As humans, I think it’s fair to say procrastinating is in our blood, some of us just do it less than others. If you want to be one of ‘those’ productive people then give these 5 concentration-boosting methods a go:
- 1. Eating Tasty Food
Yes, that’s right munching on blueberries, dark chocolate, avocados, seafood and much much more good stuff gives the brain a nutrient boost of e.g. antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, B and E vitamins to name just a few. All of which will act as brain fuel while you continue with the task of spelling your name correctly for the first time. The struggle is real!
- Hug Hug Hug
Hugging has been scientifically proven to reduce anxiety by increasing the amount of endorphins in the blood stream. A decrease in anxiety will allow you to focus more intently and for longer. Less time will be spent biting your nails down to the bone and more time on scrawling out your latest fan-fiction novel.
- Quidditch Match
Who doesn’t love prepping their brain for some Pythagoras theorem than by running around a poorly marked football pitch with a broom between their legs screaming ‘QUAFFLE’! That’s right, exercise does more than just the heart good. That sponge in your head will be thankful too. According to Harvard Medical school, exercise actually results in chemicals (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor – rewires memory circuits so they work better) being released by the brain which reduces ‘memory fog’ and cognitive decline. The key is for the exercise to be regular and moderately intense, so sorry, but if the odd jog to the supermarket for milk late at night in your slippers is your type of ‘exercise’ then prepare to forget your name by the time you’re 30.
- What’s That Smell?
The BBC reported that smelling lamb’s favourite herb – rosemary can increase memory, Huffpost, shared that cinnamon could increase mind sharpness and that peppermint could boost concentration. Inc, also supported the brain boosting effects of rosemary and peppermint by writing that the former can promote memory and alertness while the latter could enhance the accuracy of memory. * Just to note, these studies focused on essential oils, not your mum’s spice cupboard.
- Watch Funny Cat Videos
It’s been reported that laughter helps strengthen the immune system, but what has this got to do with building up our willpower? As mentioned by ABC the BBC (so many letters), having a good laugh can boost your willpower levels. But how? Supposedly laughing releases endorphins and reduces the stress hormone (cortisol) concentrations in our blood, as a result this helps boost our immune system which in exchange changes our brain wave activity, changing it more towards a ‘gamma frequency’ which aids memory recall. So perhaps taking 5 mins to watch some funny clips or listen to your favourite comedian could just be what you need to be at your most productive.
Well, I hope you’ve been concentrating throughout my spiel above, if not I hope the distracting cat videos were worth it!! 😦
**This post is intended for ERIC Magazine.
The Neon Squid 