Concentration Keys

by: AndreaDow
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Word Count: 467

Our ability to concentrate or focus can drop significantly if any of the following scenarios is present.

Fatigue: a San Francisco Brain Research Institute study showed that staying up even 1 hour later than normal can significantly decrease concentration ability.
Stress
Physical distress: hunger, illness, depression, anemia, diabetes or thyroid disease.
Multitasking: on the phone, typing, eating and watching TV at the same time. Harvard Medical School professors Edward Hallowell, MD, and John J. Ratey, MD, say that juggling too many activities simultaneously actually makes it harder for the brain to focus. Try to be present in the moment and do one thing at a time for best results!

How do we take care of ourselves knowing that at any given point we have all experienced one if not all of the above blocks to good concentration?

Fuel your body and mind: skipping breakfast or other meals and impair concentration and mental performance. Steer clear of supplements or vitamins promising concentration as there is no definitive research on this subject yet.
Sleep (see my blog on tips for better sleep) 7-9 hours is recommended.
Exercise: notice how this tip shows up on every self-help checklist!
Decrease environmental distractions: turn off the radio, close the door, and limit both pleasant and unpleasant smells.
Maximize your best time of day: we all know a night owl and a morning bird. Know your body and schedule important projects during your peak time.
Time- management strategies: avoid procrastination so your mind can focus on what is happening now instead of thinking about the future.
Mantra: when your mind is racing….take a few deep breaths and repeat “Be here now.” This practice borrowed from Zen Buddhism is a great way to stay present.
Plan a time for worrying: set aside a specific time during the day where you will address all of you worries. During the day you can focus better knowing that you can worry later.

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