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Why Can’t I Stay Present in Meetings? 

PostedOctober 16, 2025
UpdatedOctober 16, 2025
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Phoebe Carter, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

If your mind drifts halfway through a meeting or even two minutes in you’re not alone. Struggling with staying present in meetings is a common issue, especially in environments where information overload, digital distractions, or attention difficulties are in play. 

Discover if you have ADHD

Why Focus Slips, and How to Regain It 

Meetings often demand sustained listening, note-taking, and response planning all while filtering distractions. That’s a lot for the brain to juggle. Whether you have ADHD, anxiety, or just back-to-back calls, it can feel almost impossible to maintain focus in the workplace. 

Here’s how attention in discussions breaks down: 

Passive participation:  

If you’re not actively engaged, your mind can check out, leading to missed information. 

Overstimulation:  

Background noise, side chats, or multitasking (like checking emails) splinter your focus. 

Mental fatigue:  

By the afternoon, your cognitive energy might be too drained to process more input. 

Information density:  

Long, fast-paced meetings can overwhelm processing speed, leading to zoning out. 

To stay engaged, try: 

  • Taking handwritten notes to stay mentally active 
  • Asking a question early to stay involved 
  • Requesting agendas in advance so you can mentally prepare 
  • Using breaks between meetings to reset 

If this is a constant struggle, there may be underlying attention issues worth exploring. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations to better understand how brain imaging can inform ADHD treatment.  

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to ADHD difficulty concentrating.  

Discover if you have ADHD
Phoebe Carter, MSc
Author

Phoebe Carter is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Applied Psychology. She has experience working with both children and adults, conducting psychological assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, and delivering evidence-based therapies. Phoebe specialises in neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, and learning disabilities, as well as mood, anxiety, psychotic, and personality disorders. She is skilled in CBT, behaviour modification, ABA, and motivational interviewing, and is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to individuals of all ages.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS, author and a reviewer for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk
Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.