Last Updated on: 22nd November 2023, 09:16 am
We have all ever experienced a lack of focus and concentration during the day, even during vital meetings. And despite all efforts you apply, you can’t even try to focus on tasks or conversations. One of the reasons for this issue is the high speed of the modern world and digital transformation. Today’s people are easily distracted even when they sleep and eat well. There is a lot of information and duties we have to focus on every day, so it could be hard to find valuable things we have to deal with first and prioritise tasks.
The inability to focus on the needed task at hand is one of the common issues today. Everyone wants to perform work quickly and not waste time on unnecessary things trying to concentrate on one small task. Yet, it is really hard sometimes. This is why we created this guide to help you learn why this happens and tips to help you overcome this issue.
What is Concentration?
We all know how digitalisation affects how we function. The modern daily routine is all about switching in and out of our laptops, phones and computers. Every day we receive dozens of notifications and messages from WhatsApp, email, Telegram, as well as the numerous applications that are somehow required to perform the job. And we always look for information that helps solve our daily issues or get our work done.
As a result, all these frequent distractions affect how we concentrate and focus. Therefore, we have to switch our attention to various small tasks, and it takes longer to finish the vital ones. It also affects memory, making it harder to remember things that we have to do during the day. This can significantly affect both our personal life and professional image.
Factors that Affect Concentration
Our ability to focus is affected by both internal and external environmental factors. If you want to know how you can improve your concentration and memory, it is vital to first learn what factors can cause this issue:
Distraction
Modern people are always bombarded by a constant flow of information when trying to perform various tasks during the day. In fact, human brains tend to be distracted by simple things like taking the phone in our hands, which can affect our ability to concentrate.
Insufficient sleep
It can be easily noticed that lack of sleep or disturbed sleep can cause sleepiness and fatigue during the day. This is why everyone is trying to boost energy levels through energy drinks or coffee, which also helps to focus. In addition, chronically poor sleep can affect your memory in the long term.
Extra physical activity
You have probably noticed how physical activity affects mood. We became more relaxed, happier and energised, while our concentration levels significantly increased. However, when there is too much or too intensive physical activity, your body may feel the tension in your shoulders and neck. This causes fatigue and makes it harder to focus.
Environment
Depending on your living conditions and the environment around you, you can notice a lack of concentration. This is because a noise level, high temperatures, and a too quiet environment can become an issue on your way to finishing work. Factors may be different, but they all equally distract us during the day.
How to Improve Your Concentration?
Even though all these factors can be really annoying from time to time, they can be resolved, and you can finally achieve the mental sharpness and concentration you need using the following tips:
Reduce Distracting Factors
How can you focus when the phone always rings, people want to discuss questions, and there is lots of information and multiple tasks you need to handle at once? The answer is – you can’t. This is why you need to reduce any factors that don’t allow you to focus. This can include turning your phone off, finding a quiet working place, prioritising tasks, avoiding using the internet and more things like this.
Prioritise Tasks
Almost any digital job requires people to always stay resistant to pressure and stress. And this also includes multitasking. While it might be essential for some positions to handle various tasks at once, it is worth noting that no tasks will be finished successfully when you try to concentrate on all of them. There are also some unnecessary multitasks like listening to podcasts while developing a website, checking email during meetings and more. This is why you need to prioritise vital tasks to finish them quicker and then perform less vital ones. This will help you properly focus on one task at a time and boost your productivity.
Practice Yoga and Meditation
Meditating or practising yoga can significantly calm your mind as well as boost mental sharpness. Scientists found out that such things are helpful in improving mental and psychical health while also increasing energy, improving focus and strengthening your mind. Try to focus on your breathing when meditating, trying to get rid of any racing thoughts and plans. Such practices can help in maintaining better focus and boost mental sharpness in the long term while also maintaining inner balance.
Consider CBD Supplements
Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is a cannabinoid found in cannabis which potentially has benefits for overall well-being. Unlike its more infamous cousin THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is a safe, non-addictive and safe compound. CBD is now a buzzword in the healthcare industry, which is why there are numerous supplements packed with CBD.
Being available in various forms and flavours and for different consumption methods, from CBD oil UK and capsules to edibles and topicals, CBD can enter the body and indirectly interfere with receptors located in the endocannabinoid system. Also known as ECS, this system is responsible for key bodily functions, like appetite, concentration, memory, metabolism, sleep and more.
Even though more scientific evidence is required, anecdotal evidence suggests that CBD may help establish inner balance (AKA homeostasis), which is vital for overall well-being. While CBD may help boost concentration and support mental sharpness, CBD supplements can also be packed with various beneficial ingredients that also help in boosting focus.
Final Thoughts
We all know how it is hard sometimes to concentrate on vital tasks. This can happen due to many reasons, like poor sleep, intensive physical activity, distractions, noises and more. However, for every reason, there is a solution. This guide hopes to help you learn how to resolve these issues and boost mental sharpness.
