You might be struggling with “popcorn brain.”
Popcorn brain becomes a problem when excessive screen timeand constant notificationslimit your capacity for undivided attention.
What Is Popcorn Brain?
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“Popcorn brain” became popular after it was first used by quality-of-life researcherDavid Levyin 2011.
Levy referred to it as being so hooked on electronic multitasking that the slower-paced life offline holds no interest.
This constant influx of digital stimulation changes how our brains process information.
Think of the last time you were disconnected from the internet for any length of time.
Its hard to remember when you were unplugged for more than a day, right?
But its not just constant access to the internet that causes popcorn brain.
Here are some other factors that influence a lack of attention.
This variation of information clogs up our attention.
Once we stop a real-world task to scroll, the information is literally endless.
These design choices contribute to a culture of distraction and impulsivity.
“Weve become highly passive consumers,” Kahn adds.
“Information is always ‘on’ and in our hands (or pockets).
It sometimes leads to impulse shopping and a complete disconnect from our thinking process.”
Fortunately, Kahn agrees.
“There is every reason to believe people can make their attention spans longer again,” he says.
In short, youll set a timer to work for 25 minutes, followed by a short five-minute break.
Repeat throughout the day, with longer breaks every two hours.
It may be unrealistic to be away from tech at your desk, for example.
But are there spaces in your home where you’re able to put all devices down?
If the space is indoors,make it cozy and inviting.
If theres no space inside, find a spot in nature where you feel safe going without your phone.
When you take a break after focusing on a task, spend this time in atech-free zone.
But don’t forget your mind, too.
You don’t need a diagnosable mental health condition to benefit from therapy.
