How to Get Your Brain to Focus | Chris Bailey | TEDxManchester 

*Stop reading the comments, and focus on the video*

Me preparing for exams be like: 10% of studying 90% of watching how to study videos

I literally can’t even pray without thinking of another thought. I NEEDED this video

This should be studied in schools. Pretty much every TED should be. It's amazing know that almost everything which is essential in your life and professional life is not studied by school, supposed to learn you basic abilities in your daily life, but the world teaches it to you, the own life, and with your own own efforts you have to comprehend these things.

I've learnt so much from youtube. Without it I wouldnt be who I am now, but at the same time I know it distracts me from my goals and causes procrastination. Its such a double edged sword.

key learnings: 1. *do your homework now, YES NOW* 2. *make yourself bored for a month (by getting rid of distracting things and entertainment like cellphone)* 3. *focus on the most important things you need to do* 4. *minimize/avoid distractions*

I watch TEDx Talks videos to improve my english, but while improving my english i am also getting a lot of knowledge which is opening my mind to how to think and how to take actions in life, and this video is something amazing because i do these activities which he said and it helps me a lot because social media evacuate our mind by grabbing our whole attention, and if you put your phone aside and sit in an open space you will feel how beautiful our life is and we are filled with so many creative ideas [life is not about watching a phone or getting happy, life is about watching things that we are surrounded with and to create something special from them]~manjeet jat

I've had social media uninstalled for about 3 months. You truly are able to achieve a peace of mind and a stronger self awareness. I feel that today's social media creates a constant feeling of missing out which will drag on throughout some people's days and make them believe their life as boring. But truly you are only missing out on life if you are held in a state kf believe that you are missing out.

I have been off social media for 38 days and have came up with more life realizations and business/ life plans that I ever thought possible. I can also read for hours upon hours on end getting so dived up in what im reading that I forget the time. My mind simply has no reason to get distracted because there is nothing to distract my mind. This stuff works, where attention goes, energy flows! goodluck my friends

" WE'RE DOING DO MUCH THAT OUR MIND NEVER WANDERS ANYMORE AND IT'S SAD. " Man that hit me.

For years I (half) joke with friends how much I love standing in lines. I love being at the store and waiting, because I get some of my best thinking done. People talk about how fast time goes by, but I do love to think about how much it can slow down when waiting. I have subscribed for a very long time to the art of "blankly staring off into space" because I know how good it is for my brain. It can be hard (especially because my work is socializing and online and keeping up with all the things all the time) but it's so very important. Especially as a creative who has to come up with content. Gotta let that brain simmer to get stuff done! Nice Ted Talk Mr. Bailey.

Coming from his book, Hyperfocus. It has changed the way i have always thought of focusing. This ted talk is a summary of his book. Exceptional research. I am thankful to him as a student.

Nobody: You: *Trying to watch the entire video without any distraction* "...Ouuuu the comment section!"

As of today: -I am going to eat my meals without watching any RU-vid videos or TV series, just going to sit and eat my meal savorily. -I am going to do my chores without listening to any kind of music or podcasts. -I am going to study without listening to any lo-fi songs (the most challenging one i guess :p) -When I want to listen to music, I'm going to lie on my bed, put on my headphones and enjoy the song I'm listening. I have an exam a week later and, as a medical student, I really need my brain to focus. So if this challenge affect my focusing ability, I will inform you guys. Wish me luck!

This is a lecture. It is really what my mind need at this point in my life. Thank you TEDX and Chris Bailey.

I’m glad I came across this video. Recently, working from home, I’ve realized I’m not able to focus at work/meetings. I feel like my head and eyes are so heavy. I now realize all the extra screens and tablets and phones that’s around me are stimulating my mind constantly to pay attention to one thing. I’ll practice boredom for two weeks and I hope to see positive results. Thank you.

Me: I should focus on my assignments *sees video on how to focus Me: Oooooooh

He didn't stutter once, he truly does know how to focus!

This has to be the best TEDx video I've ever watched. The way Chris explains everything in such an articulate manner and the fact the I could relate to almost everything he has said has really struck me. Thank you Chris for your amazing research and effort!

Distractions will always be there. You have to learn how to keep them away from your activities. This talk is one of the best ones!

