Mindful Hobbies That Have Reset My Attention Span

We live in a society that is always demanding of our attention. It’s on our devices, it’s outside when we go for a walk, and it’s on every public transportation platform. Advertisements, reminders, and forms of communication. Especially when one is both chronically ill and a business baddie—the demands for our attention are even more heightened. 

A year ago, I realized I had little to no attention span for anything. Rather than judge my need to multitask due to my attention span, I replaced what I was doing during that time (tv and scrolling) with hobbies that would help lengthen it. Here is a list of what I have found to work for me and why.

Doodling 

This is something that can be done mindlessly or with purpose and intention.I have found doodling to be most helpful when I do it during meetings.. I will not look down at what my pen is creating but will be looking into the camera and being more present with the individuals in my virtual meeting. 

Coloring 

Another activity that could be done during a meeting but would be one where your camera is not needed. I find this hobby more helpful outside of work hours. It allows my mind to enter a flow state and quiet the noise of the day. Having a show in the background is a nice extra add on without too much stimulation.

Junk Journaling 

It is another hobby I have completely fallen in love with, and it challenges my perfectionism traits. I strongly believe it is one of those activities that should not be perfected. It is your own art form and way of remembering moments in your life. It can be as “perfected” as scrapbooking or can be as random or intentional with the literal pieces of “junk” from your everyday life.

Needlepointing 

A new hobby has been unlocked with this one. It was initially intimidating (and has a higher price point than other hobbies mentioned) but I approached it I do with all hobbies: with the intention to relax. If I start diving into the “how’s” or “should” of the hobby I find my perfectionism start to show. So, letting myself learn the basics and then just go with my own flow helps me get into the project more and allows me to fully focus.

Reading and setting a page or time goal

I LOVE reading, it has saved my life and has been my best escape throughout my life. Yet if I find my attention span struggling, I focus on either the entirety of my reading goal for the year, OR I will set a time limit for reading. Usually, 25 minutes so my brain can ideally reach that flow state. Learning new things and escaping into different worlds and relationships can do wonders to your mind and attention span.