03/10/2020
Concentration refers to the mental effort you direct toward whatever you’re working on or learning at the moment.
Attention span refers to the length of time you can concentrate on something.
12 Tips to Improve Your Concentration
1. Train your brain.
Playing certain types of games can help you get better at concentrating. Try:
sudoku
crossword puzzles
chess
jigsaw puzzles
word searches or scrambles
memory games
- A 2015 study suggests spending 15 minutes a day, 5 days a week, on brain training activities can have a big impact on concentration.
2. Get your game on.
- A 2018 study on 29 people suggest an hour of gaming could help improve visual selective attention (VSA). VSA refers to your ability to concentrate on a specific task while ignoring distractions around you.
- A 2017 review looked at 100 studies examining the effects video games could have on cognitive function. The results of the review suggest playing video games may lead to various changes in the brain, including increased attention and focus.
3. Improve sleep.
Tips:
Turn off the TV and put away screens an hour before bed.
Keep your room at a comfortable but cool temperature.
Wind down before bed with soft music, a warm bath, or a book.
Go to bed and get up around the same time each day, even on weekends.
Exercise regularly, but try to avoid a heavy workout just before bed.
4. Make time for exercise.
- A 2018 study suggest daily physical activity could help improve both concentration and attention after just 4 weeks.
5. Spend time in nature.
- If you want to boost your concentration naturally, try to get outside every day, even for just 15 to 20 minutes. You might take a short walk through a park. Sitting in your garden or backyard can also help.
6. Give meditation a try.
- A 2011 study suggest mindfulness training that emphasizes attention focus could help increase attention and focus. Mindfulness can also improve memory and other cognitive abilities.
7. Take a break.
8. Listen to music.
- Or use nature sounds or white noise to mask background sounds and improve concentration. (Listen to classical (baroque), nature sounds, ambient or electronic music without lyrics)
9. Vary your diet.
- Eat "brain" foods, stay hydrated, eat breakfast.
10. Drink caffeine.
- Coffee or green tea, matcha, dark choco drinks.
11. Try supplements.
12. Do a concentration workout.
Try these activities:
Draw or doodle for 15 minutes.
Spend a few minutes tossing a balloon or small ball with another person.
Set a timer for 3 to 5 minutes. Try to blink as little as possible.
Suck on a lollipop or hard candy until it’s gone — resist the urge to bite into it. Pay attention to the flavor, the sensation of the candy on your tongue, and how long it takes to eat it completely.
You can try a number of ways to improve your concentration, including brain games, meditation, music, and more. If these don’t work for you, it’s a good idea to talk with a professional to rule out any conditions.