*Summary: Use less technology and destimulate your mind for increased focus and ideas* Speaker tells about various screens he sees all throughout the day and decides to take a phone-detox and noticed three things: 1) Attention span grew 2) More Ideas 3) More plans Speaker did extensive research about the effect of technology on attention span. Speaker says that the symptom is that our brains are distracted but the deeper issue Is our brain crave distractions. Technology has a lot of stimulation which causes good-feeling hormones in the brain. It takes 8 days for the brain to adjust to less simulation. Above points 2 and 3 is because we allow our brains to wander - scatterfocus mode(or diffused mode) in which we think about the future half of the time. Ideas come when we are relaxed - our full attention is not captured. We like to think that ' Distraction is the enemy of focus' but the speaker says that over-stimulation is the real cause. Speaker has a 2-week challenge to reduce stimulation: Make your mind less stimulated- waste less time on the phone and disconnect every day. Rediscover boredom and scatter-focus.

I’m overwhelmed always and can’t keep focusing for long time without being distracted with my phone, that make to forget quickly and not even paying attention when people speak to me. This video explains concisely what I’m suffering from.

This TED Talk was fantastic. Lately, I feel like we try to do so much for our business, work, etc that it does just become a overwhelming distraction. I have to use my cell phone for clients, marketing, social media, etc so it will be interesting to see if Chris wrote something for sales professionals as I am a realtor that feels like I live and die by the cell phone. I am going to try and implement his 2-week challenge.

I'm an English student, and this guy speaks so clearly that I can understand pretty much everything, thank you so much for the content!

The speaker is, like, really good at talking, seriously.

Realizing how many times I got distracted just trying to watch this... Much needed and thank you TEDx this will hopefully help me in big ways.

I really recommend this video as the ultimate "HOW TO FOCUS". I have visited different videos regarding the topic of focus and read few books. Other sources have gone too far by mentioning the breathing, walking, eating, regulation which all are effects of maintaining distractions. And this video is all about focus and distractions.

Summary: get rid of distractions and stimulations. This will make your brain be bored, and you will start to wander. While wandering you will get your best ideas. Applying simplicity and boredom to your work will help you develop clearer thoughts thus improving focus.

Me: watching this video without getting distracted RU-vid Ad:

00:00 Reducing screen time improves attention span 02:14 Eliminating a simple device led to improved focus, more ideas, and plans for the future. 04:34 Our brains crave distraction and are overstimulated 06:31 Taking a break from technology can improve focus and creativity 08:34 Letting your mind wander in scatter focus mode can lead to brilliant ideas. 10:30 Letting your mind wander can boost creativity 12:14 We need more space and less stimulation to improve focus. 00:35 Less stimulation leads to a better life

I've been struggling with this so much recently. I loved the insight and awareness that this video brings. We don't need to do more, we need to do less but with focus.

He didn't mention this, but Warren Buffett and Bill Gates said "focus" was the single most important factor in their success through life.

This is important!! “The state of our attention will determine the state of our lives.”

Short summary Intentionally managing your attention: Emphasize the importance of being deliberate about what you pay attention to, and intentionally directing your focus towards your most important tasks. Reducing distractions: Minimize potential distractions such as notifications, emails, and social media in order to stay focused and avoid getting sidetracked. Prioritizing tasks: Prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency, and tackling the most challenging tasks during your peak hours of focus. Embracing boredom: Embrace moments of boredom and use them as an opportunity to recharge and refresh their minds. Taking breaks: take regular breaks to avoid burnout and maintain productivity over the long term.

My atention span is so good that during the first three minutes of this video I was playing Candy Crush Saga,then finished all lives, I checked facebook on my smartphone. But thanks to the quality content of this video I restrained from using my smartphone for the next 11 minutes. Thank you so much.

Mission: give a ted talk without leaving the red circle on the stage floor

It’s interesting that he said our mind wonders about the present and the future more than the past, and how he planned the day ahead in the shower, because it’s totally different for me. 90% of the time when I am bored/relaxed/in the shower, I just go over past events in my head, and relive all those happy or sad or awkward moments

One of the best videos I have ever seen that clearly explains why we get distracted or how to regain that attention and focus. Thank you Chris

Me: has bad grades “I should try this!” Also me: “I’m in online school”

Meditate daily. It is going to give you at least 10× attention span, 10× ideas ,10× plans , increase your memory , help with addictions . Benefits will come slowly but surely.

I read his book named Hyper Focus at the beginning of the year. It is an excellent book and watching this talk is a great way to review the book's content. Thanks so much!

This TED Talk was invigorating, it shows how capable we all are when we arrange the scroll-less activities with more traditional hobbies or down time to be rewarded with inspiration and creativity. A simple act to recharge our human batteries.

