Top Tips to Improve Your Concentration

Train your brain

Results of a study shown that 4,715 adults suggest spending 15 minutes a day, 5 days a week, on brain training activities can have a big impact on concentration. Brain training games can also help you develop your working and short-term memory, as well as your processing and problem-solving skills. Playing certain types of games can help you get better at concentrating.

Get your game on

Brain games may not be the only type of game that can help improve concentration. Newer research also suggests playing video games could help boost concentration. A study looking at 29 people found evidence to suggest an hour of gaming could help improve visual selective attention (VSA). VSA refers to your ability to concentrate on a specific task while ignoring distractions around you.

Improve sleep

Sleep deprivation can easily disrupt concentration, not to mention other cognitive functions, such as memory and attention. Occasional sleep deprivation may not cause too many problems for you. But regularly failing to get a good night’s sleep can affect your mood and performance at work. Being too tired can even slow down your reflexes and affect your ability to drive or do other daily tasks.

A demanding schedule, health issues, and other factors sometimes make it difficult to get enough sleep. But it’s important to try and get as close to the recommended amount as possible on most nights. Many experts recommend adults aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. Improving the sleep you do get can also have benefit. A few quick tips:

• Turn off the TV and put away screens an hour before bed.
• Keep your room at a comfortable but cool temperature.
• Wind down before bed with soft music, a warm bath, or a book.
• Go to bed and get up around the same time each day, even on weekends.
• Exercise regularly, but try to avoid a heavy workout just before bed.