NeuroTip: Your attention is trainable
Have you ever sat down to do something important and suddenly found yourself checking your phone, answering an email, or thinking about something completely unrelated?
It happens to all of us.
Your attention isn’t a switch that is either “on” or “off.” It moves toward whatever feels interesting, urgent, familiar, or emotionally charged.
The good news? Attention can be practiced.
Try this simple experiment today:
Choose one ordinary activity—drinking your coffee, taking a shower, or walking to your car—and give it your full attention for one minute.
If you’re drinking your coffee:
Notice the smell before you take a sip. Feel the warmth of the cup in your hands. Take a sip and notice the temperature, taste, and texture. Feel your feet on the floor. Notice the surface underneath your hand as you place the cup back on the table.
If you’re taking a shower:
Notice the temperature of the water as it touches your skin. Feel the water moving over your shoulders and down your back. Notice the scent of your soap or shampoo. Listen to the sound of the water. Feel your feet against the floor.
If you’re walking to your car:
Feel your feet making contact with the ground. Notice the movement of your legs and arms. Feel the air on your skin. Look around and notice the colors, shapes, or movement around you. Listen for sounds you might normally tune out.
When your attention wanders, gently bring it back to what you’re doing.
You’re giving your brain a little practice at coming back to the present moment.
And that is a skill worth strengthening.
Kindly,
Fanny
