Five tips on how to improve your concentration skills

The modern age is specific among other things in the high level of procrastination and distractions it provides. We are permanently surrounded by a number of information channels, screens, sounds and people. All these things serve as distractions to our concentration and make us unable to focus fully, be it on work or any other activity we are doing at any given moment. Here are five tips on how to improve your memory and ability to concentrate in the long run.

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Forget about multi-tasking

According to TED.com, many employees nowadays, especially younger ones, brag about their ability to multitask; in reality, however, this is only a myth. The truth is that multitasking usually means chaotically jumping from one thing to another. Avoid multitasking and do not try to learn it. Instead, learn to focus fully on one task at any given moment.

Incorporate mindfulness features into your daily routine

Mindfulness, flow, deep work ... All these terms are linked to one another and widely used in popular science sources. No matter which exact direction you choose, you should incorporate certain features of mindfulness into your everyday routine. Learn to focus on only one thing at a time, meditate, and practise deep, concentrated work.

Stick to your plan for the given day

You should have a specific plan prepared for every day, one that has time blocks allocated to individual tasks, as well as some time devoted to relaxation. Define your priorities, strictly adhere to your plan and do not be distracted by unexpected tasks appearing during the day.

Engage in some creative activity

Many people go for years just being passively impacted by the world around them. In order to keep a sharp mind and relearn to focus deeply on what you are doing, you must teach your brain to start again thinking for itself and come up with original solutions. In this sense, you should regularly engage in some creative activity, such as writing, composing music, painting and so on.

When talking to someone, be present

One of the times people often stop focusing is when communicating with others. Do not just be a passive listener and learn to be present in the given moment when you are talking with someone.

 

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Article source TED.com - TED is a nonprofit devoted to "Ideas Worth Spreading". 
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