Whether it’s work or in sports, there are times when we really need to concentrate on what’s on hand to get things done. This, can be more difficult than you think, especially in modern life. Emails, heavy work loads, stress – all these can easily make you lose focus. Here’s how you can increase your attention span and perhaps, help you achieve better scores in your next game!


Sleep It Off

Being well-rested is a great attention booster. A tired brain lacks oxygen – need to produce the chemicals needed to keep your mind in tip-top condition. So don’t put sleep on the back burner. Even one night of insufficient sleep can lead to forgetfulness and lack of concentration. A rule of thumb is that you sleep long enough such that you don’t need an alarm clock to wake you up.

Nibble On Something

Not unhealthy snacks like chips, cookies and cakes, but on something light like an apple, some nuts or a slice of cheese. This is especially useful for when you need to keep your mind sharp during a meeting or while completing an important job. Don’t forget to drink a glass of water as well. Keeping hydrated and having a snack keeps blood sugar levels up, enabling you to focus better.

Move Your Body, Everyday

Exercise is not just a great stress reliever, it also floods your brain with oxygen – essential for keeping your mind sharp. But if you’re feeling sleepy at work and can’t find the time to engage in activities outside the office, even a walk to the pantry or just standing up for a stretch can nudge your brain awake.

Do a “road test”

Really test the shoes before deciding on one. By that, we mean walking around the store for at least five minutes to see if the shoes remain comfortable even after activity. Some specialty stores even provide treadmills for you to test out running shoes. Don’t feel too shy, your feet’s health is at stake! For non-running shoes, try making sudden stops and move side-to-side movements to test the support.

Train Your Brain

Your brain can be trained to become “fitter”. Like your body, your brain needs to be stimulated from time to time to prevent itself from deteriorating with age. By exercising your mental muscles, you can maintain concentration for longer. Try doing a puzzle, or for something fun, play video games that require some strategy, or even mahjong and bridge!

Go Low, Go High

When bogged down with a variety of tasks at hand, sort them out into jobs that require focus, and menial ones that don’t require much thinking. Alternate between the two kinds of jobs. You’ll find yourself concentrating better at the challenging tasks since your mind has had a break earlier!