There’s no denying that the internet has made us very fragmented in our way of working. We’re distracted by memes, notifications, compulsively checking the news, and even ou……
Hey, hey, hey! Back in the room!
We saw you hovering over the ‘add new tab’ button there. No wonder that the term ‘attention economy’ has been coined recently, positing that human attention is a scarce resource and applying economic theory to it. And in more sinister hands, it’s become increasingly clear in recent years that human attention is sometimes twisted, massaged and manipulated to the ends of a shady Silicon valley source.
Worryingly, research has found that those who were constantly distracted by phone and emails experienced a 10% drop in their IQ. On the flip side, better concentration makes life easier and less stressful, enabling us to be more productive and appreciative of the moment. If you’re looking for some simple steps on how to improve your focus, then you’ve found them here. Now, let’s see if you get to the end of the article without getting distracted…
ENJOY A GOOD BREAKFAST
Breakfast; you’ve probably heard it’s the most important meal of the day, right? And for good reason too. When done right, breakfast has the power to boost brain power, help memory, help you control your weight, replenish your stores of energy, and generally inform healthier food choices throughout the day. Moreover, it can help you focus and be more alert.
Cognitive function and memory improve as a result of people having breakfast. Studies have shown that when people eat breakfast, things like concentration, memory, and energy all improve, making them more alert as well.
Consider adding a handful of blueberries to your cereal as research suggests that eating blueberries can boost concentration and memory for whopping five hours after consumption. Blueberries are high in antitoxins and flavonoids As Psychology Compass explains “flavonoids are consumed, they activate an enzyme that stimulates the flow of oxygen and blood to the brain – helping with our memory as well as our ability to focus and learn new information”
Read: How to optimise your morning meal routine
CONSIDER INCORPORATING CBD INTO YOUR MORNING
While the jury is still out on how CBD can help you focus, some studies suggest that CBD oil could boost focus by allowing a readier flow of serotonin to the brain, reducing anxiety and improving attention in one fell swoop. Research has also suggested that CBD oil may improve wakefulness, though studies are ongoing and so far inconclusive.
Consider adding CBD to your morning coffee, kickstarting your day and giving you a sense of purpose. Or try adding a few drops of the oil to your daily cup of Joe or an energising breakfast smoothie and soon you’ll have developed a new routine with added benefits.
When it comes to mixing CBD and coffee, research is still emerging. That said, there’s a lot of anecdotal evidence out there to suggest it can do you good. It’s been reported that it can amplify alertness while taking the edge of some of the other effects that caffeine can have like the jitters.
Alternatively, Thrillist suggests that you can start your “CBD-fueled day the old-fashioned way’’ with Green Unicorn Farms, who makes several excellent pre-roll packs of smokable strains of CBD. The CBD company says their Hawaiian Haze pre-rolls are a “truly tropical and energizing experience, perfect for putting a spring in your step and assisting you in your daily tasks.”
GET MORE SLEEP
When you sleep, your brain uses the time to ‘recharge’ itself, and not getting enough of the good stuff can be hugely impactful on our cognitive function. Indeed, the right amount of sleep is so good for your productivity and performance, and an insufficient or excessive amount of it so bad, that it’s often suggested that sleep should be prescribed by doctors.
By getting enough sleep each night – between 7 and 8 hours is best for cognitive performance and quick thinking – you’ll feel more alert and focused when you wake up.
DRINK WATER
Research reveals that ‘’dehydration may affect cognitive performances as water accounts for 75% of brain mass’’. Water helps the brain build new cells, facilitates waste removal, and even helps the brain regulate temperature.
In the UK, it’s recommended that between six and eight glasses of fluid are drunk each day. However, that’s easier said than done. Some easy ways to include more water in your diet include drinking herbal tea, keeping a jug of water by your bed and even setting reminders on your phone to prompt you to have another glass.
PUT YOUR PHONE AWAY
We know, we know, we just told you to use your phone. However, excessive mobile phone use is wrecking our attention span. As the Guardian explains in their article titled The Lost Art of Concentration, we now experience an interruption every 8 minutes, equating to 60 times you’re distracted during an 8 hour working day.
No wonder it’s tough to get anything done! Rather than keep you (we can feel you’re going to get distracted in a minute), we’ll redirect you to these 9 IDEAL tips to help you digital detox. Just one more paragraph to go…
BE MORE SOCIAL
Dr. Salinas, a neurologist with Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, explains in Harvard Health Publishing that “Being more social also helps with focus, since you have to listen to conversations and retain information”, which is a lovely excuse to see your mates more, don’t you think? Schedule in some screen-free time with friends today, and reap the benefits of better concentration tomorrow.