ANN/THE DAILY STAR – In today’s fast-paced world, it’s common to struggle with staying focused for more than a few minutes.
With constant phone notifications and wandering thoughts, we easily drift away from the task at hand.
The good news? You can train your brain to improve focus.
Here are five practical activities, aside from meditation, that you can do at your desk or throughout the day to sharpen your concentration.
THE POMODORO TECHNIQUE WITH A TWIST
If you’re tired of hearing about ‘just take breaks’, try The Pomodoro Technique, but with a small challenge. Set a timer for 25 minutes and work with full concentration on a single task. When the timer goes off, take a five-minute break.
But here’s the twist – during your break, do something fun and challenging, like a quick brain game on your phone or solving a mini-puzzle. This not only gives your brain a rest from work, but also keeps it engaged and ready to dive back in.
Recent studies show that mixing work with playful mental exercises can actually improve overall focus and mental stamina over time.
DESK YOGA STRETCHES
We all know sitting for hours is bad, but did you know it’s also killing your focus? Simple desk yoga stretches can be a game-changer. You don’t need a mat or yoga pants – just do a few easy stretches right at your desk.
Try the seated twist: sit up straight, put your right hand on the back of your chair, and twist gently to the right, holding for 10 seconds, then switch sides. These stretches increase blood flow to your brain, helping you feel more awake and focused. Plus, it gives you a mental break that doesn’t just involve not staring at a screen.
MINDFUL WALKING
Instead of aimlessly scrolling through social media on your break, try mindful walking. This isn’t about speed or steps; it’s about noticing the world around you.
For just five-to-10 minutes, walk around, focusing on your breath, the feeling of your feet on the ground, and the sights and sounds around you; like a mini mental vacation.
A study from Stanford University found that walking in nature, or even looking at nature scenes, can boost creativity and focus by up to 60 per cent.
If you can’t go outside, try walking by a window or an area with natural light.
‘EAT THE FROG’ FIRST THING IN THE MORNING
No, not literally! ‘Eat the frog’ basically means ‘do the hardest task first’.
When you start your day with the most challenging or dreaded task, you’re more likely to feel a sense of accomplishment and less mental fatigue as the day goes on.
So, tackle that frog while your brain is fresh. You’ll not only improve your focus for the rest of the day, but also reduce procrastination.
BRAIN DUMP
Ever feel like you have a hundred things swirling around in your head, making it impossible to concentrate? That’s where a ‘brain dump’ comes in.
Take a few minutes, grab a piece of paper (or open a digital note), and just write down everything on your mind – work tasks, personal to-dos, even random thoughts.
Get it all out. This simple exercise helps clear mental clutter, so you can focus better on what’s in front of you. This actually helps free up mental space and reduces anxiety about forgetting things. It’s like emptying your brain’s junk folder. – Nusrath Jahan
