CONCENTRATE ONLY
YOUR LEARNING
If you, like me, have the attention span of a goldfish, then you probably need an IV of caffeine in the morning to keep your focus on your screen. And that all comes from your brain being flooded with a combination of neurotransmitters and hormones. But there's more. These things can throw quite a wrench in the works if you, like me, go through life as someone with ADD.
1. Iron deficiency
The release of neurotransmitters plummets when you have an iron deficiency, resulting in a deteriorated concentration. Research shows that women who have an iron-rich lunch are much better focused than women who have an iron deficiency. So, take a combination of iron-rich foods and vitamin C to absorb the iron even better.
2. Too perfect
Perfectionism and thus ambition go hand in hand with fear of failure. We all know it: making small things incredibly big in no time. In our heads, that is. It's better to throw out the things that worry you, deadlines, that conversation with your boss that's on the agenda, that presentation, etc., before you get the chance to create nerves. Take a colleague by the arm, go for a walk, or write it down. You'll see that you can concentrate much better afterwards and that it all turns out to be much easier than you thought..
‘I am the queen of sticking post-its’
3. Chaos
I am the queen of sticking post-its. And I don't just stick those lovely pink sheets because they look nice. No, detailed to-do lists ensure a clear mind. Detailed, indeed. Because unclear lists work against you and give your brain no insight into what really has priority. Check off your lists, don't make them too long, and possibly work with different colors. This way, you can distinguish between important and less important tasks.
Had a misunderstanding with your partner? Address it before you start a new day. Otherwise, it will haunt you and make you less productive. No time? Write it down and then put your paper away. This prevents noise in your head and neutralizes your body's fight-or-flight response.
5. Coffee in the early morning
Always make sure you eat something when you drink your cup of coffee. Caffeine is a stimulant that increases blood flow to the brain and makes the heart beat faster. This breaks down vitamin B in your body, leading to an increase in cortisol (your stress hormone). If you drink caffeine on an empty stomach or drink too much coffee, your body will be in a constant state of ongoing stress, which makes it hard to focus.
6. That time of the month
It could very well be that you can't keep your head in the game for a few days each month. It has been proven that in the days before your period, hormonal fluctuations can cause concentration disorders. And believe it or not, a visit to the gym is not a bad idea. Exercising gets neurotransmitters working, which leads to better concentration.
7. Hydrate
A lack of fluid in your body is fatal for your focus. Water ensures that glucose from food can be better absorbed in your body, which has positive effects on brain functions. Drinking water thus leads to better concentration and the ability to absorb and remember information.
