Good concentration is needed for success in school, work, sports, music and art. Lack of concentration makes achieving a goal even harder and take even longer. Following some simple tips for concentration can help improve this difficult task.
Reaching a state of focused concentration usually takes between 10 and 15 minutes. This time frame, however, can be reduced by using some tips for concentration preparation. First, the student should find a quiet place where noise and visual distractions will be minimal or absent. A table with a comfortable chair is best because this setup provides comfort but does not easily produce sleepiness. Second, the student should remove any personal distractions, such as e-mail and phone notifications, and reduce the clutter around her, limiting the workspace to only what is needed for the task.
For most people, concentration span is finite and can only be maintained for short periods of time, so following a few tips for concentration may help prolong focus. To begin, the student should set a goal of what she wants to accomplish. This goal should be something that can be completed in a reasonable amount of time, should have a clear beginning and end, and if it involves several steps, should include an outline of steps to help maintain focus. Once the task has been completed, the student should take a break, leave the study area and even have a snack before beginning again. When the student returns to her work, she should work on a different subject to help keep the mind engaged.
The ability to concentrate, for most people, is highest during the day and early evening. One of the best tips for concentration is to not try to concentrate late into the night, when the body is used to sleeping. Concentration is also easier when it is done at the same time every day. Study or work that requires intense concentration should be assigned a set time every day so that the body and mind become accustom to this and learn to focus faster and concentrate longer.
Concentration is hard and takes practice. When focus wanders, there are several tips for concentration redirection. When the mind begins to wander, the student should make every attempt to re-engage herself in the material by reflecting on what was most recently read or worked on or by consulting her work outline and then beginning again at the task. At first, the mind will wander frequently and maintaining focus will be difficult. If the student is disciplined at quickly redirecting the mind back to work, concentration will improve and the mind will wander less and eventually not be as easily distracted.