Why do you have a lack of concentration and focus? Here are the most common causes.
‘Concentration’ can be defined as the amount of mental energy that we are able to give to a task in the present moment. Maintaining great concentration levels are one of the keys to productivity and to getting ahead at work. But many of us are suffering from a lack of concentration. Why? There are a number of possible explanations, and in this article we will explore the symptoms of a lack of concentration and will also offer solutions to help you boost your brain health, improve your concentration, enhance your focus and productivity, and ultimately to enable you to reach your full potential.
A lack of concentration can be the result of a bad night’s sleep (or, indeed, sustained sleep deprivation), poor nutritional choices, supplementing incorrectly or not getting enough exercise. Anxiety and poor mental health can also seriously impact your ability to concentrate. If you find yourself unable to concentrate, it can lead to frustration and irritability which inevitably feed back into exacerbated focus and concentration problems. It can be a self-fulfilling prophecy.
If you find it difficult to focus for long periods of time, brain supplements might be a good option for you. For many, smart drugs and nootropics are one of the best ways to give your brain a boost without the risk of side-effects or dependency.
Some of the most common causes of waning concentration and focus are:
- Not enough sleep or poor sleep quality
- Stress, anxiety and depression
- Nutrient poor and carbs rich diet
- Timing of meals and snacking
Below each reason for a loss of concentration, you’ll find suggested solutions to help you redirect your mental energy and get your concentration levels back on track.
1. Not getting enough sleep
Sleep is vital for all aspects of brain health. This includes - but is in no way limited to - attention, concentration, productivity and performance. If you miss out on even one night of good quality sleep, your concentration levels could dwindle the next day, leaving you feeling at a loss and frustrated with yourself for not being able to remain present.
One study found that inferior sleep can negatively impact your brain in a way not dissimilar to alcohol. We all know what it feels like to try working on a hangover (challenging, to say the least), and sleeping for fewer than seven to nine hours per night - or experiencing reduced quality of sleep - can have a similar effect.
If sleep is something you struggle with, you should aim to upgrade your bedtime routine right away. You would also be advised to focus on eating sleep-promoting foods in the evening, and can further support your sleep cycle by taking the right supplements.
LYMA contains sleep-promoting adaptogen Sensoril®Ashwagandha. The natural root extract is derived from raw and natural sources and is backed by clinical evidence to support that it promotes healthy sleep. Research has shown that 600mg per day, as is present in the LYMA formula, is helpful for boosting sleep quality, as well as reducing sleep onset in those suffering from insomnia.
Enhanced sleep quality has also been linked to reduced anxiety levels, which could further improve your baseline concentration level.
2. How does anxiety impact brain health and how to treat it?
Anxiety can manifest differently from one person to the next, but common symptoms include restlessness, feeling on-edge, worrying incessantly, irrational irritability, insomnia and trouble concentrating.
The causes and symptoms of anxiety are complex and often intertwined, and there is frequently a symbiotic relationship between the two. Anxiety can be caused by stress in relationships or at work, by genetics, by brain chemistry or other physiological or hormonal imbalances or as a side-effect of certain medications.
Affron® is one of the latest additions to LYMA’s formula. It is a concentrated standardized saffron extract.
Affron® contains various plant compounds and is most effective when taken at a daily dose equivalent to that found in LYMA.
Sensoril® Ashwagandha is also included in LYMA, provided at a dosage of 600mg.
3. Your diet could affect your brain chemistry.
Some foods have negative effects on the brain, impacting your ability to concentrate for long periods of time. Timing of meals is also important and unstable blood sugar can upset your brain chemistry, negatively affecting memory and mood and increasing your risk of dementia.
Sugar and sugary drinks, excessive caffeine, refined carbohydrates, processed foods, artificial sweeteners, fried food and alcohol are some of the worst foods for promoting concentration and should be avoided in order to promote improved brain health and greater focus and productivity.
There are however some foods that directly benefit the areas of the brain responsible for concentration. These include fatty fish, moderate amounts of caffeine, berries (particularly antioxidant-rich blueberries), leafy green vegetables, broccoli, pumpkin seeds (these nutritional powerhouses are rammed full of magnesium, zinc, copper and iron, all which are important for optimal brain health), dark chocolate, nuts, citrus fruits and green tea. There is scientific evidence to support eating all of the above foods for improved memory, concentration and focus.
Furthermore, constantly snacking on sugary snacks throughout the day can upset your blood sugar, in turn affecting your ability to concentrate. Try to eat three balanced meals and two small snacks that are high in protein and healthy fats and lower in carbohydrates if you want to keep your blood sugar in check. For some people, intermittent fasting might be a useful tool to help stabilise blood sugar, mood and concentration levels.
4. You may want to look into nootropics.
Smart drugs, or nootropics, are a class of natural substances that are used by some individuals seeking to enhance brain health. LYMA contains Cognizin®, which is a form of citicoline. It is included in LYMA at a dose of 250mg.
Cognizin® is a patented form of citicoline that is characterized by its properties. It is often noted in discussions about brain function.
If you are considering changes to your routine or lifestyle, there are various approaches you might explore, such as prioritizing sleep and maintaining a balanced diet.
Always consult your medical professional if you have a medical condition, or existing health protocol, before beginning any new supplementation regime.
