5 smart tips to improve concentration

Posted on 14 February 2017

Some people concentrate more easily than others. But if you – or your child – struggle to concentrate, you can learn a few strategies to improve your focus.  

It’s true that some people just have a knack for concentrating. Unfair, perhaps, but fact. Psychologist Paul Bushell explains: ‘Concentration is linked to neurological processes and strengths. Like other genetic markers, some people can have a natural strength for concentrating.’ However, with the right techniques in a conducive setting, better concentration can be achieved.

Here are five simple things you can do to improve concentration:

1. Practise active concentration

Scrolling through Instagram, watching TV and playing online games are all examples of passive concentration. Basically, when you’re engaging in these activities, nothing is sticking. To improve active concentration, Paul suggests the following: ‘Engage in activities that demand one’s full attention – read books, move around, play real games and practise taking quiet time.’ Bottom line: put down your device. Try these activities with your kids, too.

2. Signpost your stress

Stress naturally has an impact on one’s ability to concentrate, particularly for children who might still be learning to identify their wide range of emotions. ‘When stressed, children can be preoccupied with thoughts about what is worrying them and this can make them seem distracted,’ says Paul. Removing the source of stress isn’t always an option, but identifying it is the first step.

3. Love the way you learn

It’s important to discover the medium through which you best absorb new information – auditory (listening), visual (seeing), kinetic (doing) or a combination. ‘Focus on activities that complement your learning style. This can include drawing pictures, teaching out loud, moving around, or bouncing a ball while learning,’ Paul advises.

4. Look after your vessel

Concentration might be a mental activity, but it’s almost impossible to do well when your body is run down. While there is mixed research on the ability of certain foods to influence one’s concentration, Paul says a balanced diet, plenty of water and enough sleep are the basics for sharpening concentration.

5. Move for mental agility

We’re often guilty of talking about our brain and body like they’re separate, competing entities. However, they perform optimally when the each is in good shape. A study from The University of British Columbia found that aerobic exercise can increase the brain’s ability to remember and learn. So up your fitness to up your focus.