Attention management
The resulting high-frequency switching between processing of visual and auditory input is proven to constrict recognition of important information; driver's reactions to cars braking in front of them are affected, so is recollection of roadside billboards.
[10][11] Attention is also limited by the resources available to the neurons in the brain that enable humans to maintain focus as all processed information contributes to mental fatigue.
Life events only affect the individual to the extent he or she is attending to it; illnesses are perceived as worse if they are more salient and repeatedly expose a person to new negative stimuli.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction is an intense program of training to help students understand and regulate emotions and patterns of behavior.
[28] Attention management strategies commonly include the minimization of interruptions as a variety of evidence suggests that eliminating distractions increases productivity.
[29] Diverted attention can result in reduced performance and stress; research has shown that interruption can cause higher completion time, double task error rate as well as increase the annoyance of the individual.
[30][31] Notifications from electronic devices are some of the most common external stimuli causing distraction and studies indicate that social pressure frequently leads to immediate handling of these interruptions.
Digital attention management systems utilizing machine learning recognize phases in which interruptions are counterproductive for the user and delay notifications.
[30] Besides utilizing digital systems, strategies minimizing interruptions and irrelevant information can also incorporate human resources in form of secretaries, consultants and other assisting employees; this is common practice observable in higher executive levels of companies and in politics.
In his eyes, focus on the essential information can be supported by finding the underlying motivation and discovering fascination and meaning in the task at hand.
