Their comprehensive research review makes a distinction between three different attention networks—alerting, orienting, and executive attention. These three different attention networks are orchestrated by different areas of the brain see figure below.

They also differ in the primary neurotransmitters utilized by each system—alerting acetylcholine , orienting norepinephrine , and executive dopamine. Although related and often working collaboratively, they are different forms of attention.

My analogy is the night guard or sentry in a fox hole whose job is to stay alert and perform a constant wide scan of the terrain for sights or sounds of possible activity. Alertness requires a wide scan of the environment and not a narrow selective focus on anything in particular.

It is this type of wide-scan attention that energy drinks most likely facilitate. This is orienting attention, which Posner and Rosthbart describe as the process of improving the perception of the signal by aligning attention with the incoming signal.

This definition is consistent with that from the APA Dictionary of Psychology that defines orienting as the act of directing the body or of moving toward an external stimulus. Finally, once oriented, the guard hones in on the source of the sound or light with a very narrow focus…much like a laser beam.

Nootropics, smart drugs, brain boosters, memory boosters, neuroenhancers, drive drugs, study drugs. The research is still inconclusive on exactly how the drugs work to stimulate the mind, but early research indicates they may act on a variety of different systems within the body simultaneously.

One explanation is that they may increase blood flow to the brain, which allows the brain to use more oxygen. Some drugs increase the amount of certain chemicals neurotransmitters such as dopamine, which are released in the part of the brain associated with dependence.

The drugs often used to enhance cognition can generally be divided into 3 groups: Eugaroics, ADHD medications and Nootropic Supplements.

Eugeroics are a class of drugs that promote wakefulness and alertness. The most commonly used Eugeroic drug that is used to improve cognition is Modafinil. The drug was introduced in the late s to treat narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea and shift work sleep disorder.

Modafinil promotes wakefulness and alertness and may have some value in treating stimulant withdrawal and could be effective in decreasing drug craving and dependence. However, further research is needed. There is no safe level of drug use. Modafinil affects everyone differently, but the most common side effects include:.

Research into nootropics is still limited which means there is a lot of uncertainty about the side effects the drugs may cause if used on an ongoing basis. It is recommended that these drugs are used only with a prescription from a medical practitioner to avoid any potential harms.

Brand names: Ritalin®, Ritalin la®, Concerta®, Ritalin 10®, Dexamphetamine tablets®, Vyvanse®. Ritalin was introduced during the s to treat chronic fatigue, depression, and psychosis associated with depression. It was used extensively in the s to treat ADHD and is now the most common psychotropic medication prescribed to children in the United States and Australia to treat restlessness, impulsive behaviour and inattentiveness.

This research showed changes in brain chemistry associated with risk-taking behaviour, sleep disruption and other undesirable effects such as weight loss. Methylphenidate affects everyone differently, but the most common side effects may include:.

Certain B vitamins, fish oil and herbal supplements such as Gingko biloba and extracts of Bacopa monnieri may offer a safer option to pharmaceutical drugs to enhance cognitive performance. The benefits may not be as immediate but the effects are reportedly much longer lasting.

However, the American Medical Association has advised that a number of products being advertised as nootropic supplements have not been examined in terms of safety and efficacy. Modafinil and is a Schedule 4 substance that can only be prescribed by a doctor or dentist in the ordinary course of their professions.

Methylphenidate is a Schedule 8 drug which means doctors must follow state and territory laws when prescribing it and must notify, or receive approval from, the appropriate health authority.

Avoid multitasking. Get enough sleep. Practice mindfulness. Take regular short breaks. Be in nature. Physical activity. Eat nutritious food.

Use productivity techniques. What causes trouble concentrating? When to contact a doctor. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations.

We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

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In moderation, taking a breather now and then will keep you sharp and laser-focused on the job at hand. The number of things competing for our attention these days seems endless. Drowning out this noise takes practice, but it's a skill that truly anyone can master.

If you take care of yourself both physically and mentally, you'll be ready to focus at the drop of a hat whenever the need should arise. Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor?

