Noise is an obvious distraction when you are trying to focus. Background and sudden noises increase your stress levels and reduce your ability to concentrate. The startle reflex is an involuntary response that occurs following unexpected and sudden stimulation. There is an increase to the heart rate, sweating and blood pressure that cannot be suppressed at will. Over 70 percent of office workers said that reduced noise would increase their productivity due to an increased ability to focus. Reduce noise as much as possible by moving to a quiet room or place, such as a library, and mute your mobile phone. Alternately drown out annoying noises with soothing music to help you focus.
Maintain steady blood sugar levels to concentrate on an activity for some time. Blood sugar known as glucose is fuel for your brain and body, which is obtained from the carbohydrates you eat. If your blood sugar levels drop too low, then your ability to focus drops. However, the same is true if glucose levels are too high. A study, Relationship Between Baseline Glycemic Control and Cognitive Function in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes and Other Risk Factors, published in "Diabetes Care" in February 2009 showed that cognitive function and memory were negatively affected by high blood glucose. Eat complex carbohydrates, such as wheat toast or brown rice to keep sugar levels steady. These take longer to digest than simple carbohydrates found in candy or potato chips.
People can be very distracting. Cubicle-based offices are commonplace and are intended to increase communication; however, studies have shown that constant interruptions can increase stress levels and reduce productivity and focus.
When you find your mind wandering to problems or worries, it is hard to maintain focus. Meditation and distraction exercises, such as mental arithmetic can be used to regain control of your focus.
Eat complex carbohydrates before a long period of concentration. They take longer to break down, keeping you fuller longer and your brain steadily fueled. Keep a glass of water with you to maintain hydration levels as this is another factor in cognitive function and focus.
Children, dogs, cats or other dependents can have complex needs that need attending. Advanced planning of how your dependents will be cared for or entertained while you complete your tasks can allow you to focus on the task at hand.
Sitting next to a window can inspire some people or steal the focus of others. Decide which of these describes you, and if you are distracted by staring out of the window, sit so that this is not an option. Angle your chair, go to the library, move your desk or move to a different room.
Put the iPad away and turn off the television. Put your cell phone on silent, and if it is practical to do so, turn it off. Electronic gadgets may be more sophisticated than the toys you had when you were growing up, but they are still toys in many ways.
Messages popping up from social networking sites and messaging software are very distracting if you are attempting to focus while at a computer. Log out, go offline or make yourself unavailable to anyone who might say hello or distract you with their online presence.
If you need to crack the Schrodinger equation for your latest physics assignment, you won't get this done sitting on the beach watching hot people go by. Choose a location where you can successfully complete your task.