Ways to Increase Attention Span

People typically have trouble focusing when they're bored, experiencing lack of sleep, are plagued by anxiety or are somehow otherwise distracted. Sometimes we need a little cerebral kick when it comes to remaining focused due to low attention span, which is symptomatic via difficulty staying organized, finishing of tasks, procrastination, trouble with maintaining relationships or mood control and impulsive behavior.

Adequate Rest

• There are several things you can do to help improve attention span in less clinical cases. This includes getting enough sleep. When your brain hasn't had a chance to reboot, it's only natural you will be foggy the next day. Irritability, another symptom of lack of sleep, also plays a role in that it distracts your concentration.

  According to holistic professionals, meditation is a good technique for sharpening the brain. Clearing your mind actually lets the brain rest and centers your entire body, bringing clarity and focus (see Resource).

Diet and Exercise

• Studies at the Stanford University School of medicine have revealed people who exercise regularly tend to have fewer episodes of sleeplessness. Moderate, 20- to 30-minute sessions three or four times a week promotes better sleep and more energy (however, it's better to exercise in the morning or afternoon, not close to bedtime).

  What you consume is also a factor. Omega-3 essential fatty acids are extremely important for the healthy function of brain cells. The best sources of Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in water fish such as salmon, herring, tuna, cod, flounder, trout and shrimp. Other sources of essential fatty acids include nuts, soybean and walnut, olive and flaxseed oils.

Other Techniques

• Sometimes you need a break to get your mind back in focus and cerebral activity is just what's in order, just of a different nature. Try crafts, such as drawing or sculpting, or a card or board game like Concentration. If you're studying for a class or reviewing a brief or memo for work, give yourself planned breaks. These could be in any time interval you wish, but the point is to take a few moments to focus on something else -- like a tabloid magazine or a song you can listen to -- so that you can refocus on the original, more important task.

Symptoms

• You might suffer from short attention span and not be aware of it. Some signs include poor listening skills, failure to follow instructions accurately and completely, daydreaming in class or important meetings, interrupting people during conversations and avoidance or dislike for tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as schoolwork, homework or work projects.