Fix Your Concentration Troubles and Get Focused

Television, Netlfix, Spotify, Hulu, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, podcasts, smartphones, Google, Amazon… what do all these things have in common? They are all distractions. Distractions from what you really need to be doing during your day. Whether it’s from your job, schoolwork, your relationship, calling your parents or writing that article, there are a million reasons out there to do it later. That ambiguous “later,” the place where we put everything we don’t want to do until we absolutely have to. Sometimes we put our obligations off due to procrastination, but sometimes it is simply because we just can’t get focused.

As a writer, focusing on my work is the most important thing I have to do in my week. Some days I can hunker down and fly through my work no problem at all. However, other days it can feel like my mind is in a fog and I can’t metaphorically see what I have to do no matter how hard I try. Those are the moments that the frustration sets in, usually meaning my chances of being productive that day have been shot.

In a world where we love to place labels like ADD and ADHD on those who have chronic struggles with paying attention, it is important to understand that it is normal to have concentration issues. I know I am not alone when it comes to having lapses in concentration, and frankly, in a world where there are seemingly nothing but distractions, it seems like a miracle anyone gets anything done at all. The good news is that there are ways to harness our ability to focus. Here are five reasons you might be finding it hard to concentrate.

1. Fatigue. Trying to do anything while you’re tired feels impossible, and it basically is. Sleep fuels our brain and body, and when that tank is low there is no way to efficiently concentrate. The only real solution is to get a decent nights sleep. If that isn’t possible, try taking a short, 10 minute nap. You will be amazed how much better you feel.

2. Stress. Stress is an unavoidable aspect of everyone’s life. It is way easier to think about all the stuff that is stressing you out rather than the task at hand. Unfortunately, there is no real cure for lowering stress levels, but finding small ways to calm yourself down could help you find relief and allow you to regain focus.

3. Multitasking. It is impossible to do more than one thing at a time, so stop trying. Instead of getting a bunch of stuff done at once, multitasking causes you to do each task poorly. Slow down, make a to-do list and focus on each individual task at once. It will lower your stress levels and help you concentrate.

4. Boredom. It’s hard to keep your mind focused on something that isn’t mentally stimulating. Usually your daily routine isn’t the most exciting of activities, but you have to stay sharp despite that fact. Try spicing up your week by taking time to do things you like, even if it’s just grabbing your favorite coffee or getting a drink with a friend after work. Breaking up the daily grind will help get your mind back in the game when it comes to the boring stuff.

5. Physical distractions. If you are in pain or have a cold, you are going to have trouble concentrating through it. The mind body connection is incredibly important when it comes to staying focused.
   
   
   
   Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of Charly W. Karl

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