Some Tips to Improve Your Concentration

Several techniques may help improve concentration, some with more research support than others. However, different methods work for different people, so it may help to try a range of techniques.
Concentration refers to the mental effort you direct toward a task.
It’s sometimes confused with attention span, which refers to the length of time you can concentrate on something.

Attention span and concentration can vary for a number of reasons. Some people have a harder time tuning out distractions, and age and lack of sleep can affect concentration.
Health conditions like brain injury and older age may also affect your concentration and memory.
Keep reading to learn more about research-backed methods to help improve your concentration. We’ll also go over some conditions that may affect concentration and what to do if trying to increase concentration doesn’t seem to help.

Train your brain
Playing certain types of games can help you get better at concentrating. Try:
• sudoku
• crossword puzzles
• chess
• jigsaw puzzles
• memory games

A large 2015 studyTrusted Source of 4,715 adults suggests that spending 15 minutes a day, 5 days a week, on brain training activities can improve concentration.
Brain training games can also help develop working and short-term memory, processing, and problem-solving skills.
Kids
Brain training can work for kids, too. Invest in a book of word puzzles, complete a jigsaw puzzle together, or play a game of memory.
Even coloring can help improve concentration in children or adults. Older children may enjoy more detailed coloring pages, like those found in adult coloring books.
Older adults
The effects of brain training games may be particularly important for older adults since memory and concentration tend to decline with age.

Play a video game
Newer research suggests playing video games may help boost concentration.
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 enough quality 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. Sleep loss over time can lead to negative health effects.

Many experts recommend adults aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.
Exercise
Increased concentration is among the many benefits of regular exercise, which benefits everyone.
Spend time in nature
If you want to boost your concentration naturally, try to get outside every day, even for a short while. You might take a short walk through a park. Sitting in your garden or backyard can also help. Any natural environment has benefits.

Listen to music
Vary your diet
Drink caffeine
Try supplements
Do a concentration workout
Avoid multitasking