Wellness Corner 24: Attention Management
Hey Falcons,
Attention management and time management go in hand. Often, when we’re in a noisy environment or one with a lot of clutter, it is easier for our attention to drift, which adversely impacts productivity. We’re quick to blame our schedules or our “time management skills” but, actually, we must learn to control our attention — it’s the difference between tweaking your schedule or using a Pomodoro-style timer (both of which are great, by the way!) and actually tuning your focus. Here are some tips for attention management that have worked for me and could for you, too.
Create a conducive work environment. Turn on “Do Not Disturb” on your smartphone and find a place where you can be alone for a bit during times when you need total focus. Study rooms or empty classrooms on campus are good for independent work; I found a nice spot in the corner of the Ogilvie Lobby last week. At home, try to clear your desk and work in the same space each day.
Focus on one task at a time. When you’re able to focus entirely on a single task, it’s easier to get into a flow state. Something I'm working against right now is the feeling that I have to check things off a to-do list and so I try doing a ton of stuff at once, or doing one think more quickly than I need to so as to get to the next task. This creates artificial pressure. Doing one thing at a time and doing it well can help keep you focused and also increase the quality of your work.
Have grace for yourself. Procrastination and daydreaming are natural diversions. Don’t worry about it. Self-criticism can become a powerful distraction and make it more difficult to get things done. Just gently turn your attention back toward the task at hand when you feel yourself drifting off.
This month, there are lots of opportunities for fun, like the homecoming dance and fall break. It’s important for us to enjoy those to the fullest… but also not let them and other distractions get the best of us in our academic, athletic, and artistic pursuits.
Have a great week ahead and cut yourself some slack if the wonky schedule catches you off-guard a couple times :)
Stay well,
Eshaan
