How to Improve Your Focus

When you just can't seem to concentrate, it's time to jump-start your brain. Try these methods to improve your concentration and increase your mental prowess.

Instructions

Step 1: Get a good night's sleep Get a good night's sleep for optimum performance the next day. While amounts vary from person to person, most people need between six and eight hours a night.
TIP: Although it provides an initial burst of focus, the mental boost provided by caffeine is short term.
Step 2: Maintain a healthy diet Eat a well-balanced meal, especially in the morning, to maintain your attention span throughout the day. This includes whole grains, fruits, veggies, and dairy products. A good mix of sugars, carbohydrates, and proteins are needed by the body to synthesize into energy.
TIP: Studies show ginkgo, ginseng, and certain vitamins help to sharpen mental focus.
Step 3: Move your body Engage in exercise, be it aerobics or yoga, to strengthen your body. Physical activity helps to clear the mind and increase metabolism, leading to improved concentration.
Step 4: Limit stress Limit the stress in your life. Meditate or pray, or simply think happy thoughts. Use whatever technique calms you down and returns focus to the task at hand.
Step 5: Exercise your mind Exercise your mind for optimum brainpower. Reading, finishing that crossword puzzle, engaging in memory games, or using mind-strengthening software will keep your mental skills sharp.
FACT: The symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were first described by a British doctor in 1902.