It’s September, which means that many of us will be in that “back to school” vibe. Whether you have children moving up a year (or even starting for the first time!) or are even going back to school yourself, this time of year always feels like a fresh start and a time to focus.
As someone who has always struggled with focus *ahem* ADHD problems – anything I can do to help myself is worth it. Here are some of my top tips for encouraging focus and concentration.
Focus supplements
FOCO offers a cognitive boost for kids, teens and adults alike and is ideal for university or college students who just need a little helping hand for sitting down to study, or writing a long paper. It’s made of various herbs and extracts to support the brain in focussing and promoting a stable mood and well-being. Take them 30 minutes before you need to crack on with work, for optimal effectiveness.
Pomodoro technique
This is a well-known time management method that involves focussing hard for 25 minutes, then allowing yourself 5 minutes of whatever you like (for me, it’s scrolling aimlessly on my phone) before getting back to another 15 minute focus. You’ll be surprised at how much you can get done in that time, knowing that you will be able to spend 5 minutes being as distracted as you like! There are some internet plugins that will block any distracting websites and keep track of where you are at.
Work with your own body clock
Not everyone is more productive at 9am. Some of us get our brain working much later in the day and it’s counter productive to try and force it. You can either sit staring blankly at a screen for a few hours, or wait until your brain is ready to get going and smash it out
Set up your space
A cluttered workspace won’t make you feel your best. Give your desk or table a good clean and tidy, light a candle and put on some focus music. Make sure you have a drink nearby and something to snack on. You also need to make sure you won’t get distracted – whether that means putting a sign on your door, or just turning your phone onto “do not disturb”, the less distractions, the better!
Prioritise and Break Down Tasks
Start by organising your work into smaller, manageable tasks (and yes, that might involve treating yourself to a new notebook…!) Prioritize them based on deadlines and importance. Breaking down large projects into smaller steps makes the workload less overwhelming and gives you a clear sense of progress as you complete each task.
Practice Mindfulness and Take Breaks
It’s essential to take regular, short breaks to refresh your mind. Use these moments to stretch, take a walk, or practice deep breathing. Mindfulness techniques, like focusing on your breathing for a few minutes, can help reset your mind and improve concentration.
By using a mix of all these different techniques, you- or your children – will be able to notice a huge uptick in your ability to focus and be productive.