Can You Train Your Brain to Focus?
Introduction
The fast pace of the modern world makes it very easy to become distracted. There is often so much going on that we become scatterbrained trying to get it all done at once, which decreases our ability to focus. In order to stay on task throughout its duration, we can retrain our brains to handle extended periods of time dedicated to one singular thing.
The good news is that this is totally achievable, it will just take some work on your end. Practicing focus for a significant amount of time and minimizing time spent on electronics are two of the most effective ways to do that.
Practicing Focus
Because the brain is a muscle, you can train it to work at an optimal level. Practice makes perfect is the key concept here, as the activity of repetition can help make focusing easier in the future. Do not neglect short breaks, though, as our attention spans are only capable of so much concentration.
This practice is comparable to an exercise routine. You usually have a set amount of time and reps for each activity, and your focus is set on the routine for its entire duration. Practicing focal techniques is similar:
- Every task needs an allotted amount of time
- Within each task there are certain amounts of effort required
- Frequency and repetition of these activities causes muscle memory, even in the brain
Practicing focus also teaches you how to reach a state of “flow”, which is equivocal to being “in the zone”. This is the optimal state for focus and productivity because you are completely immersed in the task at hand. It is easier to tune out the world when your whole mind is focused on something in the present.
Minimizing Electronic Time
The technological advances that we have today are beneficial, but also wreak havoc on our attention spans, which are necessary for focus. Phones and TV train our brains to process frequent bursts of short-term information rather than focusing on one particular thing.
A few ways you can refocus your mind despite of electronics are to:
- Set a specific time to use your phone
- Silence your phone or put it on Do Not Disturb when working
- Keep devices out of sight and reach when working
- Limit TV time to after your work is finished for the day
Even just these small adjustments can do wonderful things to train yourself to focus.
Conclusion
It might take some time and effort on your part, but the bottom line is that it is possible to train your brain to improve focus. Making changes to your routine, such as setting aside time to practice focusing or limiting technology usage, can be very effective tools to maximize your efficiency and ability to concentrate.