When was the last time you woke up full of energy, focused, and ready to jumpstart your day? How often do get distracted when you’re in the middle of a project or when a deadline is looming over you at work? How often does your mind fantasize in other directions when you should actually be concentrating on work?
There are tons of daily lifestyle habits that make it difficult to concentrate throughout the day: lack of physical activity, poor diet, lack of adequate nutrients, sleepless nights, or everyday stressors at work and at home. We all suffer from at least a few of these problems, and in the end we all have to stay focused, stop procrastinating, and complete our work. Here’s a list of five simple but effective strategies that will boost brain function and increase your concentration.
- Practice Mindfulness Meditation
Dozens of scientific studies have shown that mindfulness meditation can help increase concentration, even if practiced for only ten minutes a day. Meditation offers dozens of benefits that go far beyond improving brain function and concentration, yet this is one of the most tangible benefits of mindfulness. This practice boost memory and concentration through relaxation techniques that help the brain think more clearly. In addition, this practice is an effective remedy against anxiety and depression.
- Memory & Concentration Supplements
A balanced diet is essential for a good brain function but is not always easy to achieve. Fortunately, it’s easier to fight against nutritional deficiencies with supplements. Most people know that gingko biloba is an important memory stimulant, but there are many other supplements that can boost your brain function and concentration. One of the most important yet often neglected dietary supplement is folic acid. Folic acid is a group B vitamin necessary for good brain health. It also helps fighting depression and reduces inflammation. The vitamin is present in a wide range of foods, such as asparagus, Romaine lettuce, Brussels sprouts, and other green vegetables and is also easy to find as dietary integrators.
- Switch Off Electronic Devices
It’s impossible to boost concentration if the brain is tired. And without a good night’s sleep, your brain will be tired at all times. To help your brain rest, switch off all your electronic devices before going to sleep. Don’t put your phone on silent – switch it off or leave it in another room. The light emitted by the sensors of the electronic devices slow down the production of melatonin, a hormone responsible for the regulation of the circadian rhythm with consequent effects on your concentration, brain function, and productivity.
- Maintain Constant Blood Sugar Levels
Our brain feeds on glucose and for a proper function, it needs constant blood sugar levels. The best way to do maintain them is through a balanced diet that is low in high glycemic carbohydrates, such as white bread and rice, pasta, biscuits, or pies. These foods can be replaced with foods containing complex carbohydrates such as whole wheat bread, legumes, fruits, and vegetables. By eating complex carbs you will be able to maintain a constant level of sugar in your blood, with consequent benefits on your memory and concentration capacity.
- Stimulate The Brain
It’s difficult to increase the brain function or boost concentration if the brain is not stimulated properly. As any other muscle, our brain needs training to stay in shape. There are many activities that keep the brain entertained, such as reading or doing crossword puzzles. Positive thinking and socializing are other two ways of improving memory and concentration. The most important is to avoid monotony by engaging in activities that involve all five senses, allowing your brain to receive the right amounts of stimuli.
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A professional writer with over a decade of incessant writing skills. Her topics of interest and expertise range from health, nutrition and psychology.
