Concentration and focus – why is that important?

Concentration and focus are two terms that we encounter every day. Whether at work, during a conversation or in many other everyday activities – we are always focused and concentrated on something. Every action, thought or speech requires some form of concentration – whether consciously or unconsciously. Concentration and focus are important companions in our lives, without which we would not be able to achieve even the smallest of goals. But what exactly is concentration and what does it mean? In a psychological context, “concentration is the ability to intentionally direct actions and control their execution.” The definition also states that “concentration is, on the one hand, a state that is characterized by an abundance of (environmental, organismic, cognitive (cognition), emotional (emotions), motivational (motivation) and psychological factors. (emotions), motivational (motivation), social) conditions and, on the other hand, the personality trait of concentration.”

We need concentration and focus in order to master everyday challenges and be successful in life. Focus can be seen as our drive that motivates us to make certain decisions and take certain paths in life. However, concentration and focus also play a central role in our mental health. According to studies, mindfulness (the focus on the here and now) can help to reduce anxiety and depression, lower blood pressure, optimize sleep quality and deal better with stress. Mindfulness can be particularly supportive for depression, as it helps to break through negative thoughts.

Concentration difficulties and causes

It is becoming increasingly common for people to have difficulty concentrating. There can be several reasons for this – both individual, such as stress, and external factors, such as constant noise and a noisy environment. Other causes of concentration problems can include the following:

• Lack of sleep
• Nutrient deficiency
• Lack of exercise
• Stress
• Medical problems such as ADHD
• Too much media consumption
• Multitasking
• Inner restlessness and anxiety disorders
• Hormonal changes
• Dehydration
• Medication side effects

Tips for more concentration and focus in everyday life

• Good sleep hygiene
• Brain training
• Concentration exercises
• Mindfulness and meditation
• Take time for yourself
• Regular exercise and nutrition plan
• Time management
• Record milestones
• Motivational strategies
• Fixed routines
• Group therapies