Focus for Self-Improvement

It’s getting increasingly more difficult to focus these days. There are too many distractions available. From video games to social media, it makes you wonder how people can concentrate on tasks they should be doing. It’s possible though. You just have to learn how to power up your focus muscles.

We tend to work better in spurts. Therefore, use that to figure out the optimal times for you. It’s different for each person. Some people can work for a full hour while others will do better with 15-minute intervals. Try to work with a colleague to help each other determine the best times for each of you.

If you aren’t getting enough sleep, you need to correct that. All other techniques to help you focus will be useless if you don’t. Your body needs the right amount of sleep. Lack of sleep will make your mind wander, and focusing won’t happen. Try to go to bed and get up every day at the same time. Our bodies adjust easily to routines such as these. Again, people have different needs when it comes to sleep. You may only need six hours while others may need more or less. If you struggle to get sleep, consider seeking out professional help.

If you don’t practice good eating habits, your foods won’t give you the proper amount of energy. That will cause you to be sluggish which will affect your ability to focus. It’s okay to eat the occasional sinful snack. But, this should not be a regular habit. While it’s great to learn which foods boost your energy, you need to balance your diet for optimal focusing.

To continue on the peak concentration path, make sure you add regular exercises to your routines and ones that include aerobics. It’s a proven fact that regular exercise will boost your stamina. Your focus will benefit from this boost. You don’t have to participate in extreme sports to get the benefits of exercise. Regular long walks will do wonders here.

After you have all the routine items in place, consider adding meditation into the mix. Once you learn how to meditate and it starts to be effective (this takes time), you will have the tools to clear your head and help your body relax. Your focusing muscles will be primed for optimal use when you have all of these factors implemented and you will find that every day you are making strides in your overall improvement.

This article originally appeared in the Autumn 2019 issue of CHOICES Magazine