Overwhelmed and Scattered? It Could Be Popcorn Brain

If you’re finding it hard to focus, you might be dealing with “popcorn brain”—a term coined to describe the overstimulated mental state caused by constant digital consumption. Harvard stress expert Dr. Aditi Nerurkar says our brains are so used to nonstop scrolling that we’ve lost the ability to slow down, disconnect, and be present. In her book The 5 Resets, she offers practical fixes: limit social media to 20 minutes twice a day, turn off push notifications, keep your phone away while working or sleeping, and replace screen time with calming alternatives like walking or journaling. It’s not easy, but your stress—and your focus—will thank you.