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Home Home. Breadcrumb Arrow Living. Breadcrumb Arrow Productivity. Share Copy. Related: Here's Why You Can't Stay Focused Get a good night's sleep Without the proper amount of sleep, any bit of energy you have upon waking up will quickly diminish and leave you feeling sluggish.

Wavy Line Wavy Line. DJ Jeffries is an entrepreneur and the founder of Led2Win. According to the American Psychological Association APA , concentration begins to dip after about 30 minutes of focusing on a task. The organization refers to older research that found people who took a short break in a visual task maintained performance levels for 40 minutes.

This suggests regular small breaks may help people stay focused and sustain concentration levels. Even a break of a few seconds may make a positive difference. Spending time in nature may have positive effects on cognitive function.

Urban environments may negatively affect attention, whereas green spaces may help improve concentration and working memory. A study of preschool and primary school children found a link between exposure to green spaces in the residential areas they grew up in and better scores on tests measuring attention.

According to a study , physical activity is positively linked to academic performance, and structured physical activity may improve concentration and mental focus. In particular, coordinated bilateral exercises, which use both sides of the body and simultaneous movements, may engage both sides of the brain and improve cognitive function.

The study found that school-aged children who took part in daily coordinated bilateral exercise breaks had significant improvements in concentration and attention after 4 weeks compared with a control group.

Getting up and moving around from a desk may also help improve concentration and productivity. Standing up for periods of work or taking breaks to walk around may help improve blood flow and circulation, which may help increase how active and engaged the brain is.

According to a review , diet may influence cognitive function. Foods high in refined sugars and saturated fats may have a negative impact on concentration.

Foods with a low glycemic index may help improve attention and memory. A lack of amino acids may also affect neurotransmitters such as serotonin which may link to learning, reasoning, and memory. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, limiting saturated fat and sugar intake, and drinking enough water each day may help support concentration levels.

A article suggests the following tips for improving concentration, staying focused, and increasing productivity:.

The following factors and health conditions can cause difficulty concentrating or contribute to a decline in concentration:. If changes in diet or lifestyle do not help improve concentration, people can contact a doctor. Persistent problems with concentration may be a sign of an underlying condition.

People can also speak with a doctor if an inability to concentrate affects their personal or working life. Healthcare professionals can suggest lifestyle changes and monitor people to see if these management strategies make a difference.

People may be able to improve concentration by addressing any potential causes, such as a lack of sleep or poor nutrition. Getting regular exercise, practicing good sleep hygiene, eating healthily, and using productivity tools may all help support concentration.

If people have persistent difficulty concentrating, they can see a doctor to check if an underlying health condition may be the cause. Difficulty focusing is a key ADHD symptom.

Some people with the condition may also hyperfocus on tasks they enjoy. It keeps your attention sharp and your mental state honed in on the details that really matter. Mindfulness generally involves a heightened awareness of sensory stimuli — such as your breathing, the sensations of your body, the sounds you hear around you, and being in the moment.

It may take some getting used to, but doing it regularly will do wonders for your mental health and alertness. You cannot change the past and you cannot control the future, but you can truly live in the moment. A study on multitasking in a high stress environment found that those who used mindfulness meditation showed an improvement in concentration and focus.

They were also able to stay on task longer, switched between tasks less frequently, and performed the work more efficiently than the other groups of participants. Even something as simple as a quick and easy deep breathing exercise is another way of practising mindfulness too. Exercise is also essential in boosting your ability to be alert and to concentrate.

It helps to boost your mood, and also reduces stress. You should aim to get at least 2. This includes taking a brisk walk or going for a swim. You can also try doing 1.

They also help you concentrate and be mentally sharp for tasks at hand. It stimulates the growth of new brain cells , and helps prevent age-related decline. Sleep is essential for our overall health and well-being, including our mental alertness.

When we don't get enough sleep, it can have a negative impact on our cognitive function, including our ability to concentrate and focus. Getting enough sleep can help improve these functions, leading to increased mental alertness and productivity.

