Top 6 Concentration Killers

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1. Multitasking

Multitaskers might feel like they're getting more done, but it almost always takes longer to multitask than to devote your attention to one thing at a time.

We lose time shifting between tasks. Researchers found that people lost time when they switched between tasks. When the tasks were more complex or unfamiliar, they took even longer to switch tasks.

It is VERY important to start with ONE task and finish it, before moving to the next one. Children struggle with this, so it is vital that we, as adults, help them to develop this skill.

2. Boredom

Dull tasks or homework can sap your ability to focus and make you more vulnerable to distractions.
When you're bored, almost anything else can be more attractive than what you're doing. That is why it is important to give yourself, or your child, breaks in between for a quick coffee or a walk in
the garden. Schedule these breaks so that your child has something to look forward to or work towards.

3. Mental Distractions

When you’re worrying about money, trying to remember if you finished all your tasks, or replaying a
conversation in your head that didn’t go as planned, it's hard to settle down and stay focused on a project you’re trying to complete. Those types of distractions -- the ones that are in your head -- have a lot of power over you. For your children it may be a fight with a friend, a teacher that is upset with them, worrying about telling you as a parent they got poor marks at school etc.

If you’re stressed about a certain problem, find a time to talk about it with someone you trust. "If you have a supportive, active listener, it can help drain away some of the tension that is bouncing around in your head.

For your children, let them know that they can feel safe when sharing their worries with you and that they can come to you for anything. This is so important these days with so much bullying going on in schools.

4. Electronic interruptions

It's easy to fall into aiding and abetting our own distraction by checking our email, our phones and iPad's all the time. If you're trying to concentrate, you can lose your train of thought every time you hear a notification. We often feel like we need to respond to an email, text, instant message, or voice mail as soon as it's received. Carve out blocks of time when you can focus on your work without electronic interruptions.

5. Fatigue

Many studies show that loss of sleep impairs attention, short-term memory, and other mental functions. Your attention falls apart when you’re sleep deprived. Sleep needs vary, but most adults do
best with seven to nine hours. Getting at least seven hours of sleep will go a long way toward improving your focus during the day.

Below is a guideline for our kids from the Sleep Foundation:

6. Drug Side Effects and Other  Medical Issues

Poor concentration can stem from conditions such as ADHD, sleep apnea, depression, anemia or thyroid disease. Certain medications, such as those used to treat depression, epilepsy, or influenza (flu) infections, may cause concentration difficulties as a side effect, as well.


If you suspect that you or a family member have difficulty with concentration, contact Biolink Attention Training Port Elizabeth today for an obligation free "FOCUS" assessment.







*Article originally published in"Developing Skills for School Readiness" by Biolink Attention Training (2018). 
Sleep Table with thanks from The Sleep Foundation (https://sleepfoundation.org)

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