How long does your attention span really last? Take this test

• How long does your attention span really last? Take this test
• Why can't you concentrate when reading? It's not you, it's your brain (learn to rewire it)
• Brain Rot: How It Affects Us and How I Beat It to Enjoy Books More
• Setting the Stage to Improve Your Concentration While Reading
• Are you unable to concentrate while reading? Discover the reasons why.

They say that what is measurable is improvableBut I don't get the feeling we have a hard time measuring our attention, and that's normal. It's difficult to quantify, we don't usually take it into account, and I'd say sometimes we don't even know it exists...

So I ask you: Have you ever sat down with the intention of diving into an important book or article, only to find that, a few minutes later, your mind is wandering for a to-do list, the latest viral video, or what you're having for dinner?

It's a rhetorical question. The answer is yes—and you know it. The good news is you're not alone. In fact, I'd say We are the majority who respond with a resounding YES to that question.

In a world saturated with constant notifications and stimuli, Maintaining focus has become a true superpower and companies fight fiercely for your attention.

But let's go back to the beginning and what is measurable. How long can you really keep your attention focused, especially when it comes to reading? Let's do an exercise to find out your attention threshold.

It's the first step toward improving your reading and enjoying it more, whether for pleasure, study, or work.

Why is it important to know your reading attention span?

Attention span isn't just an abstract metric, it's incredibly important and has a direct impact on:

• Comprehension: If your mind constantly wanders, it's difficult to follow the thread of the narrative or arguments, which significantly reduces what you retain and means you have to constantly go back.
• Enjoyment: Immersive reading, that feeling of getting lost in a story, is only possible with sustained and full attention. There's nothing better than that feeling of "Time has flown by".
• Efficiency: If you read for academic or professional reasons, good attention allows you to absorb information more quickly and effectively. It's also your source of income... Imagine how important that is.

The First Detour Test: Measures your actual attention while reading

This simple test does not require sophisticated equipment, just a little bit of honesty with yourselfAnd this—in addition to being important in every aspect of your life—is fundamental in this case.

The goal is not to see how long you can force yourself to read, but how long you read carefully real before your mind naturally begins to wander. And it will, so the key isn't whether it will, but how long it takes. Don't worry. It happens to all of us.

Preparation:

1. Choose your reading material: It could be a book you're reading, a long article you have pending, or any text just a few pages long. It's preferable to use a physical copy to avoid the distractions inherent in electronic devices, but if it's digital, be sure to turn off notifications.
2. Look for a quiet environment: Find a place where you know you won't be interrupted for at least 20-30 minutes. I've already told you how to prepare that place for reading here.
3. Prepare a stopwatch: The one on your phone will work, but set it to airplane mode or "Do Not Disturb" so it only functions as a stopwatch. Don't add to the difficulties you already have with unnecessary notifications.
4. Have a notebook and pen handy: It's important to keep track of your time, and even better if you do it on paper, as it helps you stay more present than if you do it on your phone, and it also helps you avoid the temptation to use it.
5. Clear intention: Decide that you're going to read with the goal of understanding and enjoyment, not breaking a record. It's not a race but a test to improve your attention span. You're competing with yourself and your mind.

Test Instructions:

1. When you're ready, start the stopwatch and start reading at your normal, comfortable pace.
2. Pay attention not only to the text, but also to your own mind.
3. Continue reading until the exact moment when you realize that:
   • Your mind has deviated significantly from the text (you are thinking about something else).
   • You have reread the same sentence several times without processing it.
   • You feel a strong and unmistakable impulse to stop reading to do something else (look at your phone, get up, etc.).
4. As soon as you identify that "first clear detour", stop the stopwatch immediately.
5. Note the elapsed time. That's your current attention threshold for reading under those conditions.

You can make one psmall comprehension test (Optional but recommended):
Right after you stop the timer, try to summarize mentally or in one sentence what you just read in the last paragraph or two before your attention was broken.

If you have trouble remembering it, it is possible that your attention effective may have decreased even slightly before you became fully aware of the deviation. This means your concentration level is even lower.

Interpreting Your Results (Calmly!)

This test is a self-awareness tool, not a clinical diagnosis, so relax. Your results may vary depending on the day, your level of fatigue, your interest in whatever you've decided to read, or even your environment.

• Less than 5 minutes: It indicates a very scattered attention span. This is normal, so don't get frustrated. It's a good starting point for working on focusing techniques.
• 5-10 minutes: A common range in the digital age. There's room for improvement for deeper readings. It's time to keep working.
• 10-20 minutes: Not bad! You can tackle meaningful reading passages. Don't get distracted, as good results don't last forever.
• More than 20 minutes: Congratulations. You have a pretty solid attention span for reading. That's what should be normal, and I guarantee you it isn't. Keep it up.

The important thing is not the exact number, but have a personal reference. Repeat the test at different times or with different types of text to observe patterns.

What now? Tips to strengthen your attention muscle

The good news is that attention, like a muscle, can be trained. Here are some strategies I've already discussed to improve your concentration:

1. Create a “Reading Sanctuary”: As I said before, minimize distractions. Put your phone in another room or put it on airplane mode and create an ideal space for reading practice. It will be your little "fortress."
2. Pomodoro Technique: One of my most read articles. Read in defined time blocks (start with your test time or even less, for example, 15-25 minutes) followed by a short break (5 minutes).
3. Active reading: Don't be afraid to mark books. That's what they're meant for. Underline, take notes in the margins, ask yourself questions about the text. This keeps your mind engaged.
4. Start slowly: If you have a short attention span, don't try to read for an hour straight. Start with short sessions and gradually increase the length.
5. Choose engaging content: It's not all your fault. Some texts are dense, heavy, or simply not well-written. It's easier to stay focused if you're passionate about the topic. Alternate required reading with others you truly enjoy.
6. Conscious breaks: Related to the Pomodoro Method. When you take a break, avoid immediately jumping on social media. Get up, stretch, look out the window.
7. Practice Mindfulness: It's changed me in many ways, but this is perhaps the most striking. These mindfulness exercises can help you become more aware of when your mind wanders and redirect your attention more easily.

Understanding and improving your attention span is a journey, not a destination. Use this test as a compass to guide you. Let me know your results and what strategy you're going to follow in the comments!