What Is Directed Attention Fatigue (DAF) and How Do You Avoid It?

Directed attention fatigue (DAF) is a state which occurs due to the brain's inhibitory attention mechanisms. Here's how you can avoid it!

Many people find that it becomes more challenging to concentrate as the overall time spent focusing on something increases. That often happens when experiencing directed attention fatigue (DAF).

What Causes Directed Attention Fatigue?

The human brain has an inhibitory attention system that allows people to pay attention to certain aspects while ignoring other stimuli. That’s why many individuals can work on projects while waiting in busy airport terminals or pay attention to friends’ voices while sitting inside a crowded cafeteria.

The inhibitory attention system also helps people stay focused despite internal distractions. Most people occasionally worry about things and get excited about future events. However, such preoccupations usually don’t entirely derail their tasks, staying in the back of their minds instead.

However, the system that allows people to concentrate can get overworked, particularly when individuals devote their attention to one thing for too long. They may then experience DAF. It’s also more likely to become a problem when a person lacks sufficient sleep. The chemicals that enable inhibitory attention are replenished as people slumber.

What Are the Symptoms of DAF?

DAF is like many other issues that affect well-being in that it can get progressively worse if left unaddressed. Early signs can include:

• Irritability
• Impatience
• Forgetfulness

However, more severe cases can affect a person’s judgment, increase feelings of apathy, raise the likelihood of accidents, and decrease overall performance.

How Can People Avoid and Address DAF?

People can use the same methods to either prevent directed attention fatigue or relieve it once they notice the signs. Here are some effective tips to try.

Find Ways to Enjoy Nature

Research about the attention restoration theory suggests that time in nature can relieve mental fatigue and help the brain return to previous concentration capabilities. A study also suggested that setting aside time to enjoy the outdoors can also strengthen familial bonds. That’s true even when people only take a 20-minute walk.

Maybe someone is working from home and sometimes finds that environment challenging. Exercise is an excellent way to conquer mental fatigue. Stepping out of the home office and encouraging family members to take a quick jaunt could refresh attention span and improve relationships.

Create a Quiet Zone

People also increase options for improving focus by designating quiet zones. Some individuals prefer to work with a podcast or music playing in the background, while others need total silence. Many also find their preferences vary depending on their tasks, which is why having a quiet place comes in handy depending on someone’s workload.

Since DAF happens when people concentrate on something for too long, a dedicated quiet area can give them a change of pace. Some people add candles or inspirational pictures to the space to increase their invigorated feelings. Many frontline workers or competitive athletes often spend time in “recharge rooms” to restore focus. A quiet zone stimulates similar effects.

Take Regular Screen Breaks

With so many activities taking place online now, people often feel drained by all the hours spent staring at screens. Many individuals experienced Zoom fatigue during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, sticking to a meeting agenda and limiting session times are two useful strategies for Zoom organizers to consider.

No matter which applications are used or how much a job requires screen time, set reminders to step away from the computer every hour or so. That’s not always possible, so the next best thing is to follow the 20-second rule to give the eyes a break. Look at something at least 20 feet (6.1 m) away every 20 minutes, and gaze at it for at least 20 seconds.

Use Apps to Manage DAF

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Although taking a break from your screen can ease directed attention fatigue, you can also get benefits with specialty apps.

• Mental Fatigue: Use a mental fatigue assessment and scoring system to determine if problems exist and when improvements occur. Download for iOS | Android (Free)
• Brain Focus Productivity Timer: Prevent spending too much time on one task and feeling DAF’s effects. Download for Android (Free)
• Biological Clock: Learn the best time to complete mental and physical activities based on biorhythms. Download for Android (Free)

Understand That All Tasks Can Cause DAF

Some people may think that tasks they do for pleasure won’t make them feel the effects of DAF. However, anything requiring prolonged attention can cause concentration lapses. That includes work-related tasks, as well as anything done for pleasure.

That’s why some experts recommend 17-minute breaks for gaming enthusiasts engaged in lengthy sessions. Besides minimizing mental fatigue, those non-gameplay periods can help people avoid muscle strain and eye tiredness.

Switch Between Activities and Formats When Possible

Another way to address DAF is to limit the amount of time spent on any single activity. Alternatively, look at ways to change the format of what demands attention, such as going back and forth between an e-book and a paper one. That could be especially beneficial when reading about a complex topic.

Research shows that traditional books can increase focus and retain a reader’s attention better than text on a screen. Plus, the format change could address DAF specifically by breaking up prolonged periods of concentration. Someone with books in both electronic and print versions should consider reading one type for 20 minutes, taking a break of a minute or two, and then switching to the other format.

Keep Productivity Levels High

DAF can happen to everyone, but recognizing the signs is vital to preventing it from causing problems with someone’s workflow. Use the tips here to combat directed attention fatigue and restore concentration.

About The Author

Shannon Flynn (16 Articles Published)

Shannon is a content creator located in Philly, PA. She has been writing in the tech field for about 5 years after graduating with a degree in IT. Shannon is the Managing Editor of ReHack Magazine and covers topics like cybersecurity, gaming, and business technology.

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