We’ve all experienced a lack of focus before—whether it’s been difficulty studying or having a hard time at work, failure to concentrate happens to the best of us. What’s more uncommon, however, is when it impacts our everyday lives. Here are 10 signs you’re struggling with concentration and 10 things you can do to help strengthen your focus.
1. Constantly Losing Items
We’ve all misplaced our keys once or nine times. But if you’re the type to frequently lose them, or misplace them when they’re in your hand, it’s a clearer sign of poor concentration.
2. Can’t Focus At All
Mundane tasks zap the life out of all of us, so it can be hard to tell when it’s something more. However, if your head’s in the clouds all day, you might be struggling with concentration more than the average person.
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3. Inability to Sit Still
Constant fidgeting is a telltale sign of poor concentration. Oftentimes, too much fidgeting is associated with some kind of discomfort, so if you find you’re bobbing your foot all day, it’s time to take a few deep breaths.
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4. Scattered Mind
There’s a difference between getting flustered and running around like a headless chicken. Being scatterbrained is a common phenomenon among many people, so the good news is you’re not alone! The better news is that there are plenty of methods to help you get back on track.
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5. Can’t Think Straight
Struggling with concentration is so much more than a few hiccups in the day—it can cause a serious roadblock in your mind. If you find that your thoughts are jumbled, or you can’t focus on the now, you may need to hone in on what's wrong.
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6. Difficulty With Tasks
When you struggle with concentration, you’ll inevitably struggle with tasks. If basic to-dos can’t be completed within a reasonable amount of time, it’s a clear indicator that you’re in the woods.
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7. Headaches
An unfortunate side effect of all this is the headache. Struggling to concentrate can easily cause them, but they’re also a side effect of other complications that arise from a lack of focus, such as poor sleep or eye strain.
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8. Struggling With Instructions
Do you find it hard to retain instructions? Lots of people who struggle with concentration have a harder time with tasks or seemingly simple instructions, making concentration all the more difficult.
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9. No Energy
In addition to everything else, poor concentration often goes hand-in-hand with fatigue. A lack of focus is usually a symptom of an underlying problem, meaning your brain fog may be the tip of the iceberg as far as symptoms go.
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10. Little Mistakes
We’re all human and mistakes happen. What’s more concerning is consistent carelessness at home or on the job. Should your ability to concentrate impede your ability to function, consider speaking with a professional or trying some of the following methods.
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1. Work in a Quiet Space
You don’t need any more distractions with your mind in a million places. Designate an area that’s nice and quiet so you can better focus on what’s next.
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2. Stay Off Your Phone
Our phones provide hours of endless entertainment, which makes them especially dangerous to those with poor concentration. Put your phone away when it’s time to focus and eliminate the biggest distraction.
3. Get Enough Sleep
It’s already hard enough for you to focus, you don’t need to throw inefficient sleep into the mix. Be sure to get as much rest as you can so your mind stays sharp.
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4. Practice Techniques
Plenty of people struggle with concentration, and that means there’s a plethora of assistance available. Whether it’s in books or online tutorials, you can always follow an available technique to nail down which methods work best for you.
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5. Take Regular Breaks
Concentration doesn’t mean working yourself to the bone. Take frequent breaks throughout the day to rest your mind and come back with a clean slate.
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6. Don’t Skip Breakfast
Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. The proper breakfast ensures you have enough energy to carry you through, and skipping it will only make your focus worse.
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7. Go for a Walk
One of the best ways to clear your mind is by going for a stroll. Exercise has already been proven to boost blood flow and improve motivation, but a simple walk can also boost your focus.
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8. Meditate
Meditation won’t cure you overnight, but frequent practice can help improve your focus and instill a better attention span. It’s also been shown to help with memory and can keep your stress levels down.
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9. Don’t Multitask
Make a daily list of tasks and stick to it. Laying everything out in front of you gives you a better sense of what’s a priority and prevents you from taking on too much at once. Too many disorganized tasks easily lead to forgetfulness and little mistakes.
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10. Speak With Someone
At the end of the day, a serious lack of concentration may best be resolved with a professional. If you’re dealing with something more serious like ADHD or OCD, a professional can prescribe the proper strategies and medication you might need to get back on track.
