10 Tips To Have Greater Concentration

Is it difficult for you to get focus, be “here and now” or pay attention to what you are doing? Is it frequent that you get scattered, start thinking about things that have nothing to do with your tasks or that anything makes you “lose the thread”?

Then do not hesitate to read this article, where you will find very good tips to have greater concentration.

Business experts say productivity is not about the number of hours you work, but about the quality of that time. It is useless to spend 10 hours to write a report if you can do it in 3 if you dedicate yourself 100% to it.

Lack of concentration: enemy # 1 of productivity

Anything that interrupts you and steals your time is bad for productivity.

Sometimes it can be a phone call, someone knocking on your door, a new email or television, but also internal stimuli such as, for example, thinking about issues that have nothing to do with tasks, dispersing imagining things, problems personal, etc.

The good news is that there are a number of techniques that can help you improve your ability to pay attention.

Remember that these actions can mean that your brain is in need of a break or a vacation.

Some tips that can help you improve your concentration are:

1. Define goals on a daily basis

When you get up or get to work, try to be very clear about your tasks for the day and, above all, your goals. This way it will be easier for you to concentrate. A good way not to forget your goals is to write them in a visible place (or, at least, where you can see them).

2. Divide tasks into “subtasks”

In this way, you will feel more fulfilled or satisfied with your work. For a large task that may take you all day, it is important to mark stages, steps or intermediate solutions. When you finish one of them you can make a cut or pause, for example.

3. Discover the most productive moments

Some people say that their stages of greatest productivity are those of the morning very early, others that it is after breakfast and there are even those who say that they are more effective working at dawn (in the case that they are self-employed or their employment is allow).

Similarly, identify when you are not productive at all, for example, after lunch or in the afternoon.

In the most effective stages, take advantage of the tasks that take longer or require more concentration. In the less useful stages, you can do more administrative, routine or “robotized” things.

4. Put up a “not available” sign

This can be done both at the office door and on your mobile, on Skype or whatever program you use. The idea is that you can warn your colleagues, your family or your friends that you are not in a position to be disturbed.

It does not mean that you are a bad person, but if you get distracted right at that moment, the day will be lost. You can also tell your partner, your parents or your best friend not to call you at certain times of the day.

5. Eliminate distractions

As we said at the beginning, there are two types of distractions, internal and external. Perhaps the former are more difficult to eradicate than the latter. You can silence the mobile, remove notifications, turn off the radio or music, have only what you are going to use on the desktop, etc.

What to do if the interruption comes from the mind? Clear out ideas that have nothing to do with what you are doing.

If you want to eliminate them with all your might, the brain will do its best to keep them where they are. It better be a more natural and organic process.

6. Organize breaks

If a task takes many hours or dedication, it is good that you take a break.

This means getting up from the desk or table, closing your eyes a little, looking out the window, drinking a tea or eating something, etc.

That this break is no longer than 20 minutes. If not, you may lose your concentration completely.

7. Show up

So you have finished in less time a task that your boss asked you? Reward yourself! It can be with a chocolate, a coffee or a pair of shoes, always in relation to the effort that your action entailed.

In this way, you will be more predisposed to work effectively. If you meet your goals, give yourself something you like.

8. Eat well

Of course this has a lot to do with your concentration! It is not only good for your health, but for your mind.

Here is a list of foods that can help you focus your attention. This is because they contain components that are beneficial for our brain and our memory:

• Bread.
• Whole grain or whole grain cookies.
• Pasta.
• Grilled chicken.
• Eggs.
• Skimmed dairy (especially yogurt and milk).
• Walnuts.
• Olive oil.
• Avocado.
• Fish like salmon and sardines.

If you have an appetite it will be more difficult to concentrate, but it is not a matter of running to a fast food place because that will be counterproductive, especially if you eat a lot.

If your stomach is “heavy” all the efforts of the body will be put in doing the digestion, therefore, you will not be able to concentrate on anything. The best thing is a good breakfast with orange juice, oatmeal and an infusion and a balanced but light lunch.

In turn, avoid drinking a lot of coffee. It will not help you to be more focused, this is a wrong perception. It is true that coffee, as shown by various studies, can help us stay focused, but as long as we drink it in adequate amounts.

If we drink too much coffee, we may feel nervous or anxious, which will prevent us from working.

9. Create the right environment to stay focused

If your workbench is cluttered with things, your brain may feel cluttered, too, and it’s easier for you to spread out.

Eliminate anything that can distract you.  Have what you need within reach, keep order, have a good chair, try not to be disturbed by anything, listen to instrumental music to relax or put on a theme to lift your spirits and energy.

10. Get enough sleep

If you are very sleepy, it will be more difficult to concentrate. Lack of rest negatively affects your health and affects your ability to think clearly, therefore anything will cause you to lose focus.

Take these tips into action and you may be more focused and more productive.