enigma
05-02-2006, 08:05 PM
Have you ever been so absorbed in a project,you're amazed to discover that an hour has passed,not just few minutes? 0
If only you could package that kind of concentration for times when even the hum of the fridge distract you.It turns out that you can
WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL DISTRACTED
The normal condition of the mind is disorder "Random thoughts, perception and sensations compete for your attention".We usually manage to turn this chaos into order by filtering out some things and focusing on others.If you can't may be because
You're tired
Concentrating takes mental effort.That's why writing a report is easier
when energy levels are high
You're bored
Keeping your attention fixed on a subject takes effort.If something holds
no interest (or benefit) to you ,it's hard to marshal that energy
You're stressed
When you're tense,your mind becomes stuck in the perception that you're facing a threat.This code-red mental state limits your abiliy to settle down to a task
You're trying to do too many things at once
As a result of that,you either don't do jobs as well as you'd like or you leave them unfinished altogether
There are also some other reasons which are
Common Medical Causes
- Thyroid Disease
A restless mind is often the first sign of a problem.Other symptoms: unusual fatigue,low spirits & unexplained weight gain or loss
- Diabetes
Elevated blood sugar levels can make it difficult to stay sharp
- Depression
You make minor slipups,which cause you to worry,hurting concentration even more
- Adult ADD
This is caused by abnormal brain chemistry.The diorder begins in childhood,so if your attention problems started when you were young see a doctor
TRICKS TO HELP YOU GET BACK ON TRACK
A) Identifyyour destination: Pinpoint what you need to focus on & what end
B) Sweeten the deal: Your brain will focus on something it doesn't want to if you promise it a wonderful time later
C) Set the stage: Before you start on a project make sure that you have all the tools (and time) you'll need.Preplanning reduces the risk that something silly will interrupt you
D) Free yourself of internal distractions: MRIs reveal that when you're focused on one object ,activity in other parts of the brain is lowered or even suppressed.But how do you keep worries from cutting into your concentration? Create a to-do list.But don't just jot down each task,figure out when you'll do it as well.That way ,you can turn your undivided attention to the job at hand,reassured that you have a strategy for the other projects on your mind
E) Eliminate external distractions too: Watch for subtle disrupts.According to a study on attention,people performed better in silence than when background music was playing.Smells,pleasant ones as well as nasty,can also cause you to lose concentration
F) Build in breaks: For most of us,concentration drops after 20 to30 minutes.To reenergize yourself stretch or take a short walk.Regular activity may improve brain functions by promoting better blood flow
G) Try a manatra: When you feel your mind taking detours,close your eyes,inhale deeply & slowly and say to yourself, "Stay focused".Repeat twice
I hope you like it as I did when I first read it
If only you could package that kind of concentration for times when even the hum of the fridge distract you.It turns out that you can
WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL DISTRACTED
The normal condition of the mind is disorder "Random thoughts, perception and sensations compete for your attention".We usually manage to turn this chaos into order by filtering out some things and focusing on others.If you can't may be because
You're tired
Concentrating takes mental effort.That's why writing a report is easier
when energy levels are high
You're bored
Keeping your attention fixed on a subject takes effort.If something holds
no interest (or benefit) to you ,it's hard to marshal that energy
You're stressed
When you're tense,your mind becomes stuck in the perception that you're facing a threat.This code-red mental state limits your abiliy to settle down to a task
You're trying to do too many things at once
As a result of that,you either don't do jobs as well as you'd like or you leave them unfinished altogether
There are also some other reasons which are
Common Medical Causes
- Thyroid Disease
A restless mind is often the first sign of a problem.Other symptoms: unusual fatigue,low spirits & unexplained weight gain or loss
- Diabetes
Elevated blood sugar levels can make it difficult to stay sharp
- Depression
You make minor slipups,which cause you to worry,hurting concentration even more
- Adult ADD
This is caused by abnormal brain chemistry.The diorder begins in childhood,so if your attention problems started when you were young see a doctor
TRICKS TO HELP YOU GET BACK ON TRACK
A) Identifyyour destination: Pinpoint what you need to focus on & what end
B) Sweeten the deal: Your brain will focus on something it doesn't want to if you promise it a wonderful time later
C) Set the stage: Before you start on a project make sure that you have all the tools (and time) you'll need.Preplanning reduces the risk that something silly will interrupt you
D) Free yourself of internal distractions: MRIs reveal that when you're focused on one object ,activity in other parts of the brain is lowered or even suppressed.But how do you keep worries from cutting into your concentration? Create a to-do list.But don't just jot down each task,figure out when you'll do it as well.That way ,you can turn your undivided attention to the job at hand,reassured that you have a strategy for the other projects on your mind
E) Eliminate external distractions too: Watch for subtle disrupts.According to a study on attention,people performed better in silence than when background music was playing.Smells,pleasant ones as well as nasty,can also cause you to lose concentration
F) Build in breaks: For most of us,concentration drops after 20 to30 minutes.To reenergize yourself stretch or take a short walk.Regular activity may improve brain functions by promoting better blood flow
G) Try a manatra: When you feel your mind taking detours,close your eyes,inhale deeply & slowly and say to yourself, "Stay focused".Repeat twice
I hope you like it as I did when I first read it