The majority of people are increasingly affected by the issue of lack of concentration. Focused completion of an activity may seem unattainable in a world full of distractions and information, yet it is not impossible. We’ve put together a few pointers to help you overcome your inability to focus.
How to improve lack of concentration?
1. Understanding the origin of the problem
Try to identify the source of your inattention before making any changes to your routine or habits. Numerous things can lead to poor concentration, such as:
- Stress;
- Excess of technology;
- Mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
In the latter scenario, getting expert assistance is worthwhile. It’s important to pay attention to the surroundings when you find yourself becoming inattentive. It’s possible that the location itself, with its loud noises and diversions, is the issue rather than your habits or health.
In certain situations, it makes sense to rearrange the setting in which you must concentrate or to use headphones to listen to peaceful music or natural sounds. Discovering the root of the issue will greatly simplify the process of coming up with a fix.
2. Create a focus-friendly environment
The environment plays a crucial role in concentration performance. As previously stated, a place with excessive noise and distractions can be the main cause of a lack of attention. With that in mind, we’ve put together some tips on how to make your environment conducive to focus:
- Keep the space organized and visually clean, so that there are no visual distractions;
- If you need to perform your duties in a noisy environment, control the noise made in the room using noise-cancelling headphones;
- Make sure the environment has adequate lighting;
- Use a comfortable chair with good back support;
- Keep your monitor at eye level to avoid strain on your neck;
- Regarding the keyboard and mouse, position them so that your arms are comfortable.
3. Manage your time well and understand what to prioritize
Managing your time effectively can help you stay more focused. Create goals to achieve and a reward system – such as a slightly longer break – to stay motivated to complete your tasks.
Taking into account that one of the consequences of a lack of concentration is procrastination, being able to finish your tasks is a great victory.
4. Have an established routine, with physical care
A well-established routine, with prioritization and care for your body, will do wonders for concentration, after all, clutter and physical state directly affect our mind.
With this in mind, create a defined routine with moments for breaks, leisure and physical care, such as these:
- Regular exercise: physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, which significantly improves cognitive function;
- Balanced diet: consume foods that are rich in nutrients, lean proteins and healthy fats, avoiding excess processed foods;
- Stay hydrated: drink water throughout the day. To know the ideal amount, multiply 35 (which corresponds to ml) by your body weight;
- Take care of your sleep: establish a regular sleep routine, limiting electronic stimuli before going to bed and resting your body and mind so that you have the energy for all the tasks of the next day.
5. Reduce your use of technology
As previously mentioned, technology can be the main cause of distraction. With this in mind, it is interesting to limit its use. Turning off unnecessary notifications, setting screen time limits and using focus apps, which block distractions during concentration time, are some good techniques that can be used.
6. Have a self-assessment and reflect
Focused on improving your lack of concentration, all you want most is results. And the results are responsible for the motivation to continue striving to be increasingly concentrated. With this in mind, it is interesting that you regularly carry out a self-assessment, reflecting on your progress, which practices were most effective and how to improve further. Check out some self-assessment tactics:
- Productivity diary: keep some records of your activities in a diary, what you did that day to improve your concentration and what your level of focus was. Note patterns or factors responsible for improvement. This way, you will be able to better understand what to do to have greater concentration;
- Self-feedback: another tip is to do a monthly or weekly self-assessment to adjust your strategies, see what worked and what didn’t work to continue your project.
To improve lack of attention, it is necessary to be available for a change in lifestyle, managing time better and taking care of the body, mind and the environment in which one lives, works and studies. However, with all these tips and strategies, you will be able to better deal with lack of concentration.
