever you're learning or reading. Don't be afraid to experiment with different methods until you find what works best for you!
