How to Improve Concentration with Zera
Like many other ideas, this blog was inspired by a moment during my morning walk. As I soaked in the vibrant foliage and felt the fresh fall breeze, I realized I was completely immersed in the moment. The leaves were right in front of me, I could feel the cool air brushing against my skin, and my thoughts were running pleasantly – fully focused on everything.
It’s a great feeling, but to be honest, I’m not always able to focus.
In my early twenties, I went through a period of short attention spans. One minute I was chatting, the next I was pulling out my phone to take pictures and write emails, and then mentally (and sometimes physically) spinning in place. It wasn’t until a friend shared an article with me about how to train my brain to improve my concentration that things started to change.
The article used an analogy that stuck with me: attention is like running endurance. If you only train for sprints, you probably won’t be able to handle long runs or marathons.
In other words, just as you train for a marathon, you can train your attention to stay focused longer. Without realizing it, you’ll be concentrating like a laser!
7 Simple Ways to Improve Your Concentration
1. Use the Tomato Work Method
Have you heard of the Tomato Work Method? It’s a time management method that breaks your work into 25-minute chunks called “tomatoes” to help you stay focused.
Here’s how it works: Set a timer for 25 minutes and give your work your undivided attention. When the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break. If you are in good shape, you can start another 25-minute slot. After completing 3-4 tomato work sessions, the break can be extended.
I use this method when I need to focus but have trouble concentrating. Often, it only takes setting a timer or two to get me into the groove and get things done with ease.
If you are struggling with concentration, I highly recommend this simple method. It is very effective!
2. Focus on one screen at a time
It’s hard to focus when attention is drawn in multiple directions at once. Imagine having three different people waving at you from three corners of the room, super distracting, right?
The same is true when using multiple screens. If you want to improve your concentration, try focusing on just one screen. Watching a program? Set your phone to “do not disturb” and enjoy.
The more you focus on one device, the more enjoyable the experience will be. It’s hard to really enjoy a show or read an Instagram text if you’re distracted.
3. Take notes while listening or reading
Did you know that active listening or reading can improve your memory? Active listening or reading means engaging with content as you consume it. For example, taking notes while reading a book or summarizing key points in a conversation.
Whenever I hear something interesting on a podcast, I write it down. I also do this in book clubs because it helps me refer back to specific passages later. By actively participating in the content you consume, you not only get more out of it, but you also improve your concentration and attention to detail.
4. Read, don’t just watch
Watching TV or browsing social media are mostly passive activities – that’s what makes them so relaxing! But if you want to increase your attention span, you need to engage in more activities that require your brain.
If you find reading difficult, don’t worry. Take your time and try reading for short periods of time. As you practice, your concentration will increase and your mental capacity will grow.
If you’d like more tips on how to improve your concentration, you may find our guide helpful, which explains how to choose the right bra for the shape of your breasts and emphasizes the importance of comfort and concentration in your daily activities.
By practicing these tips, you’ll find that your focus will increase over time. Remember, the key to this, as with any other skill, is consistency. Start training your brain and improving your focus with Zera today!
1. Start small and work your way upWhen building attention span, it’s best to work your way up. Start with shorter texts, such as magazines, short stories or books with short chapters. The more you challenge your brain, the longer your attention will last. With practice, staying focused becomes easier and more natural.
2. Take a walk with a friend Without a doubt, I can always find reasons to talk about the joys of walking! During the epidemic, “walking and talking” became my favorite. It’s simple: take a walk with a friend and talk while you walk, either face-to-face or over the phone. Studies have shown that combining physical activity with listening can actually help the brain absorb more information. In addition, walking creates a more relaxed environment for deep, meaningful conversations. Talking while walking is an excellent way to connect with people and really be in the moment.
3. Engage All Your Senses An excellent way to meditate is to ask yourself: what can I hear, see, taste, touch, or smell right now? Focusing on the senses allows you to fully immerse yourself in the present moment, enriching the present time and enhancing your memory. How often do you recall a beautiful scene, a delicious meal, or the sound of laughter? Focusing on the senses can make times more vivid and memorable.
4. Meditate (or do something similar!) Meditation is widely acclaimed for its ability to improve concentration. It calms the nervous system, enhances cognitive function and reduces stress. When I stick to a meditation practice, I find myself more focused and able to concentrate on the present moment. I prefer short 5-10 minute meditations. If traditional meditation isn’t for you, remember that any activity that puts you in a “flow state” can work wonders. Whether it’s a quiet walk, cooking, painting, or other activity, these moments can be just as beneficial as sitting still and meditating.
Bonus Tip! Embrace Boredom It’s easy to avoid boredom these days, thanks to the constant stream of entertainment on our devices. But it’s actually important to allow yourself to be bored. This will provide a much-needed break for the brain, and it’s often at these times that good ideas spring up. Use your free time, such as standing in a queue or waiting for the kettle to boil, to practice concentration rather than seeking out distractions.
Why should you exercise your attention? A strong attention span can truly enrich your life. Whether you’re enjoying a conversation, taking in the sights, or simply focusing on where you are, living in the moment can lead to a more fulfilling life. From a practical standpoint, improving your focus can also increase your productivity and help you do a better job at work or at home. While it may not sound like much, improving your focus can improve every aspect of your life!
What do you think? How sure are you about your concentration? Are you interested in improving your focus or does this resonate with you? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this!