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I feel like my attention span has completely disappeared

11 replies

USleepDeprived · 03/11/2025 10:02

Lately I’ve noticed I can’t seem to focus on anything for long. I’ll start reading a book, then pick up my phone, check an email, get distracted by something else — and suddenly half an hour’s gone.
It’s the same at work too. I used to be able to concentrate for hours, but now I find myself jumping between tasks and forgetting what I was doing. I don’t think it’s stress exactly, more like constant mental noise.
I’ve tried cutting down on screen time and taking breaks, but it hasn’t made much difference.
Is this just how everyone’s brain works now, or have I totally messed up my focus habits?

OP posts:
Hotdoughnut · 03/11/2025 10:04

I think it's a really worrying result of screens. The human race is completely fucked.

Grumpyoldpersonwithcats · 03/11/2025 10:05

I have the same probl

Grumpyoldpersonwithcats · 03/11/2025 10:06

Sorry 🤣

ResusciAnnie · 03/11/2025 10:08

Same I’m horrendous! Eg why am I on Mumsnet now when I came upstairs to brush my teeth and am taking DD to the park in 8 minutes? I’m just standing next to my bed typing this. Why do I even carry my phone around with me in order to be distracted like this? Fucking brainless!

I do play piano though and can practise for hours at a time even if I needed the loo an hour ago or am dying for a drink, I don’t move 🤣

Gottocopebymyself · 03/11/2025 10:13

Yes I've got the same problem.

I never thought I would be addicted to looking at my phone but it has really crept up on me. Wanting to break off from what I'm doing and waste yet more time looking at it then having difficulty when I go back to the task I should be doing regaining any concentration.

I've started deliberately leaving my phone in another part of the house, or leaving it inside when I'm supposed to be gardening . It's helping to some extent.

Ragamuffin8 · 03/11/2025 10:15

This is me! No idea how to recover my attention span again. Hoping someone has tips…

mumofoneAloneandwell · 03/11/2025 10:24

Omg same 😭😭😭

Its absolutely shite

angelos02 · 03/11/2025 10:27

Same here. Can't remember the last time I even attempted to read a book. I think it is mobile phone use too. At least I had the luxury of a childhood without one as I'm middle-aged.

3ormorecharacters · 03/11/2025 10:40

I'm the same. Totally ruined, it's actually really scary how phones have changed my brain. I'm so glad I didn't grow up with them. Actually after typing this I'm going to follow a PP's advice and lock my phone away somewhere!

FrothyCothy · 03/11/2025 10:58

Not an ad, but I did purchase a thing called Padlock which locks my phone and I need to physically tap it against the plastic lock to gain access to certain apps and websites - obvs not using it right now as am on MN but find when I need to really focus it does help to create a physical barrier rather than just entering a passcode on my phone to get around any lock features.

AugustBabyBags · 03/11/2025 11:02

Same 😭 (hence I’m here and not finishing my online Tesco’s order like I was supposed to be doing 🫠)

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