How to Stay Awake in Class/Boardroom/Staff Meeting
Current research on brain function by psychologists like Leonard Sax and Michael Gurian explain why boys and men tend to drift off even during important meetings.
It seems the male brain doesn’t function in such a way as to maintain long periods of focus in a language heavy environment. Instead, after 8 to 15 minutes of being talked at the male brain enters a recharge state and basically zones out until it can reboot and start dealing with large amounts of language again.
On the other hand, males can capitalize on their nature to be extremely task oriented and maintain high focus on actually doing something, rather than talking about it, for extended periods of time.
So, what can you do to stave of the boredom that comes from being in overly wordy situations? Research suggests the following strategies might be helpful.
- sit as close as possible to natural light, sunshine won’t put you out as quickly as flickering fluorescents.
- squeeze a stress ball or a grip strengthener, having this manipulative to keep you at least minimally active will keep your from fading out.
- take notes with a multi colored pen, shifting from one color ink to another will help you compartmentalize information and make it easier to retrieve information later.
- hydrate, being thirsty will cause you to become lethargic.
- watch the speakers mannerisms closely, the male vision structure is very attuned to motion, focusing on the movements of the speaker will help you stay tuned in.