Power of Concentration

You really want to focus and work hard, but still struggle to concentrate ? Surprising enough! Concentration issues, Yes a concern for many!

Teenager finds it tough to be on chair for a longer time, while a college student may be seen fidgeting with a pen during a classroom lecture, and a working professional unable to get the task complete before time.Not to forget, an anxious parent being aware of the child’s potential and skills, but feels helpless due to the flaw of poor concentration resulting into low academics.

Wondering why it happens ? Varied reasons for poor concentration like personal worries, stress, anxiety, tiredness, negative thinking, daydreaming, lack of organizing skills, act as hindrances to concentration.

In psychology, concentration is the ability to focus the mind on one subject, object or thought without being distracted. It is the ability to focus the attention, and at the same time, ignore other unrelated thoughts.

Does this really matter ? Of course, it does because concentration is one of the roots to achieve higher abilities in life. It helps to boost productivity and also improve one’s memory. Therefore, working on the concentration level is utmost important for the best results.

Thinking of possible ways to improve on your concentration level ? Then let’s get started:

Tip 1 : Eat Healthy. Your physiological structure matters a lot. Watch, what you feed body with, as it has direct connection with your concentration. Scientifically said, eating too much or too little can also interfere with your focus. While a heavy meal may make you feel tired, while too few calories can result in distracting hunger pangs.

Tip 2 : Have good amount of sleep. If you wake up tired, you are bound to have low concentration throughout the day.

Tip 3 : Do one task at a time. This will help you to remain focused. A focused mind enables you to carry out everything faster, more efficiently, and with fewer mistakes.

Tip 4 : Check your high energy time. Some have it in the mornings while others have it in the evenings. Studying or doing activities during this time will help focus better on the task at hand. Always start on the tougher activities during the high energy time. As energy levels go down, you can always switch to a lighter activity.

Tip 5 : Ideally, all gadgets including televisions, iPads, cell phones,  need to be switched off or kept in a different room to avoid distractions. If you need to use a computer to work/study, make sure that it is used only for that purpose and nothing else.

Tip 6 : Do not try to push any particular thought out of your mind. When you are trying not to think about something, your mind is occupied and you are not concentrating. Just let the thought go like a breeze, say to self -“Be here now”, and return to the present.

Tip 7 : If you are worried about anything or something is bothering you, then work it out. Don’t keep it in your heart.

Tip 8 :  There is some research evidence to support the theory that catnaps promote concentration and memory.

Tip 9 : Brain games help towards better concentration power and this improves one’s attention span.

Tip 10 : While doing a task, plan a quiet corner away from distractions. Gather supplies before beginning. This will limit interruptions.

Besides, the above tips let’s get into some concentration exercises that may prove effective as well easy to work with:

Exercise 1 : Take a book and count the words in any one paragraph. Count them again to be sure that you have counted them correctly. Start with one paragraph and when it becomes easier, count the words in a whole page. Perform the counting mentally and only with your eyes, without pointing you finger at each word.

Exercise 2 : Close your eyes, and try to stay without thoughts. While doing so, think of nothing at all. Do not let any external sounds and interruptions break your concentration. You will probably find that you cannot keep up this for more than few seconds to start with, but try each day, and you are bound to improve.

To have good concentration you definitely need to train your mind. Remember, improving it is not a day’s game. So rigorously work on it and regain your concentration power!

Arti Desai
Counseling Psychologist
CAREER HORIZONS
1st June 2021.