5 Tips to Improve Your Concentration
Concentrating on something, especially in today’s world, is not as easy as it sounds. We’re all constantly connected, thanks to our computers, cell phones, and other mobile devices, and most of us are consistently bombarded with text, email, or work notifications. Concentrating amid that din is difficult, at best. We’ve gathered the top 5 tips to help you improve your concentration.
- Avoid Multi-Tasking. You’re probably guilty of multi-tasking. You try to start working on a project, so you put on music or turn on the television in the background. Or you try to work on more than one project at a time and find yourself overwhelmed. Anything that takes even a small part of your attention away from your task will interrupt your concentration. Instead, try turning off the TV, avoiding busy areas (like the Starbucks lobby, no matter how tempting their free Wi-Fi is), and working in a quiet, well lit room.
- Instrumental Music Is Your Friend. If you, like a lot of people can’t stand working in a room that’s completely quiet, try putting some soft instrumental music in the background. This doesn’t necessarily have to be classical music. Movie and video game scores can be a great way to help clear your mind and aid in concentration. Just make sure you play it quietly.
- Don’t Forget Your Breaks. Nothing burns you out faster than trying to finish a huge project in one day. Instead of pushing through and losing your concentration, try walking away for 10-15 minutes every couple of hours. Just walk outside and breathe some clean air, or walk around the parking lot a few times. You will find that it is much easier to concentrate on your project once you return.
- Don’t Freak. Don’t worry about your deadlines, and don’t panic thinking about how your project is going to be received. Fear and apprehension can shatter your concentration. Instead, if you feel yourself getting anxious, step away and take a few deep breaths to calm yourself. Meditate, if you know how. It will make a tremendous difference in both your concentration and your overall outlook.
- Keep a List! This may sound ridiculous, but it really works. When you’re trying to concentrate on something, make a note of each time your mind wanders from your task. Eventually, this will allow you to find out what triggers your distractions, and what times of day it is hardest for you to concentrate. Once you know when or where it is difficult for you to concentrate, you can begin to avoid those situations.
If you really need to concentrate, don’t be afraid to tell people to leave you alone. A simple “Go away, I’m working,” really does wonders. Unfortunately, that isn’t an option for everyone. Hopefully these tips and tricks can help you improve your concentration no matter what situation you’re in.
