how to improve your concentration

Are you wondering how to improve concentration? If you haven’t read our 8 Ways to Boost Your Focus – Part 1, follow the link for even more tips on how to improve concentration.

You might be looking to get that last assessment polished off so you can finally register for graduation, or perhaps you need to read a case study for professional development. If you’re seeking tips on how to improve your concentration, take heart, it’s not only possible but surprisingly easy when you know how!

Of course, there are some of us who struggle more than others to concentrate. So, if you’re one of us, take a look at the next list of focus-boosting tips! But first, what affects our ability to focus?

Factors that impact your focus

 

1. Sleep habits

One of the best ways to look at how to improve your concentration is to take stock of your sleep habits. The Sleep Foundation reports, ‘Sleep is believed to help with memory and cognitive thinking. Brain plasticity theory, a major theory on why humans sleep, posits that sleep is necessary so the brain can grow, recognise, restructure and make new neural connections.

2. Movement and exercise

Exercise can boost your memory and thinking skills in just six months, according to Harvard Health’s Dr Scott McGinnis, instructor in neurology. Dr McGinnis recommends establishing an exercise habit, much like taking a prescription medication and being patient as you look for results. Once this healthy habit is formed, exercise for life to improve your concentration!

3. Diet and nutrition

Your diet can improve your brain health. The top foods for a boost in brain power include oily fish – think salmon, tuna, trout and sardines – dark berries, avocado, complex carbohydrates, and coffee and tea. Don’t forget water – stay hydrated to beat the brain fog!

4. Distractions

How to improve concentration? Quite simply, eliminate unnecessary distractions. Obviously, you can’t take away all distractions but try to reduce as many as possible. If you’re prone to being easily distracted, try to work or study in a quiet area (or listen to ambient music) that’s free of clutter. If you can close a door, do so and let people know you need some distraction-free time. You can also turn off mobile phone notifications and close apps on your computer that aren’t absolutely essential.

5. Environment

Is your work or study environment too loud, hot or bright? Our environment has a direct impact on focus. Ensure you’re comfortable in your environment by checking that ergonomics, lighting, and air-conditioning work in your favour.

 

Conditions that can impact focus

Many conditions can affect your ability to concentrate. If these conditions cause your concentration issues, you’ll need to seek medical attention to address your inability to focus.

Anxiety

Anxiety can be all-consuming. Worrying excessively takes a lot of brain power, so it’s little wonder it gets in the way of concentration. Signs of an anxiety disorder include constant worry, fear, indecisiveness and sleeplessness.

ADHD

ADHD has a reputation as being a ‘childhood’ disorder, but that’s not true. Many adults experience the impact of ADHD, which includes trouble focusing, impulsiveness, mood swings and poor time management.

Depression

Depression is a mood disorder that wreaks havoc on our ability to concentrate. It’s more than just feeling sad because the condition affects parts of the brain that control attention, memory and decision-making.

Thyroid conditions

The hormones controlled by the thyroid can significantly impact many bodily functions, including concentration.

How to Improve Concentration – 5 Simple Tips!

There are many ways to boost your focus, but these five simple tips can get your started right away.

1. Connect with nature

Science shows that nature can enhance our problem-solving ability, boosting our brain power. One study showed hikers on a four-day backpacking trip could solve 47% more puzzles requiring creativity than a control group waiting to go on a hike.

2. Train your brain

Your brain can learn and grow throughout your lifetime – a phenomenon known as brain plasticity. Playing specific types of games can help improve your concentration. Examples of brain training games that can help boost your focus include sudoku, crosswords, chess, jigsaws, word searches and memory games.

3. Listen to music

Classical music has been found to help students perform better on exams. That’s because music is highly motivating and can even arouse the brain to absorb new information. Choosing the right type of music is important, as classical music and nature sounds devoid of lyrics are generally better for concentration.

4. Set goals for the day

Set your intentions for the day to hone your focus and accomplish your tasks. If you set aside time the night before, your brain can focus on what matters. It can help to break tasks into smaller jobs to encourage motivation to complete time-consuming projects.

5. Use a timer

If you have trouble staying on task, set a timer. It’s a great way to train your brain to hyper-focus. A 20-minute timer is ideal, followed by a five-minute break. Make sure your break time involves a bit of light exercise, stretches or a glass of water. Just make sure it gives you a bit of a wake-up before your next focus session.

 

Learning how to improve concentration takes time, as what works for others might not work for you. But achieving your goals for a meaningful life is worth the effort.

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