Focus Exercises that Boost Concentration Skills
Concentration or focusing on something for a long period is an issue with most of us. It is naturally more prominent in students as they have to sit for long hours to study. But there are effective ways to up your concentration and improve your performance. Making concentration exercises a part of your routine will go a long way in upping your productivity. Here, we list some focus exercises that will help you in your overall performance in studies and hence, exams.
Focus exercises…what are they?
To make these exercises a part of your daily life, first, we must know what they actually mean. It’s quite simple though. Focus exercises are those that will improve your ability to concentrate on one task for longer. These exercises help you optimise your time spent on one task. They also help in recalling important and useful information. Just like fitness, if you want to learn how to focus, you will expend energy. Thus, doing these exercises will aid your brain in thinking with more clarity and developing your stamina as well.
Make a ‘not-to-do’ list
We always stress on making a ‘to-do’ list. However, this time, you have to create a ‘not-to-do’ list. It is easy to get distracted in today’s world. And research shows that it takes 25 minutes to refocus on the task at hand after the distraction. Therefore, create that ‘not-to-list’. It can include things like, checking the phone, your social media, checking your email, etc. When you feel the urge to indulge in such an activity, simply jot it down. This act will itself will help you concentrate on the task at hand.
Mindfulness and meditation
You may wonder how this helps, but it is one of the best concentration exercises for students. While the benefits of meditation
and mindfulness are well-known, it is also very powerful in improving your focus. It clears your mind of all the clutter you accumulate throughout the day. Research shows that meditation has a positive impact on focus. Only 15 minutes of concentration helps increase your attention span. Indulging in mindfulness activities helps in mental fitness as your brain becomes calmer. Thus, it helps in focussing on the task for longer.
Practice sitting still
Yes, you read right…sitting still is an acquired skill, but it is one of the best exercises to improve concentration. Time yourself to see for long you can sit still for 15 minutes. Or, follow the small hand of the clock for 5 minutes without a break. You will find that doing this is not easy but believe us, this exercise is very effective in boosting your concentration. One suggestion…combine this exercise with the point mentioned above, i.e., mindfulness and meditation. You will discover how powerful it is.
Attentive listening
Listening is very integral to focus. It is always easy to tell if someone is listening to you or not. Hence, listening is one of the senses that will always tell you the truth about concentration. You can build up on attentive listening to enhance focus. Therefore, when someone is talking to you, try to concentrate on what they are saying. Pay all your attention on that without allowing another thought to cross your mind. Try to stay in the present and focus on the conversation you are having. This is a great exercise to improve concentration in all tasks.
Read a long book…but slowly
True, there’s a lot of information on the internet, but it’s just that…information! And, it is short! We suggest, you pick up a real book and start reading it slowly. Try and recall the story and plot after each chapter, and then come up with a scenario as to how it will shape up. Reading long content increases your attention span, thus enhancing concentration. Also, processing complex situations as you read trains your mind to filter information according to its relevance. Besides, reading also increases your knowledge, and not just offers information.
Diet and exercise
All the above-mentioned activities will help you boost your concentration. However, do indulge in some TLC with a proper diet and fitness routine. According to studies, regular physical exercise releases chemicals that are integral to concentration, memory, and mental sharpness. It also boosts the brain’s serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels, which impact attention and memory. Besides, physical activity relieves stress by relaxing the muscles. Supplement this with a healthy and nutritious diet, and you are set to boost your concentration.
Besides what we mentioned, getting out and connecting with nature, getting good sleep, listening to soothing music, all boost concentration skills. Also, apart from enhancing your focus, these exercises are also an excellent way to improve working memory. Go ahead and indulge!
