5 Tricks to Help Improve Your Concentration

There are times when we need to concentrate rather than day dream or just drift through our day. Here are some easy tips to help you to improve your concentration.

1. Make sure you get enough sleep

Yes, I know I'm talking about concentrating. But if you don't get enough sleep at night, you won't be able to concentrate when you need to during the day. Whether you need 7, 8 or 9 hours sleep at night, be sure to get it!

2. Don't rely on caffeine

Sure, caffeine and energy drinks are a useful short term boost. But relying on them too often gives your body a crutch that it shouldn't need. And too much caffeine is actually at least as bad - it will likely disrupt your concentration rather than improve it.

3. Take a break

We can't concentrate for hours at a time. That's not how our bodies were designed. After an intense burst of concentration, reward yourself with a short break. Get up, walk around, "break your state" so that you come back to your task refreshed and full of vim and vigor.

4. Get enough exercise

Exercise helps your body. not just to keep fit but also by pumping around things like endorphins which help you to feel good. Regular exercise - whether it's walking, swimming or something more energetic - will help you to concentrate when you need to.

5. Have a regular schedule

Our bodies react well to schedules. If you have a time of day that you can set aside for thinking and concentrating, that's great. Your body will "know" instinctively that it's time to concentrate and will react accordingly.