Top Ten Concentration Killers

We’ve all enjoyed those times when we are ‘in the zone’, focused on our work, everything flows effortlessly and we are satisfyingly productive. But equally we all have those times when we cannot seem to maintain concentration, are unproductive and getting back down to work seems a real chore.

So what makes the difference?  Well we can encounter as many as 10 different killers of concentration on a daily basis. Most of them are internal issues within ourselves such as fatigue, but others are external and those probably the easiest to sort out.

External concentration wreckers relate to the people around us and our environment, and a lot of them lead to the biggest one of the lot - the multi-tasking we are all supposed to have mastered, but which our brains are simply not set up for.

1. Multi-tasking

We all do it – juggling a variety of tasks simultaneously, or hopping from one to another and back again. Modern life seems to demand that we deal with more than one thing at any given moment, like answering that email while also working on an article, and simultaneously answering a question one of our kids asks and asking our husband for an extra cup of coffee. But the lack of attention given to any particular task can lead to mistakes and accidents. 

And despite what we think, research has shown that it can take longer to complete tasks in this way, than if they are tackled one at a time.  But psychologist Lucy Jo Palladino PhD, says that sometimes multi-tasking can actually aid concentration — namely by stopping us being under-stimulated. She says that attention is poor when we either both under- or over-stimulated and that it’s all linked with the secretion of adrenaline.  When we are over-stimulated we need to deal with one thing at a time and slow down. Or we won't get things done.

2. Environmental issues

This includes work colleagues or employees interrupting, either socially or with work issues and questions, as well as being in noisy, uncomfortable surroundings. Try to let others know when you are busy and do not want to be disturbed, either verbally or with a sign on your door. But do indicate when you will be free again, so that you do not appear ‘untouchable’. Try and find a quiet, comfortable spot when concentration is required, and if you're a manager, try to make it so that everyone else in your workplace can fully concentrate on their jobs, too, whenever they feel the need to.

3. Invasive social life

Checking e-mails and voicemails from family and friends, responding to instant messaging or checking social media sites for updates can take up a lot of your day as well as distracting you from your priorities. Don’t abandon social contacts but do ‘ration’ yourself – Lucy Jo Palladino recommends restricting indulgence to breaks during the day, so that you know exactly what you are supposed to be doing when.

Internal Concentration Killers

4. Boredom

When tackling a long, dull job we will find our concentration drifting – looking for a stimulating distraction.  In her book Find Your Focus Zone: An Effective New Plan to Defeat Distraction and Overload Lucy Jo Palladino says this is an example of under-stimulation leading to inability to concentrate. 

This is when it’s OK to take on other tasks – in order to stimulate the brain and increase attention.  Gordon Logan, PhD, psychology professor at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn recommends working for short, intense periods, rewarding yourself with frequent breaks or other treats like a quick walk or a drink.

5. Worry and stress

It stands to reason that if half your mind is on other issues such as money or relationship worries, you’re not giving the task in hand your full attention. You’re also not solving your problems, so mentally resolve to give your full attention to your current task for now, and set about finding some solution to your problems afterwards, like talking to someone about it. 

Michael J. Baime, MD, clinical associate professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and director of the Penn Program for Mindfulness also recommends meditation, as he says practitioners develop the ability to focus and ignore distractions.

6. Health issues

If we are unwell or in pain it is obviously harder to concentrate and sometimes it is not possible to wait until recovered.  Deal with short-term ailments yourself if possible, such as taking painkillers for headaches etc but seek professional help for anything of a long-term nature. And since prevention is always better than cure, safeguarding your health by eating well and exercising, could pay dividends in the long run. 

7. Medication

Some medications, particularly those for depression are known to affect the ability to concentrate.  If you think you may be affected speak to your doctor who may be able to prescribe an alternative, or suggest other therapy for your depression, such as talking therapies.

8. Hunger/poor nutrition

If we are hungry, or equally too full, it will affect our ability to concentrate but more than that, our general nutrition can have an effect too.   A study by Dr Rakesh Chandra from the Memorial University of Newfoundland in Canada found that giving people over the age of 65 a supplement of vitamins and trace elementsimproved short-term memory, concentration and problem-solving skills.  

9. Fatigue

Although individual requirements for sleep vary enormously, Michael J.Baime comments: ‘Your attention falls apart when you’re sleep deprived’. Fatigue can also be associated with conditions like depression, or result from not regularly taking time off to ‘recharge the batteries’. 

10. Fighting your biorhythms

Most people are vaguely aware of being able to perform better at certain times of day.  This is down to our personal biorhythms and Daniel Kegan, PhD, JD, an organizational psychologist says it is best to

So now decide what’s your concentration killer and deal with it today.