In today’s world, distractions are abundant, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to stay focused on a task for an extended period. Focusing is a complex cognitive process that involves several different brain regions and networks. It makes it possible to concentrate on certain stimuli while ignoring others. Therefore, understanding how attention works in the brain can help us identify the reasons we may not be able to focus and find practical solutions to improve productivity.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND NOT BEING ABLE TO FOCUS 

To understand why we sometimes struggle to focus, it's important to understand how attention works in the brain since it is a complex cognitive process that involves several different brain regions and networks. Our brains contain billions of neurons which all communicate with each other through electrical impulses. These impulses release neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that function as messengers to various regions of the brain. It’s essential to maintain the correct levels of these neurotransmitters for the brain to work effectively.

Further, the brain's attention system can be roughly divided into two main components: the top-down system, and the bottom-up system. The top-down system is under conscious control and involves deliberate attention, like when we focus on a certain goal or task. The bottom-up system is automatic and involuntary and involves attention being drawn to stimuli that are emotionally charged (1). When we want to focus, the top-down system is the one we want to activate. It allows us to selectively attend to relevant information while ignoring distractions, but often the bottom-up system wins our attention, making it harder to focus.

SOME OF THE MAIN CAUSES

One of the most common causes of difficulty focusing is a lack of sleep (2). Without enough rest, our brain and body are unable to function at their best, leading to decreased concentration, memory, and overall performance.

During sleep, your brain detoxifies and cleanses itself by flushing away toxin buildup while replenishing vital chemical resources. This is the very reason why napping can feel so refreshing. A study in the journal Science showed brain cells shrink during sleep to allow more space between them, so fluid can wash the brain clean (3).

To address any issues related to brain health, we need to prioritise getting enough sleep each night by setting a regular sleep schedule, limiting screen time before bed, and creating a calming bedtime routine.

High levels of stress and anxiety can also make it challenging to stay focused and productive. When your mind is preoccupied with worry or overwhelmed, it is hard to concentrate on the task at hand. Practising stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and exercise will all significantly help.

Further, and contrary to popular belief, multi-tasking doesn’t make us more productive. In fact, attempting to do multiple things at once can lead to decreased performance and difficulty focusing (4). Therefore, it is essential to try focusing on one task at a time and setting aside specific times for emails or social media. Using productivity tools such as timers or apps can also help to stay on track.

TECHNIQUES TO ASSIST

Several techniques can help us stay focused, including mindfulness meditation, which teaches us to bring our thoughts back to the present when we get distracted (5). It also helps manage anxiety and stress, which contribute to a lack of focus. Additionally, changing items in our living or workspace that grab attention, such as equipment that produces distracting sounds and light, and turning our phones on to do not disturb can help to stop distractions and increase focus and productivity.

Moreover, watching caffeine and sugar intake is also essential, as sudden spikes and dips in our blood sugar levels can cause mental crashes throughout the day, which can impact our attention and focus. General nutrition advice to increase focus is to aim to eat more fruits, vegetables, and high-fibre foods while avoiding simple sugars.

HOW FOCUS ELEMENTALS CAN HELP

Having occasional trouble concentrating is a normal occurrence. Many people often turn to prescription drugs, but these stimulants come with numerous side effects, including sleeplessness, and agitation, and can cause that dreaded ‘crash’ when they eventually wear off.

Our cognitive supplement uses natural psychostimulants scientifically designed to increase neuron activity in the brain, leading to increased cognitive performance. Our goal with Focus Elementals is to help you operate at your peak potential while supporting your long-term brain health.

OtherNature Focus Elementals Nootropic Supplement

Lion’s Mane mushroom stimulates the growth of nerve cells which helps to improve brain health. L-Theanine is an amino acid that reduces stress and anxiety, which will promote relaxation and gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) that improves focus and cognitive function. Bacopa helps to protect the brain against inflammation, improve memory, and can protect against age-related neurodegeneration. Rhodiola has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, improving physical and mental performance, reducing fatigue, and enhancing mood. 

Making small lifestyle changes while supplementing with Focus Elementals could lead to a large increase in your focus and productivity, and the impact of these incremental changes can make a positive impact on your daily life. 

REFERENCES

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29658321/
2. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-deprivation/lack-of-sleep-and-cognitive-impairment
3. https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1241224
4. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/science-clear-multitasking-doesnt-work/
5. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/focus-on-concentration