things you can do to focus better.

Focusing is a rare skill in today's world. Those who can concentrate get more done. You could benefit from better concentration in school, work, or hobbies. I'll explain what's holding you back and how to improve. You may be procrastinating now, but grab a pen and paper and take notes. This will maximize your procrastination session. Buckle up, it's going to be a long video. let’s dive in. There are two types of focus: scattered and directed. Scattered focus is when your attention is spread out. Most people have this type of focus. The problem is that your brain is bad at switching between tasks. It takes time to "load" the context of each task into your working memory. This wastes mental energy and leaves you exhausted without accomplishing much. Directed focus is when you focus on one thing and ignore everything else.

To achieve success, focus on one thing at a time. Avoid distractions and harmful stimuli. Imagine having 5 units of focus. Use them all on studying for directed focus. But if your mom interrupts to say dinner will be ready in 45 minutes, your attention is divided. One unit of focus is now on dinner, taking away from studying. Losing focus wastes mental energy. Phones can be distracting. They ring, vibrate, and make sounds for notifications. Even if a phone is on silent, people tend to check it when bored, dividing their attention. This doesn't mean one should throw their phone away. Instead, when wanting to concentrate, put the phone somewhere out of sight. Anything can divide attention, but phones are a big contributor.

Distractions can affect your focus, so keep them away. Cellphones are the biggest contributor to distractions, but anything can do that. Be aware of possible distractions and avoid them. Your physiology can also affect your ability to focus. Take care of your body to optimize your mind. Lack of sleep will decrease your concentration, so get 7-9 hours of sleep. Exercise daily to improve your ability to focus on difficult tasks. Even a short walk around the block will do. Hydration is important too. When you wake up, you might be dehydrated, so drink water. Your diet affects your performance. Unhealthy foods and sugary drinks lead to brain fog and decreased concentration. To improve your focus, take care of your body and consider healthier alternatives. Concentration is a skill that can be trained, like a sport. Practice regularly to strengthen your ability to concentrate. Start with short periods of focus and gradually increase over time. Set aside a dedicated time each day to concentrate on one task and protect that block of time. The best time for focus is in the morning, about an hour after waking up, when you have no distractions and all your focus units are ready. Many historic artists, writers, and philosophers have utilized this time of day. Don't wait for perfect conditions to focus, make it a regular habit.

Focusing in the afternoon can be difficult due to a busy day and a stimulated brain. It's easier to focus in the morning after resting for 8 hours. Attempting to focus on a demanding task in the afternoon often fails due to mental occupancy. To focus late in the day, take a proper break to un-stimulate your brain. Concentrating for a long time is mentally tiring, whether it's scattered or directed focus. Most people make the mistake of browsing their phone during a break, which drains their mental energy. Instead, try activities like walking, meditating, or napping to unplug and recharge your mental energy. Allow yourself to be bored to give your brain some breathing room.

Reminder: Mental breaks aren't just for switching focus. They also help extend your ability to focus intensely.