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10 Ways to improve your concentration

A song plays in the far distance, and you’re instantly distracted. A text notification pops up on your phone; you get side-tracked from your job.

Someone chats to you while you’re working and you can’t concentrate…

Why is it so easy to lose focus?

The good news: there are ways to improve your concentration.

1. Make a plan

Find a way to structure what you’re about to do. Set a time target to achieve your task. This will help you feel a sense of accomplishment and increase your drive towards your goal.

2. Choose your environment

Finding a suitable spot to focus is important. It needs to be an environment that is calm and has the least distractions. Temperature is just as important, it can be distracting if your room is too warm or cold.  Don’t forget proper lighting and definitely sit in a comfortable chair. Have all the essentials you will need around you, like water or snacks. You’re less likely to get up and go to the kitchen, saving you time.Hunger can be distracting and it signals that your brain isn’t getting the energy it needs to fuel your focus and concentration.

3. Avoid multi-tasking

Multi-tasking doesn’t allow you to focus on the most important thing at hand. Handling one job at a time will ensure that you give your best.

4. Cut the noise

Put your phone on silent or switch it off for a few hours. Alternatively, get earplugs, or if you concentrate better with music, try concentration music. There’s music that’s known to calm your brainwaves and can put you in a mode for better concentration.

5. Understand the task

To successfully do anything, you must understand it. Start with a basic and generalised view. This is a good way to get a running start at completing what you intend to do and not become discouraged.

6. Divide the tasks

Divide your tasks into manageable, bite-sized chunks. Tick each one off your to-do list for a sense of accomplishment.

7. Beat procrastination

We’re all guilty of procrastinating. Motivate yourself to finish your tasks by telling yourself to not leave your chair until you’ve finished your work. Once you’re halfway through it, you will find the motivation to finish off the rest. Keep sticky notes at your desktop, encouraging you to keep going.

8. Know your peak times

Everyone has certain peak times during the day or night when their concentration is better. Identify your optimum working time and get going!

9. Support your focus

Eat nutritious meals for brain support:

  • Omega-3 rich foods like fish, walnuts and pumpkin seeds.
  • Leafy green vegetables like spinach.
  • Avocados have healthy fats that support healthy blood flow.
  • Wholegrains help improve blood flow, regulate glucose (balanced glucose levels make it easier to concentrate), and decrease the risk of plaque building up in the brain.
  • Blueberries can improve learning while protecting the brain from free radicals.

10. Get enough sleep

Get proper sleep. If your sleep cycle is reasonable, the quality of your day will improve.Your mind also needs rest and proper sleep. You need to concentrate the most when you have something important to accomplish. So, if you deprive yourself of sleep, you can say goodbye to a productive day!

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