MONDAY MANIA: THE CURIOUS CASE OF THE UK’S WEEKLY FOCUS FRENZY

Do you find yourself yawning uncontrollably at work or unable to keep your attention on a single task? Well, you’re not alone. In fact over a third of us say we have been regularly impacted by tiredness in the past year.

The focus game in the UK has been severely impacted since the pandemic, with 41% admitting that their ability to concentrate has taken a nosedive according to research.

But what exactly is causing this mass focus failure? 32% attribute it to poor sleep, while other factors like boredom (20%), noisy spaces (16%), and hunger (15%) also contribute according to the report

Mondays are when most Brits feel the sharpest (29%), with the least-focused day being both Tuesday and Thursday (16%). The peak productive hours are between 9 am and 12 pm, when 51% of Brits report feeling most effective. But even during these prime hours, the average focus duration for different tasks varies wildly. Meetings lose our interest after 33 minutes, while email sessions fizzle out at around 30 minutes.

Surprisingly, even enjoyable activities like watching films or chatting with friends aren’t immune to focus issues, with attention waning after 59 and 44 minutes, respectively. When it comes to exercise, the average focus duration is a mere 38 minutes.

The impact of this focus crisis is felt across all aspects of life. 16% report that their work has been affected by a lack of focus, with reprimands coming from bosses or colleagues. A further 21% say they have been told off by a family member.

But there is hope! To regain focus, 23% of Brits find solace in going for a walk, while 19% advocate for taking breaks. Listening to music also does the trick for 18% of people.

The UK is undoubtedly in the midst of an attention crisis, with the pandemic exacerbating already struggling focus levels.

To find out how we can understand our limitations and what solutions might work for us to reclaim our productivity and conquer the focus frenzy, we’re joined by Neuroscientist, Dr Jack Lewis, to get into it…

Introducing Dr. Jack Lewis, a globally recognized brain expert who has dedicated his career to helping people unleash the full potential of their minds. With over a decade of experience in speaking engagements, books, blogs, and TV appearances, Dr. Lewis has established himself as a leading authority in the field of neuroscience.
During his time as a researcher, Dr. Lewis focused on understanding how the brain processes sensory information, such as vision and hearing. He published numerous research papers in respected scientific journals and presented his findings at international conferences.
Dr. Lewis then shifted his focus to science communication, with a mission to help people understand the latest research on brain function and how it applies to everyday life. He has since become a highly sought-after speaker, consultant, and media personality, known for his ability to explain complex neuroscience concepts in an engaging and accessible way.
As the presenter of several TV series, including the popular Secrets of the Brain currently available on Curiosity Stream, and a frequent guest on award-winning documentaries and live TV shows such as Ranganation, Big Brother, This Morning, and BBC Breakfast, Dr. Lewis is known for his ability to explain the latest research on brain function and how to improve it in a captivating and easy-to-understand way.
Dr. Lewis is the author of four books, including the bestselling business book Sort Your Brain Out, which has empowered readers to develop habits that lead to better decision-making, enhanced creativity, resilience, and improved understanding of cognitive bias and body language. He has also developed six different brain talks, which he has presented to audiences worldwide across every industry sector, helping people make positive changes to their daily habits.
As a business consultant, Dr. Lewis provides neuroscience-informed insights from the academic literature that give companies an edge over their competitors. His expertise in this area has made him a sought-after speaker and advisor to businesses looking to optimize their operations.
With his vast experience contributing to live broadcasts, Dr. Lewis is a natural in front of the camera, and his insights have been featured on radio and television programs worldwide. His latest book, Sort Your Brain Out (2nd edition), which has been recently updated with the latest scientific research, is a must-read for anyone looking to unlock the full potential of their brain.
In short, Dr. Jack Lewis is an internationally recognized brain expert who has dedicated his career to helping people understand and improve the way their brains work.