health
February 2, 2026
Do you like cat photos? Are you constantly distracted? You’re probably actually quite good at focusing: 10 myths about attention
Every second, 11m bits of information enter our brains, which then efficiently prioritise them. We need to learn to work with the process, rather than against it
TL;DR
- Many perceived 'distractions' are actually the brain prioritizing information it deems important.
- The mere presence of a phone, even if not actively used, can negatively impact cognitive function and working memory.
- Constantly switching between tasks, even for short periods, significantly reduces efficiency and can temporarily lower IQ.
- The 'flow state' is difficult to achieve consistently and not a realistic daily goal; focusing for short, uninterrupted periods is more attainable.
- Brain fatigue is real; tackling the most important tasks first is more effective than starting with 'easy wins'.
- Restorative breaks involve minimal cognitive load, such as walking or staring out a window, rather than engaging with new information like social media.
- While time-blocking can work for some, it relies on inaccurate predictions of task duration and can be counterproductive.
- Meetings, though often disliked, can be more effective than excessive emailing, which is a major drain on concentration.
- We have more power to resist distractions than we assume by establishing routines and setting clear boundaries.
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