Are you having a hard time concentrating or can’t even remember where you put the car keys? Are you easily distracted or even daydream during conversations? We all have days, weeks or even months that we can’t focus on anything. A minute you’re trying to do research over the internet and then the next minute your opening and reading emails while checking out your Facebook account. And before you can send the messages and get the important points for your research, your sending sms to your colleagues and getting notes for an important meeting. And by the end of the day, you feel that nothing is getting done and accomplished. Some of it is quite normal but when do you know that it can be a serious problem? In today’s technology laden world, there is a nonstop barrage and ruthless assault on everything that breaks one’s attention. It is not entirely your fault and concrete research states that there are actual causes such frustrations, and there are ways to improve and enhance one’s ability to pay attention.
Here are some of the most common triggers of mental distraction and head fuzziness.
- Stress and anxiety. These feelings will disrupt will surely disrupt your concentration and can also lead to forgetfulness. If you’re feeling stressed, take a breather. Take your mind out of the matter and relax for a few minutes. Drink water or a cold juice and read some funny anecdotes or comics. Take your mind out of the things causing the anxiety. Breath or have walking, this will refresh your mind and in most cases, a solution to your dilemma may pop up while you’re having a breather.
- Technology and gadget overload. Your iPhone, blackberry, iPad, computers and any other gadgets compete for your attention. The human can only take as much information and too much multitasking will result in a harder time concentrating and focused on a single task. Try to organize things by writing down tasks and having a day planner can help solve such issues. Take a break from your gadgets. If you can set house rules about the times to use your gadgets. It can a gadget free period after dinner or before going to bed. Don’t get tied too much on your gadgets.
- Lack of sleep. This is a no brainer. When the body and brain is too tired and worn out, it will result in lack of concentration. You will surely be irritable, will have difficulty managing daily tasks, dealing with a blank mind. A good sleep should be seven to eight hours every night. By getting enough sleep, you should be able to bring back your focus. If you or your mate is having sleeping difficulties and waking feeling tired, checking with a doctor is one of the best bets. You might have an undiagnosed sleep disorder and your doctor can give the necessary step to make a good sleep happen. There are also reports that lack of sleep can cause death.
- Alcohol or drug use. A person dependent on alcohol or any other substance will have focus and concentration problems. The alcohol and drugs will cause the brain to function less than a normal person not using drugs or drinking too much alcohol. Some medical prescriptions will also have this effect. Check with your doctor to have it treated.
- Hormone spikes and changes. Pregnancy and periods, as stated by some women causes forgetfulness and focus problems. Lack of concentration is a common complaint among perimenopausal women.
- Prescribed medicine changes can also cause mood swings. Antidepressants can affect a person’s mood and concentration. Sedatives and other anti-anxiety medications can cause prolonged drowsiness and can cloud the mind. Sleeping pills are a big no for this one. Coenzyme Q10 can counteract the side effects.
- Anemia is another trigger. Exhaustion and weakness can result to lack of red blood cell production and the much needed oxygen is not distributed and transported properly to the body. This can be treated by changing an unhealthy lifestyle and through nutritional supplements.
- Head injury. An accidental hit or knock on the head doing work or sports can cause temporary confusion, temporary memory loss and dizziness. Any serious injuries can cause permanent damage that can lead to concentration issues and difficulties. An immediate treatment after an injury can lower the chances of any permanent damage.
- Too little or no exercise. Studies have stated that regular exercise can keep the mind sharp and increase the memory and learning capacity of an individual. This is more helpful especially with people suffering from ADHD. Breaking sweat can also help in burning the extra energy that causes restlessness and help in getting better sleep.
- Interest. Researches have found that concentration is driven by interest and interest is driven by attitude. If your attitude towards a specific work, projects or hobby swells with interest and passion. Concentration will be pretty easy.