If I wasn’t on my phone all the time, I never would’ve found this video

Some practices he recommended: 1. Limit your time with technology - higher attention span. 2. Detox from technology- more time for other plans/become more organized. 3. Do a hobby/activity that takes less focus or concentration- become more creative.

Was so focussed on this video, an ad came, I was irritated by the distraction. Then the ad went away and continued my focus. My mind became light and I continued till the end of the video. ❤

The main thing that I learned out of this Ted talk is that a calm mind is a strong mind. This Ted talk is kind of a watershed moment for those who really understood the message.

I hope one day I can talk like that in front of people .

I've never been so excited about getting bored

I experienced this before watching this video. I still remember that when I was in grade 10, I often spent time on my phone chatting with my ex-boyfriend. After that, we broke up and I tried to find many ways to focus more on myself and I realized that I need to improve my academic performance this next semester. Random thoughts came across my mind that I decided to let my mom to keep my phone. I decided not to use my phone for the last 2 years in my high school and that decision totally changed my life. I know, it was quite inconvenient as no one could contact me directly via calling by phone but I acquired many great values at that moment. Instead of waking up and checking up my phone, I did my daily activities immediately and spent most of my time studying. I still used computer that I could communicate with other people via social media but you guys know that we cannot bring computers everywhere with us and open it anytime, so I could cut down a large amount of time on using technological devices. Similarly, I also end up my day with going to bed immediately instead of spending hours surfing social medias. Trust me, it worked and I used to be a student who just ranked 18th in my class in grade 10, but gradually, I ranked top 2 in grade 11 and became the best student of MY SCHOOL with the highest GPA, not my class anymore in grade 12. And now, after 2 years, I feel overwhelming one more time and I know, it's time for me to leave my phone behind, AGAIN!

It's so true 8 days of reset and feeling mentally healthier . The problem for me is getting to 1 day without toxic and stress. Even if I could get 1 day of positive and positive life issues with resolve and all the work I've put towards my issues worked out and showed some positive out comes.. When this positive actions take place the energy and motivation is a level that provides a energy level that is unreal. When I have positive actions come back to me I feel like I'm on top of the world and no little or big issues seem like nothing. The hold back for me is the ones who create sadness and walls of issues I've already fixed.

Extremely under rated video, a lot more people should watch this.

You know, as a kid, some of my most creative moments were in time-out, staring at the popcorn ceiling

I am happy that RU-vid recommended this video to me this is super awesome.whenever our minds feel free then it goes on a creative road .I am writing for someone to read this I just feel good 😊 .

So clear and interesting. I had the same experienced, having my brain crammed of information: when your mind and your body sent you these kind of signals (out of focus, attention dropping) you have to take a rest and, above all, to detox from your personal devices.

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” - John Muir Let your mind _and_ body wander.

The people who click on this video can’t even finish the video 😂 “focus!!!”

My focus is so bad, I couldn’t even finish the video before scrolling to the next videos and looking at the comments. I needed this video!

Such an incredible speech that can help me to through this hardphase of self blaming just because i couldnt focus doing my job at all.

"we need more space" this man predicted 2020

Oh my dear this TED Talk changed my life for ever! I'm dealing with my focus since years and nobody could help me to improve it. This guy did! Thank you so much!!!

I love this. Took a break from facebook and allowed myself 3 checkups on LinkedIn as I am searching for a job. I deleted all games from my phone. A month and a half and I feel nothing is missing from my life.

He surely knows the proper sequence of delivering a convincing and crystal-clear speech. Thank you for the efforts; the video was amazing!

"Overstimulation is the enemy of focus " Genius outcome .

Probably the best ted talks ive watched so far. Life changing

I am trying to complete my dissertation and I have realized how much the "overstimulation" of my brain throughout the day is blocking the flow of ideas and my ability to concentrate. This was very helpful. I'm going to focus on spending less time on my phone.

I love your speech and the way you brainstorm to understand and explain the root of this issue to us. Many thanks

I deleted insta, twitter and tik tok. And what he says is relevant af

Distraction is the enemy of focus not stimulation. Less stimulation more calmness more calmness. Wonderful perspective is shared.

The video is very useful! Every time I always think about this, why can't I focus on something? This video provides a very detailed explanation. The speaker suggested that the reason we can't focus on it is not because of distraction, but because of overstimulation. One of the things that can create overstimulation is the gadget. Almost 80% of our lives are covered by gadgets. And this turns out to make our minds unfocused. Put down your device, and wait for your focus to increase. I highly recommend this video.

