It’s okay; we have all been there. Sat at your desk with a deadline looming and a mind racing out of control; despite your greatest efforts, nothing is changing. You NEED to concentrate on the task at hand. You’re keen to make a start, but you just can’t seem to focus.
We are easily distracted in this digital age, surrounded by information and a feeling that we need to deal with everything that comes our way. One of the main problems that we all face at some time or another in our lives, is that we struggle to concentrate on the task at hand.
Overcoming this can help with your general wellness.
Examples of where concentration is key
1. A medical surgeon who needs to concentrate in high-pressure situations or a severe mistake could happen.
2. A waiter or waitress in a busy restaurant who needs to concentrate on taking orders correctly and ensuring they are delivered to the correct tables.
3. A stage actor who would need to concentrate and focus during a performance to remember lines, positioning on stage and even facial expressions.
4. A pro poker player must maintain complete focus at the poker table for hours on end or risk making a costly mistake.
5. A chess player must concentrate on what their opponent is doing at all times to win the game.
Better concentration, like any worthwhile skill, takes time. So as you develop your ability to concentrate, keep in mind the following tips:
1. Caffeinate wisely
Caffeine is a known natural stimulant that can significantly improve your capacity to focus depending on how you handle it. A cup of coffee or tea can help you concentrate, as long as it isn’t used as a crutch. On the other hand, caffeine can impair focus by making you feel anxious.
2. Take an Ice Bath
Yes, we know it sounds crazy, but an ice bath or shower is fantastic for the human mind and body. Regular brief bouts of exposure to freezing water cause your Noradrenaline levels to spike, causing a surge of blood into the brain. This immediately increases your vigilance, focus, and attention.
3. Listen to music
Choosing the right music can help encourage focus and concentration. Find playlists specially curated to help you with your job or studies. Sounds-cancelling headphones can also help to eliminate irritating background noise.
4. Divorce your Devices
Limit your use of connected mobile gadgets to combat procrastination.
To restrict phone calls and text messages, put your phone on silent mode, turn off notifications or put your phone on aeroplane mode during work hours or when you need to concentrate on something important.
5. Train your brain
Scientific data on the effectiveness of brain training skills to increase cognitive functions, particularly concentration, in adults is beginning to accumulate.
These brain training sessions can also assist you in improving your short-term memory, as well as your problem-solving and processing abilities.
Chess, sudoku, Jigsaw puzzles, and brain-stimulating computer games are examples.
6. Practice breathing
Stress can cause a lack of focus and poor concentration. In addition to mindfulness meditation, periodic deep breathing exercises can be a great way to re-centre yourself and extend your attention span.
7. Change your Scenery
Even a well-organised workspace can’t always keep your attention from straying.
If you need to reset your concentration, go to a nearby coffee shop or library to complete your work. The unfamiliar atmosphere might help to break old patterns and highlight the importance of completing a specific task.
8. Reward yourself
Find unique ways to treat yourself after reaching your goals. For example, a favourite food, a massage, or a bike ride can all help to reinforce a sense of accomplishment.
9. Chill Out
Sometimes all we need to do is take a chill pill.
The more you need to concentrate, the harder you try, and the faster you fail.
Sometimes, just taking a deep breath and chilling out for 10 minutes might do the trick. Flick through a magazine, watch some junk on the TV, or go out into the garden; then turn your attention back to the task and see what happens. Sometimes 10 minutes of thinking about something else is enough to reset your brain.
Summary
Even the most fastidious of people have times in their life when their focus and concentration go out the window. Hopefully, you will try some of our suggestions, and you can get your focus and concentration back on track.
Faye is the Junior Lifestyle Editor here at The Daily Struggle. She interested in fitness, travel and long romantic walks to the fridge. Faye also loves to try new things, from frogs legs to the latest fad diet – and report back to the rest of your crazy bitches!