Lack of sleep can also impact our mood and emotional well-being. When we're tired, we're more likely to feel irritable, anxious, and stressed, all of which can negatively impact our mental alertness.

On the other hand, getting enough sleep daily will help improve our mood, making us more alert and focused. Sleep deprivation also can increase the risk of accidents, including car accidents, workplace accidents, and falls. When we're tired, we're more likely to make mistakes and have slower reaction times, which can lead to accidents.

If that sounds familiar, keep reading to learn more about research-backed methods to help improve your concentration. A study of 4, adults suggests that spending 15 minutes a day, 5 days a week, on brain training activities can improve concentration.

Brain training games can also help develop your working and short-term memory , as well as your processing and problem-solving skills. Brain training can work for kids, too.

Invest in a book of word puzzles, complete a jigsaw puzzle together, or play a game of memory. Even coloring can help improve concentration in children or adults.

Older children may enjoy more detailed coloring pages, like those found in adult coloring books. The effects of brain training games may be particularly important for older adults, since memory and concentration often tend to decline with age.

Research from that looked at 2, older adults followed up on participants after 10 years. Older adults who completed 10 to 14 sessions of cognitive training saw improved cognition, memory, and processing skills.

After 10 years, most study participants reported they could complete daily activities at least as well as they could at the beginning of the trial, if not better.

Try these games and puzzles to train your brain. Brain games may not be the only type of game that can help improve concentration.

Newer research also suggests playing video games could help boost concentration. A study looking at 29 people found evidence to suggest an hour of gaming could help improve visual selective attention VSA.

VSA refers to your ability to concentrate on a specific task while ignoring distractions. Study authors recommend future research to continue exploring how video games can help increase brain activity and boost concentration. A review looked at studies examining how video games could affect cognitive function.

The results suggest playing video games may lead to various changes in the brain, including increased attention and focus. This review had several limitations, including the fact that the studies focused on widely varying topics, including video game addiction and possible effects of violent video games.

Studies specifically designed to explore benefits of video games could help support these findings. When does video game use become an addiction? Sleep deprivation can easily disrupt concentration, not to mention other cognitive functions, such as memory and attention.

Occasional sleep deprivation may not cause too many problems for you. Being too tired can even slow down your reflexes and affect your ability to drive or do other daily tasks. A demanding schedule, health issues, and other factors sometimes make it difficult to get enough sleep.

What are some healthy sleep habits? Increased concentration is among the many benefits of regular exercise. Exercise benefits everyone. A study looking at fifth-graders found evidence to suggest daily physical activity could help improve both concentration and attention after just 4 weeks.

Other research looking at older adults suggests a year of moderate aerobic physical activity can help stop or even reverse memory loss that occurs with brain atrophy related to age. Experts recommend aerobic exercise, but doing what you can is better than doing nothing at all. Depending on your personal fitness and weight goals, you may want to exercise more or less.

Ask yourself:. If you can, try getting exercise right before you really need to focus or when taking a mental break. How can exercise benefit your mental health? If you want to boost your concentration naturally, try to get outside every day, even for a short while.

You might take a short walk through a park. Sitting in your garden or backyard can also help. Any natural environment has benefits. According to the American Psychological Association APA , spending time in nature can have a positive impact on both physical and mental health. Research from found evidence to suggest including plants in office spaces helped increase concentration and productivity, as well as workplace satisfaction and air quality.

Try adding a plant or two to your workspace or home for a range of positive benefits. Children benefit from natural environments, too. Research published in followed over 1, children from birth to age 7. The study hoped to determine how lifelong exposure to trees and greenery at home or in the neighborhood might affect attention in children.

The study suggests that natural environments could benefit brain development and may improve attention in children. For children with ADHD, research suggests spending time in nature can:.

What are some more natural remedies for ADHD? Meditation and mindfulness practices can offer multiple benefits. Improved concentration is only one of these. A review of 23 studies found evidence to suggest mindfulness training that emphasizes attention focus could help increase attention and focus.

