Are you having trouble remembering details from your one-hour zoom class? Or you completed your weekly team meeting and can’t seem to recall your tasks?
If this happens, there’s no need to get in a fluster because your memory troubles might not be dementia or any other cognitive impairment. The issue could be that you did not concentrate; therefore, you couldn’t pick up the information given during the class session.
Understanding the difference between concentration and attention span
So, what exactly does concentration mean? Concentration is the ability to collect, process, and organize and store information. Don’t confuse this with attention spans. The latter refers to how long you can concentrate on a subject matter.
Things that may affect your concentration
Certain things can affect your ability to focus:
- Taking on too many tasks at a go
- Not getting enough sleep
- Eating poorly – eating over-processed foods/starving yourself
- Living a sedentary lifestyle
- Taking particular prescribed medication such as antihistamines and painkillers
- Suffering from mental health disorders such as ADHD and anxiety
Seven amazing tips on how to improve concentration
Fortunately, as long as you don’t suffer from any cognitive impairment, you can improve your concentration through the following:
Start playing focus intensive games
Games such as crossword, puzzles, and chess are excellent for brain training. Also, a study conducted by the University of Arkansas revealed that playing video games for an hour increases brain performance.
Get enough hours of sleep
Experts recommend getting enough hours of sleep. Also, for better sleep quality, it would be best to engage in relaxing activities before going to bed.
Start exercising
Doing regular exercises not only keeps you physically fit but also improves your memory. This is because exercise boosts your brain health, specifically the hippocampus, which is the part of your brain responsible for memory.
Find healthier distractions
It’s common to turn to social media whenever you need a break from work. However, too much of it has negative impacts on the brain, especially your mental health. It would be best to take nature walks or sit in the backyard.
Seek medical help
If you feel that focusing is becoming burdensome, it would be best to seek professional help. Your doctor will likely prescribe a “smart drug,” such as modafinil (Provigil). Alternatively, you can go and buy modafinil online and get it delivered to your address.
Eat a balanced diet
Avoid eating highly processed foods. Instead, try and consume as much brain food as you can. These foods include eggs, fish as well as nuts.
Listen to music
Studies show that listening to classical music in the background while working can increase your concentration.