Concentration has become a challenging endeavor in this era when so many stimulating technologies are popping out anywhere.  Focusing alone on the word processor of the computer is tough because computers are providing one with an opportunity to multi-task.

At this very moment alone, four applications are open. Aside from the word processing application, a media player, PDF software and an Internet browser are also launched.  In the Internet browser, over ten sites are opened with some that would actually steal ones concentration because of its reactive element. Apart from that are the environmental factors, such as the dog sniffing the wall, the singing voices of a neighbor, the laughter of the people in the other room watching the television.  These are just some of those that disable one to focus on the task at hand.

So, how can one improve concentration? Since concentration is a personal endeavor, advice will vary from one person to another depending on his frenzied state of mind. However, there are essential tips that might make one improve his concentration:

1. Eliminate distractions

   Distractions are dependent on the person.  Some need noise to concentrate, others need silence.  For those who need silence, always remember that there is no such thing as absolute silence.  Background noises are everywhere, all one needs to do is minimize their distraction potential.  It takes about fifteen minutes to really concentrate. If you are the kind of person who gets easily out of focus after five minutes, then something has to be done.  Turn off the sound and vibrate alert of your mobile phone. Ask others to answer the phone call for you.  Request others not to disturb you for a certain span of time; put up a “do not disturb” sign. Schedule your task on the time when there are lesser disturbances. If working on the computer, turn off all applications that are unimportant to the task at hand, such as email or social networking sites; when chances of defocusing snaps, you will surely be lured towards it. What is important is for you to identify what distracts you and find all means to eliminate or reduce it.

2. Make the objectives clear

   When you know what you are supposed to do, you can easily concentrate with the basic requirements of the task.  With clearer objectives, you eliminate having to rebuild your ideas again. Clear objectives give you well-defined path and allow you to concentrate effectively.

3. Eat and chew

   When you are working on something, studies have recommended that chewing a gum or nibbling on something nutritious but non-fattening improves ones memory and concentration. Fatty foods should be lessened because fats will actually make you sluggish. It is alright to choose foods rich in carbohydrates, though, because it helps in boosting your energy, but do not overdo it. Always stick to the recommended diet. Remember that carbohydrates, or sugar, when ingested will take two to four hours to be converted to glucose into energy; proteins, on the other hand, will be available only after four hours.  Alas, there are no scientific studies found yet that shows certain foods are linked to improving concentration, or that carbohydrates or proteins have direct link on improving the memory.  The only available reliable recommendation on food is to eat a well-balanced diet daily to improve one’s concentration.  Avoiding heavy meals and eating small meals instead may help one in eliminating sluggishness.

4. Hydrate yourself.

   When you are dehydrated, you become lethargic and concentration disappears. So make sure that you always have a bottle of water with you during moments of concentration.  Why water? Why not caffeine or sweet drinks or energy drinks?  Caffeine can energize the fatigued, but its energizing effect is only short-lived, according to Noralyn L. Wilson of the American Dietetic Association. Because, being a stimulant, it increases the heart rate of the drinker and makes him feel jittery and uncomfortable.  Such reaction takes away concentration.  Energy drinks also have the same side effects on the person as caffeine. For sweet drinks, energy levels are amplified because of glucose, but after increased consumption, the evidence discovered by Paul Gold of the University of Illinois showed that high dose of glucose can actually impair ones memory.  So the recommendation is to take only plain water, and grab that chance to complete your recommended 8 glasses of water per day regimen.

5. Take vitamins but consult your doctor first.

   Taking multivitamins will help you in your required daily allowance of essential vitamins and minerals. But when your work requires constant concentration, consult your doctor first before taking any form of supplements and medications.  Some supplements, particularly those so-called herbal and homeopathic natural remedies marketed claiming it help in mental focus, may contain ingredients that make your mind fuzzy at the end.  Other medications also make your mind hazy, like anti-depressants, pain relievers and sometimes drugs that lower your blood pressure.

6. Determine a deadline

   When you set a deadline, it does not necessarily mean you force yourself to concentrate.  It means you get to focus on what is more necessary than the non-essentials.  When there is no deadline set, you will have the tendency to lose sight of the bigger picture; you enlarge what is only necessary with other features that may not be part of what is present. So create a time limit and avoid procrastination.

7. Patience is a key to concentration

   If ideas do not appear after a few minutes, do not leave everything and go to another activity.  Allow your imagination to flow.  Impatience breeds poor quality of work.  Patience allows you to take advantage of the flow of ideas, which will, in turn, provide you with the opportunity to create an excellent quality of work.

8. Exercise

   Doing those regular aerobic exercises will not just get you into shape, it will also improve your mental well-being.  Exercising pushes blood into your brain allowing better circulation, making you more alert. Exercising and other vigorous activities also release endorphins that trigger “feel-good” hormones which uplifts your emotional well-being. Having an enriched mental and emotional well-being improves concentration. So do your brisk walks every morning, or take a 5-minute break in your task to jog in place to make you think more clearly.

9. Take a break, deep breathe

   This advice is paradoxical to the aim of concentration. But there is some wisdom in here.  If you let your mind wander for a while, or change your scenery for a few minutes, or take a deep breath, you will relieve yourself from the tension of the job.  By taking a break, it will allow you to easily refocus when you return to the task at hand.

10. Practice focusing

    Our minds need to be sharpened regularly, just like a pencil.  To do this, take on challenging puzzles during your free time.  Anything that makes you analyze and find solutions to problems, such as crossword or jigsaw puzzles, can help in refining your concentration.  As you keep on practicing this activity, you will be able to gain back your vital focusing skills.

By doing the things suggested above, concentration will be improved and you can be effective as ever.  More importantly, you will have time for yourself away from the stresses of work if you follow them.

Sources
associatedcontent.com
lifehack.org
articlesbase.com
webmd.com
egodevelopment.com