No matter what role you’re fulfilling at the time, whether at work, home or just out and about enjoying the world, it is important to know that you can stay focused when it really counts.
The Loma Linda University Health health library features an article titled “Ability to Concentrate Isn’t What It Used to Be.” This article offers tips for giving your concentration skills a simple tune-up.
Studies have been conducted over time to show that attention spans are dissipating and one of the main causes is thought to be in correlation to watching too much television. A typical show runs seven minutes before it cuts to a commercial break. This is the same length of time that experts say children possess the ability to concentrate. This is just enough time to hold your focus and then redirect your attention to a new stimulation.
Here are a few ideas on how to fix this. By addressing these issues you might find it easier to maintain concentration for longer periods of time.
- First things first, stop watching so much television.
- Attempt to get more sleep – the CDC recommends seven to nine hours of sleep for teenagers and adults and even more for children.
- Avoid stimulants – caffeine is always the quick pick-me-up when focus is slipping away, but the reality is that even this quick fix lasts only a short time.
- Know what you are eating – high-fat meals are more likely to make you feel sluggish because they affect your brain negatively.
- Keep your cool – try to stay calm and relaxed by taking breaks throughout the day. Regroup mentally and find a way to center on what you are doing.