Reclaiming Your Attention: Practical Steps to Resist the Attention Economy

In a world engineered to capture and fragment our attention, reclaiming focus is a vital act of self-care and resistance. Fortunately, attention is a skill that can be trained and expanded through deliberate practice.

One effective method is deep listening — tuning in attentively to ambient sounds and internal states. This practice cultivates presence and calms the mind, counteracting the pull of digital distractions.

Mindful walking, such as navigating labyrinth paths, invites slow, intentional movement that enfolds attention, allowing for reflection and sensory engagement.

Visual training tools, like neuroscience-based apps, demonstrate that focused exercises can improve acuity and attention span, showing the malleability of our perception.

Creating private, slow media spaces — places free from constant notifications and context collapse — supports sustained, meaningful dialogue and thought.

Refusal and doing nothing are also powerful tools. By deliberately stepping back from demands, we restore mental energy and create space for creativity and connection.

Incorporating these practices into daily life empowers us to resist the attention economy, improve well-being, and cultivate deeper engagement with ourselves and the world.