- If you find it difficult to “focus”, read this.
- You’re trying to concentrate, but your mind starts wandering and you’re easily distracted
- What happened to the laser-sharp focus you once enjoyed?
- What’s fogging up your focus?
Well, here are 10 Ways to Improve your Focus and Concentration skills, in the below post, you will also learn how to minimize and get rid of distractions.
1. Minimize multitasking
Attempting to perform multiple activities at the same time makes us feel productive
But it’s also a recipe for lower focus, poor concentration, and lower productivity.
Multitasking not only hampers our ability to focus but compromises our work quality.
2. Practice the Pomodoro method
This is a time-blocking method that can help compartmentalize your tasks into manageable 25-minute intervals.
This method gives you the needed break in between work sessions to help you maintain focus longer and more sustainably.
Here’s how the Pomodoro method works:
• Set your timer for 25 minutes and get to work
• When the buzzer sounds, take a 5-minute break
• Then, set the timer again and get back to work
• Once you’ve done four rounds of this, you can take a longer break (20-30 minutes)
3. Get rid of distractions
You need to eliminate distractions.
While you can’t do away with everything, you can make an effort to reduce or get rid of as many distractions as possible.
Start with the simple things like:
– turning off notifications on your phone or turning your phone off altogether
– telling those around you not to distract you for a period of time
– closing out of programs that aren’t essential on your computer
4. Establish a to-do list
Having a written plan of action can increase productivity.
After you make your list, choose two or three key tasks and put them at the top
Then rank the rest in order of importance
This will help you prioritize what tasks you need to get done first.
5. Set SMART goals
If your lack of focus is a result of feeling overwhelmed by a complex workload,
Break it down into smaller parts and plug the smaller steps into the SMART formula.
6. Train your brain to focus
Your brain is a mental muscle, and if you are easily distracted you will definitely benefit from “brain training” exercises.
Examples of such exercises include jigsaw puzzles, sudoku, chess, and brain-stimulating video games.
7. Exercise regularly
Regular exercise releases chemicals key for memory, concentration, and mental sharpness.
And, since the body and mind are so closely linked,
“when your body feels better so, too, will your mind.”
8. Fuel your body
Fuel your body with foods that moderate blood sugar, maintain energy, and fuel the brain.
Try to balance lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats to stay fueled
Be sure to keep yourself hydrated with plenty of water.
Include a few of these “best brain foods” in your day:
• Green leafy vegetables like spinach, and broccoli
• Fatty fish such as salmon
• Berries like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries
• Walnuts.
9. Get enough sleep
One of the main symptoms of lack of sleep is poor concentration.
Getting a solid seven to eight hours ahead of a busy work day could be the difference between being frazzled and being laser-focused.
To boost your sleep, try to:
– Switch off all electronic devices an hour before bedtime.
The light from these devices can stimulate your brain and prevent you from feeling sleepy.
– Take time to wind down. Read a book, take a warm bath, listen to soothing music.
10. Be more mindful
By being mindful and recognizing when your attention starts to drift, you can quickly bring your focus back to where it needs to be.
You can actually train your brain to be more mindful by practicing
– Breathing techniques
– Meditation, and
– Yoga.
Control your Mind
Control your Life
