How to Increase Focus Naturally

In this day and age, with lots of different things competing for our attention, it can be difficult to maintain focus on the tasks you need to accomplish at work and at home. Even if you suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), there are usually other factors that can decrease you ability to focus. By taking a look at your lifestyle and making a strong effort, you can overcome your focus issues naturally and accomplish everything you need to accomplish.

Things You'll Need

• Journal

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Devote attention to one task at a time when possible, especially when it is a more difficult task that requires more brain power. Research has shown that when you are focused on three tasks at the same time, you can wind up taking longer to finish all three than it would have taken to do them one after the other. If multitasking is absolutely necessary, pick tasks that aren't urgent or demanding.

• 2

  Create the right environment. Clear everything off your desk except what you need for your current task, or, if the Internet is causing you distraction and you don't need it, disconnect or go to an area where you can't access it. Turn your cell phone off and check your messages every once in a while to avoid that distraction.

• 3

  Take regular breaks. Sometimes boredom from doing monotonous tasks can cause us to lose focus. Make it a point to take a 10-minute break every time you accomplish a certain number of tasks or work uninterrupted for a certain amount of time. Make note of how long you are able to maintain focus and stop to relax when necessary.

• 4

  Eat well. Research has shown that short-term memory and attention suffer when you are hungry or aren't eating healthy. Breakfast is a meal that many people skip, but it is very important. Sometimes, all you need is a good snack. When that is the case, pick something high in protein such as cheese or nuts.

• 5

  Get enough sleep. Studies have shown that people who don't sleep enough have trouble with short-term memory and attention. Adults are recommended to sleep between seven and nine hours per night. If it fits into your schedule, take a nap and recharge your battery.

• 6

  Write down nagging thoughts in a journal. Sometimes when you have lots on your mind and it is making it difficult to concentrate, take a few minutes and write down your thoughts. Once you get those thoughts down on paper, it will be easier to stop thinking about them for a while. Writing can also help you remember things that pop into your head that you don't want to forget.

• 7

  Learn to meditate. Sometimes stress can cause us to lose focus, and research has shown that people who took an eight-week meditation course improved their focus, according to WebMD. Find a class or read a book on meditation and learn to stop everything and relax. You can choose to meditate each day at a certain time, or just do it on a break when you have time to walk away to a quiet area for a few minutes.