Mindfulness can also improve memory and other cognitive abilities. Yoga , deep breathing, and many other activities can help you meditate. What are some other benefits of meditation? How can taking a break from work or homework increase your concentration?

This idea might seem counterintuitive, but experts say it really works. But your struggle to focus just makes you feel stressed and anxious about not completing your work in time. Next time this happens, when you first feel your concentration drop, take a short mental break.

Refresh yourself with a cool drink or nutritious snack, take a quick walk, or go outside and get some sun. Breaks can help boost these functions and more.

What are some signs of burnout? Turning on music while working or studying may help increase concentration, but this will depend on the individual.

What are some more benefits of music? The foods you eat can affect cognitive functions like concentration and memory. To boost concentration, avoid processed foods, too much sugar, and very greasy or fatty foods.

You can find more brain foods on this list. Staying hydrated can also have a positive impact on concentration. Even mild dehydration can make it harder to focus or remember information. Eating breakfast can help by boosting your focus first thing in the morning. Oatmeal, plain yogurt with fruit, or whole-grain toast with eggs are all good breakfast choices.

Which foods can help if you have depression? If you feel your concentration starting to drop, consider a cup of coffee or green tea. A study found evidence to suggest phytochemicals naturally found in matcha, a type of green tea, not only improve cognitive function but can help promote relaxation.

So matcha may be a good option if coffee makes you feel jittery or on edge. How does caffeine affect your body? Some supplements may help promote concentration and improve brain function. However, there is not enough research to confirm that these supplements are effective or safe for everyone.

Also, the Food and Drug Administration FDA does not regulate supplements. This means you cannot be sure of the precise ingredients or how supplements will interact with other drugs. Always check with a doctor before trying any supplements, especially if you have any health conditions or allergies.

Which supplements can help you focus better? Concentration workouts often help children who have trouble focusing. This mental workout involves fully devoting attention to an activity for a set period of time. After completing one of the activities, ask your child to write a short summary or sketch how they felt during the experience.

Young children can simply use words to describe their feelings. Talking about where they lost concentration and how they managed to refocus can help them develop these skills for use in daily tasks.

Multitasking has become part of daily life. It seems a good way to get a lot done, but some scientists have questioned this. Studies have suggested that we are not as good at multitasking as we like to think we are. For one thing, the brain is not designed to cope with doing two or more things at once.

What we are actually doing is switching from one task to another. If you have the chance to tackle one thing at a time, you might find you can concentrate better on each of them.

Blocking off time for specific tasks can help you focus on one thing at a time and lower the risk of environmental distractions. Kevin McGrew - February 24, Alertness versus focus: Same or different? These drinks claim to increase alertness, attention, energy and focus.

Drinking an energy drink is much easier when compared to committing to IM training for three weekly hour sessions over a period of weeks. In general, the primary claim of these energy drinks is increased alertness.

Thus, it is important to understand that alertness is not the same as controlled attention or focus. So let me attempt to add some order to the increasing confusion of terms.

I first turn to the highly respected Annual Review of Psychology for an article published by Posner and Rosthbart Their comprehensive research review makes a distinction between three different attention networks—alerting, orienting, and executive attention.

These three different attention networks are orchestrated by different areas of the brain see figure below. They also differ in the primary neurotransmitters utilized by each system—alerting acetylcholine , orienting norepinephrine , and executive dopamine.

Although related and often working collaboratively, they are different forms of attention. My analogy is the night guard or sentry in a fox hole whose job is to stay alert and perform a constant wide scan of the terrain for sights or sounds of possible activity.

Alertness requires a wide scan of the environment and not a narrow selective focus on anything in particular. It is this type of wide-scan attention that energy drinks most likely facilitate. This is orienting attention, which Posner and Rosthbart describe as the process of improving the perception of the signal by aligning attention with the incoming signal.

This definition is consistent with that from the APA Dictionary of Psychology that defines orienting as the act of directing the body or of moving toward an external stimulus.