6 Ways to Improve Your Attention Span

Months into Covid-19 pandemic, many of us are still trying to cope up with stress, anxiety, fear, grief and anger. Pandemic has affected the productivity of most of the people and it is normal to feel less productive than usual during these times. Research has proven that concentration, memory and cognition suffer when people are under stress and anxiety for months. This is because our brain is good at reacting to short-bursts of stress but not to constant pressure.

Here’s how you can improve your concentration and attention span during this pandemic:

1. Take time for self-care and self compassion

This is a hard time and might not be the most productive time for you; neither should you feel pressurized to make it so. As a matter of fact, nobody is operating at 100% of their full capacity these days but we all are doing the best we can in these unprecedented times. It is very important that you take out time for self-care and compassion, lean on basic activities like sleeping, eating healthy meals and exercising to stay mentally fit and improve your concentration. 

2. Set goals

Setting specific goals can help you in staying productive and focused. Deciding what you want to do and listing down these tasks will guide you when your mind starts to drift away. At the end of the day, you must check your progress and revise your goals accordingly for the next day.

3. Take breaks 

“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”

Taking frequent breaks to socialize and exercise can provide a much needed change of pace to your brain. It will have a rejuvenating effect on you and will improve your concentration and attention span.

4. Practice mindfulness

If you find yourself losing focus easily, you can try practicing mindfulness. It is one of the best treatments for inattention. The moment you realise that you are unable to focus, leave everything, sit on a comfortable seat, close your eyes and pay attention to your breath for few minutes. Counting your breath going in and out shall easily help your brain reset.

5. Do one thing at a time

Sometimes we have a lot to do and we get confused as to where and how to begin the work. Try starting with the most important task of yours as it will be beneficial to devote all your energies to a single task at a time. Resist yourself from toggling back and forth between social media, news and other distractions. This will not only help you to concentrate, but also ease your stress a bit.

6. Adjust your schedule

Few hours of maximum productivity are sufficient to complete your work. Thus, it is important to schedule your goals strategically. You must figure out what time suits you best and makes you most productive and then try to work at the same time regularly.

Follow the above tips to improve your concentration and attention span. Don't take it hard on yourself, relax. Stay home, stay safe!

Sources:

1. https://time.com/5878780/how-to-focus-covid-19-pandemic/
2. https://gmat.economist.com/news-announcements/seven-tips-home-studying-during-coronavirus-pandemic/
3. https://theconversation.com/having-trouble-concentrating-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic-neuroscience-explains-why-139185
4. https://www.kvc.org/blog/10-ways-to-stay-optimistic-coping-during-covid-19/