I love how he's literally jumping up and down with excitement as he speaks about his research. It's like he just couldn't wait to tell it to us.

"The state of our attention is what determines the state of our lives" This struck me the most @ 15:15

Wow, I'm actually really proud of myself for watching this through from beginning to end without looking at my phone or going to another browser. This was good, really good. thank you. I will certainly look to implement the aspects mentioned in the video.

Incredibly powerful and useful suggestions! Can't thank you enough for giving this out at the right time. I have been struggling to find the reason for my lack of concentration while studying. I think it is this overstimulation to devices that is killing my creativity, affecting my concentration levels. I will definitely try out this disconnection ritual from today!

Please dont take this video lightly guys... If I saw this video 5 years ago I would be happy and enjoying my life instead of being depressed and not enjoying my life. For the past 6 years of my life I would wake up, play on my phone, go to school, get home, play on my phone, then sleep, rinse and repeat. Eventually my body and mind got tired of this. I developed an anxiety disorder because of it. So now, when im NOT on my phone, instead of my mind wandering, I get really bad and quickly escalating anxiety. My anxiety symptoms are nausea and vomiting. Im at a point right now where if I am alone with my thoughts, I get a really bad anxiety attack and have to distract my self until I settle down. Not just a small distractions works though, I have to escape my own thoughts and if you have ever tried to do that you would know how hard it is to do. I am going through all of this and I am 16 years old... Please guys, if you read this, make sure you dont live your life like I did because now my life has no purpose and I have nothing to look forward to. I am getting help now though and I truly believe I will get better so i guess I can look forward to that. Thanks for reading and please dont take it lightly. ❤️

The problem with phones/distractions is that we are never left alone anymore, we are scared of being left alone with our thoughts because we all have that unfinished project, that disease, that thing troubling us... We don't want to be bored anymore even though out of boredom comes great ideas...

Thank you Mr Chris Baily for sharing your thoughts and journey

9:04 I am currently reading a book: "A mind for numbers", it explains more detailed and scientifically how to take advantage of the this scattered-mode of the brain, totally recommend reading it; Chris Bailey is incredible presenter

*Things that I learned from these is let your mind wander sometimes *Don't engage in social media more than some time set by you . *limit distraction let your self be bored ( practice meditation ) * do what you love for some time ideas and plan will come to you * don't mindlessly scroll through your mobile phone * Be aware about surroundings but let your mind wander sometimes

“Get off your phone” - your phone

The same thing happened to me while preparing for class 12th I am totally out of technology intensionlay so after some time my brain 🧠 Start getting dopamine from studying itself.. and more calmer I became. I am starting to get new ideas . sleep quality has improved drastically.. but In college I am not able to get back to the same routine I know how great and magical it was .

This is what I need. An actual logical and fun thing to listen, not getting slammed by my parents whenever she's nagging at me when I even touch phone for 0.00000001 seconds

Me after watching this video: I am gonna be more focused from now on. Me after watching more 24 TEDtalks videos: Okay, from tomorrow.

He's like an actor, acting , moving around to grab our attention, oh Man

He speaks so clearly. I really enjoyed this talk.

Get rid of distractions and stimulations. This will make my brain be bored and will start to wander then will get many good ideas. "applying simplicity and boredom will help develop clear and improving focus. Distractions are not the enemy of focus, but part of focus.Thank you a million.

I don't understand why Ive heard some people make fun of ted talks throughout the years. There are legit people giving us pieces of good advice that we actually find interesting, there is nothing wrong with that.

I can't even focus to watch this video.

This man wrote a book i read named Hyperfocus. I recommend everyone to read that book, helps so much since im a student

This is a lecture. It is really what my mind need at this point in my life.

Who's here because of unfinished assignments?

To everyone who is reading this may all your dreams come tru and be truly happy 🤗🤗🤗

This man has changed my life. Thank you so much!

To anyone that reads this, make certain before you go to SLEEP. Plan what you will do tomorrow, this allowed me to structure my decisions, making less and less unnecessary distractions

As a child, I used to watch the clock often. For different reasons, it wasn't boring.

"The state of our attention is what determines the state of lives", this phrase is so meaningful

This is the most valuable thing that I've learned this month! Thanks a lot to the speaker🖤

it is clear that my mobile phone use explains my decline in study patterns. less productiveness = more phone time. what a great video thank you☺️

"Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere."

The Speech was wonderful, we have to learn a lot from him. During his explanations, he didn't step out of the circle where he was standing. Focus :)

Thank you, Chris Bailey, wonderful presentation 😄🙏🏽