Improving Concentration

Does your mind flit from one thing to another? Do you have trouble focusing on something for more than a few minutes? Do you consequently have a bunch of half-finished projects lying around the house, and a dozen half-baked ideas still knocking around in your cranium, and thus a pile of regrets about where you’re at with those things and in your life? If so, what should you do?

SET CLEAR GOALS

Chasing down specific dreams and making firm goals and deadlines will help to keep you accountable to the tasks at hand. Without working towards something, the motivation to work faster or more efficiently is gone. You need to give yourself a reason to focus and remain dedicated to one concept or idea, or else any other potential distraction that comes along may be enough to break your concentration.

REMAIN CALM

Stress causes our body to enter a heightened state of awareness, due to the release of certain hormones and neurotransmitters when we are “stressed out”. Remaining calm, even in potentially tense situations, can be very difficult, but establishing a sense of calm in your life will help your mind from leaping from one thought to the next. You need to establish a peaceful mindset before concentrating on any one thing.

MAINTAIN A ROUTINE

Making a schedule for life is daunting for some people, and impossible to conceive for others. However, if you are willing to regulate your life a bit more, even with set times for going to sleep and waking up, your body will be on more of a rhythm and your stress levels will decrease. This will help you concentrate on the normal order of your day, rather than trying to piece together your plan every morning.

EAT BRAIN-BOOSTING FOODS

The things you choose to eat also have an impact on your concentration. Foods that are high in vitamins, minerals, and organic compounds that stimulate the body and mind are great for concentration, while high saturated fat content, artificial sugars, and empty calories won’t do you any favours when you’re trying to focus. Try adding green tea, blueberries, salmon, oatmeal, and eggs to your weekly diet and see if your brain doesn’t get a bit of a boost!

PRIORITISE TASKS