Who Stole Your Focus?

In today’s world, notifications buzz all the time, screens are always glowing, and our to-do lists never seem to end. It’s no surprise that we often feel like we can’t focus. But what is really stealing our attention? Is it the internet, our habits, or something else? Let’s explore the main thief and how we can get our focus back.

1/ The Internet: A Double-Edged Sword

The internet connects us to the world, but it also breaks our focus. Johann Hari, in his book *Stolen Focus*, says that our attention is under attack by design. Social media platforms, for example, are made to keep us scrolling. They show us endless content, making it hard to stop. A study from the University of California, Irvine, found that it takes about 23 minutes to get back on track after being interrupted. Think about how many times we get interrupted every day—emails, messages, notifications. Our brains are always being pulled in different directions, making it hard to focus.

“The internet is the first thing that humanity has built that humanity doesn’t understand.”– Eric Schmidt

2/ Food and Focus: What You Eat Matters

What we eat affects our ability to focus. Foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats can make us feel tired and unfocused. But foods like salmon and walnuts, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, help our brains work better. A study in the *Journal of Nutrition* found that people who ate a Mediterranean diet—full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats—did better on memory and focus tests than those who ate a lot of processed foods.

Tip: Instead of eating sugary snacks, try almonds or dark chocolate. Your brain will work better.

3/ Habits: The Good and the Bad

Our daily habits shape our focus. If you start your day by scrolling through social media, you’re more likely to feel distracted all day. Johann Hari suggests building habits that help us focus, like taking tech-free breaks or practicing mindfulness. In one study, office workers took a 5-minute mindfulness break every hour. The result? They were 14% more productive and could focus better.

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”* – Aristotle

4/ Sleep: The Foundation of Focus

Sleep is very important for focus. But in our busy lives, we often don’t get enough sleep. Poor sleep makes it harder to think clearly and remember things. The blue light from screens also makes it harder to fall asleep.

A study from Harvard Medical School found that people who used screens less before bed slept 20% better. Another study showed that just one night of bad sleep can reduce focus by up to 30%.

How to Get Your Focus Back ?

So, what’s stealing your focus? It’s not just one thing—it’s a mix of technology, food, habits, and sleep. But the good news is, you can take control. Here are some simple steps:

1. Limit Screen Time: Use apps like Freedom or Stay Focused to help you spend less time on your phone or computer.

2. Eat Better: Choose foods that help your brain, like fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

3. Build Good Habits: Try adding a new habit, like meditating for 5 minutes after brushing your teeth.

4. Sleep Well: Make your bedtime routine screen-free. Read or do something relaxing instead.

Quote from the book _Stolen Focus_: “The ability to focus is not just a skill; it’s a form of power. And like all power, it can be taken away.” – Johann Hari

Conclusion:

In the fight for focus, the first step is understanding what’s stealing your attention. By making small changes—like eating better, building good habits, and sleeping well—you can take back your focus. Remember, focus isn’t just about getting more done; it’s about living a better, more intentional life .

So, who stole your focus? And what will you do to get it back?