Have
Trouble Concentrating? Follow these 6 tips for better focus.
Imagine this: You are sitting at your desk with heaps of work piled up. You want to get to work but thoughts clatter in your mind. Your motivation levels are spiked but your mind is elsewhere. Your time keeps on passing with your deadline approaching.
We have all found ourselves in this predicament. The inability to focus is a concern for all of us. Following these tips have been shown to gravely increase memory and focus.
What is Concentration?
To start we must understand what concentration is. It is the act of controlling one's attention
at will, as stated by author Remez Sasson. It is to fully be engulfed in the present
at hand and exclude all other wandering thoughts from one's mind.
How to Improve Concentration?
1. PLAY BRAIN-CHALLENGING GAMES:
Like every other muscle, the brain also needs to be trained in order to
stay mentally fit. Certain games such as chess, sudoku, memory games, or
puzzles can aid in improving brain function and short-term and long-term memory.
2. PLAYING VIDEO GAMES:
Puzzles or chess are not the only games that can help. Research shows gaming can enhance one's Visual Selective Attention. This is the ability to focus on the task at hand while not giving in to interferences around you. Another study observed gaming can alter the brain and enhance concentration. However, much about video game addiction and violent behaviours limits such findings.
4. EXERCISE:
Physical exercise
can not only alleviate one's mood but can increase attention and memory as
well. A study observed that exercise could enhance one's mood in just four weeks.
Research also shows people who exercise are less likely to suffer from dementia
and brain atrophy that occurs with age.
3. IMPROVE SLEEP:
Major cognitive functions of the brain such as memory and concentration can be improved by adopting the right sleep schedule. Sleep deprivation may adversely affect one's mood, and performance, and even slow down reflexes. The recommended amount of sleep is seven to eight hours. Some tips to help you sleep better at night:
· Do not use mobile phones or watch Television an hour before you sleep. The blue light from the screen disrupts one's circadian rhythm.
· Soft music or reading a book can help in winding down before sleep.
· Have a routine rather than sleeping at different times every day.
5. GO OUT IN NATURE
Take out at least 15 to 30 minutes out of your day to explore nature.
This might be taking a short walk or just basking in sunlight while sitting in
your garden. Evidence was found that keeping plants in workspaces can lead to a
productivity increase.
6. MEDITATION
Mindfulness meditation can gravely increase memory,
focus, and concentration. By focusing on your breathing one can even help
decrease stress and improve overall health.
