Concentration Problems in Adults

I often hear my clients complain about how easily they are distracted.  As a result of their concentration problems and lack of focus they are overwhelmed by the many unfinished projects and associated low self-esteem. This state can be so disheartening that it can take the joy out of life. Recently I have been remarked on my concentration skills in my Tai Chi class. I decided to combine my personal experience with scientific information to help you with your concentration problems.

reasons and solutions to concentration problems

If you want to achieve anything of value in life you need to train your body-mind to solve your concentration problems.

Understanding Concentration Problems

In order to ensure our survival our brain is designed to notice and act upon different sensations and thoughts in order to keep us in touch with our needs. This normal disorder of our minds gets organised by our ability to concentrate.  By guiding our attention we filter the irrelevant things so we can attend to relevant ones.

Concentration problems occur when our ability to focus our mind long enough on something becomes limited.  Some of my clients describe how whilst they are watching a movie they feel the urge to play a game.  They report how they stopped attempting to read.  Because every time they read a sentence they have to reread, or they turned a page but can’t tell what it said.  They are unable to engage in deep conversations or follow a set of instructions. Besides affecting their daily performance they can’t enjoy anything since their mind seems out of control, wandering over what they need to do next or some other thought.

Such seemingly individual problems have undoubtedly repercussions on family life.  Many couples and many parents underperform in their ability to play their part in creating a happy and healthy family life.

I liken such minds to an enclosed wild horse.  Together with a knowledgeable rider they can achieve great things.

Reasons of Concentration Problems

There are several factors affecting our ability to concentrate:

  • When you have too many tasks in your hands you might find your concentration weakens. Researchers have found that as the stress levels increase the ability to concentrate decreases.
  • I often notice perfectionism is one of the most prevalent self-inflicted causes of stress.
  • Unresolved stress over time can turn into depression. Not surprisingly one of the symptoms of depression is diminished ability to concentrate.
  • We all experienced how when we have not had enough sleep or are tired we cannot focus easily.
  • One of the myths of modern life I used to suffer in the past is the idealization of multitasking. Research shows that when multitasking we make errors whilst also teaching our brain to divide its attention. Recently I made a conscious decision to just do one thing at a time. This includes simple activities such as listening to music and washing up.
  • When we are bored we lose our concentration.
  • Our inability to focus can be associated with some hormonal imbalances such as pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopause.

Improving Your Concentration

Concentration is a learned skill.  You can address your concentration problems by training your body-mind.  This is rather like taming a wild horse.  Here I will share some suggestions that my experience and research results indicate:

  • Look at your lifestyle choices. Make adjustments to eat, exercise, rest and work sensibly.
  • Lead a stimulating life. Think what would make you feel alive and just do it without finding excuses.
  • Make a conscious decision to do one thing at a time.
  • If you move fast, make a conscious decision to slow down.
  • Spend time to stop at least 10mn every morning and every evening, and listen to your heart beat.

I often hear my clients find excuses not to follow such suggestions.  Their situation is special and they simply don’t have time to stop. Let me put it clearly; if you want to achieve anything of value in life you need to be able to focus therefore to learn to stop.  The benefits of stopping go beyond concentration which I will write in a future post.

Irem Bray

İrem Bray is a graduate of Bosphorus University Department of Psychology and London University Institute Of Psychiatry. She sees life as a journey of reciprocal discovery and opportunity to share gifts. She develops projects which, starting from the uniqueness of the individual, transform the society in a circular way. She works with her team, using the latest technologies, to train family therapists, and conduct sessions with people throughout the world, especially with Turks and those associated with Turks, to improve systems such as individuals, couples, families and companies. You can now contact İrem and her team at [email protected] or 0090 538 912 33 36, 0044 738 7763244 Contact her at http://irembray.com

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