How to Increase Your Focus and Attention

Anyone who is looking to increase their productivity so that they can reach their goals needs to find strategies on how to achieve a better focus and a greater attention span. There are so many distractions that we are all surrounded by in the modern-day world, that it can be difficult for you to direct your attention on what matters most to you. Due to this, it’s important to find strategies that allow you to concentrate on specific tasks and achieve a better focus overall.

If you are struggling to maintain good focus, here are just a few helpful methods that could really help you out: 

Meditation

Meditation is an ancient method used to boost concentration. Many successful business people have sworn by its effectiveness to calm the mind and dramatically improve focus. Studies have shown that by meditating on a regular basis, you can reduce your stress levels significantly, focus your attention on the task in hand and make decisions with clarity.

When meditating, you should be concentrating solely on your breathing, as this trains your mind to focus on one thing at a time. It’s important that you sit comfortably and try not to move a single muscle, as you should be trying to ignore your body and physical state and instead, aim to increase your concentration levels.

Once you are able to focus your mind, you could introduce a mantra into your meditation routine. Mantras are one-syllable words that may enable you to focus more effectively. While meditating, repeat the phrase on multiple occasions. Many have found that once they inhale, overwhelming thoughts can enter the mind; however, by making a sound, you’re ultimately allowing the brain to concentrate on something other than your worries.

Make lists

Making lists isn’t just a tactic used by those who struggle to get organized, it’s actually how many of the most prepared people you know get through their day. When the mind becomes overwhelmed due to a busy schedule, it can be easy to forget some of the most important tasks which can leave you feeling stressed and lacking in focus.

Writing down what needs to be done on a daily basis is a great way of analyzing where your priorities lie. Figuring out when to schedule tasks and make use of your time effectively will ensure your day is much more productive.

Here are some key tips when it comes to list-making:

·         Write it out the night before

Going to bed stressed can interrupt your sleep pattern, meaning you are bound to wake up feeling drained and less focused for the day ahead. However, writing out a to-do list the night before means you wake up with certain goals that need to be achieved, as you already know what to expect. Banish chaotic mornings and regain control by planning.

·         Schedule timings

Although you can never be sure exactly how much time each task will take, it may be worthwhile to give yourself some time estimates so you don’t fall behind. This way, you’ll be able to set yourself realistic goals on what you’re likely to accomplish during each day and if you do have any time spare, it’s a bonus! Building your days around timings is perfect for keeping your focus in check.

Herbal remedies

According to studies, there are many herbal remedies which can help you to keep focus, broaden your attention span and enhance memory. Researchers have discovered that herbs have been used for centuries for both the healing of illnesses and improving mental clarity. Herbs can be taken in syrup form or capsules and tablets; however, a new and innovative method is through vaping.

Terpenes from plant oils have been used for wide range of therapies and medicinal purposes, some of which have been proven to enhance focus and attention. Many vape oils now contain terpene blends and can also be added to tobacco, so if you’re a smoker or vaper, consuming these natural remedies will become part of your daily routine. You can learn more here about terpenes and their beneficial effects on the body.

Declutter

Whether you work from home or in an office, you are bound to lose your concentration and focus if your workspace feels overly cluttered and untidy. Lisa Zaslow, a professional organizer in Manhattan said: “Surveys show that the average person loses an hour a day to disorganization…think about how frantic and stressed you are when you can’t find something”.

Even though you may not be tuned in to the amount of clutter that you have allowed to consume your workspace, you are probably completely unaware of how your mind has still been affected. Your brain can only process a certain amount of information at one given time, therefore, so if it becomes too distracted by a mess and clutter in your immediate surroundings, your attention will become easily shifted.

With this in mind, it would be wise to take a look at your workspace and see if you can get rid of unwanted junk and allow for a more organized space. Don’t just throw bits and pieces into a cupboard as they’re bound to make a return. Spare some time to go through your belongings and work out what can be kept and what should be thrown into the garbage.

Take a break

You may believe that you just don’t have enough time in the day to allow yourself to take a break, however, a proven strategy to help concentration is to leave your surroundings and simply take a much-needed break.

Our brains simply cannot cope with constant concentration, therefore, allowing for a breather every now and even will improve your focus over long periods of time.

During your next study session or perhaps even at work, try and concentrate for around a 25-minute period and then allow yourself a 5-minute break. Once you have done so on several occasions, try and push yourself to concentrate for longer and you will notice a real difference in your concentration levels.