Buzz
This week, we explore strategies to sharpen focus and combat distractions with neuroscientist Dr. Amishi Jha. Tune in as Dr. Jha explains the evolutionary roots of distractibility, the advantages of improved attention, and practical tips to enhance concentration.
Dr. Jha, a psychology professor at the University of Miami and Director of Contemplative Neuroscience for the Mindfulness Research and Practice Initiative, is the author of Peak Mind: Find Your Focus, Own Your Attention, Invest 12 Minutes a Day.
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Key Takeaways from This Week’s Episode
Dr. Jha explains why we shouldn’t feel guilty about being distracted or struggling to maintain focus for long periods:
From a neuroscience perspective, we should all cut ourselves some slack...While it might seem like we’re in a crisis, our brains are operating precisely as evolution intended. They’re functioning exactly as they should. When it comes to staying on task or how often our minds wander, the reality is that we’re focused only about 50 percent of our waking hours.
Dr. Jha on why multitasking should be avoided whenever possible:
The concept of multitasking is a myth. When we attempt to handle multiple attention-heavy tasks simultaneously, we’re not truly multitasking. For instance, if you’re an experienced walker, you can walk and think at the same time without issue. However, as soon as the secondary task requires significant attention, it becomes a challenge. At that point, you’re not multitasking—you’re rapidly switching between tasks. This switching is inefficient, mentally draining, and increases the likelihood of errors. While there may be times when multitasking feels unavoidable, it’s rarely a good idea. Whenever possible, focus on one task at a time to improve efficiency and reduce mental fatigue.
Dr. Jha on the numerous advantages of enhancing attention skills:
I often refer to attention as the fuel for achieving success. It powers our ability to think clearly, follow complex thoughts, make informed decisions, and absorb new information. Beyond cognition, it’s essential for emotional regulation and truly experiencing our feelings. For instance, if you’re distracted during a joyful moment, you might miss it entirely. Attention is crucial for thinking, feeling, and connecting with others. When our attention wanes, it not only hampers our success but also diminishes our sense of fulfillment. The benefits of attention extend even further—recent mindfulness research has explored its impact on cellular longevity. Studies show that practices like mindfulness can increase telomerase, an enzyme that repairs chromosome ends, promoting cellular regeneration and potentially extending lifespan.
For a deeper dive into the science of attention and Dr. Jha’s tips on boosting focus, listen to the full episode.
