Train Your Mind to Focus : GETTING THE BEST OUT OF WHAT YOU DO

Gain the ability to focus your mind despite distracting thoughts, external disturbances and noises.

Better concentration makes you more efficient and saves you time and energy.
Countless thoughts, desires and sense impressions passes through the mind at every minute of the day and night attracting the attention, pulling it here and there and making it almost impossible to focus the mind.

The mind is a great tool but it needs to be disciplined. It is in a constant state of movement, just like a butterfly that flies from one flower to another, never standing still for more than a brief moment.

Here are ** Three** ways you can start to Improve your Focus.

** A Little Distraction/Sets Shifting**

As much as it is good to be ** focused** , one needs a little shift of attention. Set-shifting refers to shifting all of your focus to a new task or problem, without leaving the previous one undone. It is usually advisable to try this in order to give the brain a break and present it with a new task.

** This is what you can do: **
You need to shift your focus from your mind to your body. You can take a deep breathe, do a little walk up the stairs, and you can take a stroll. This keeps your sub-conscious mind on the previous task, while your conscious mind is on a new task. You might not be aware of the activities on the subconscious mind, but its surely working. New ideas are sometimes generated during such physical breaks

** Apply the Brakes.**

The brain scans continuously the internal and external environment, even when one is focused on a specific task. It is easy to get distracted with emotions, noise, stray thoughts and interruptions. Luckily, the brain is programed to halt stray thoughts, an unnecessary action and even an instinctive emotion from making you deviate from track

This is what you can do:
In order to prevent distractions from stealing your focus, use the ABC formula as your brain’s brake pedal. Be AWARE of your options: halt whatever you are doing and face whatsoever is distracting you or you can let go. BREATHE intensely and consider your options. Then CHOOSE thoughtfully: hold or let go

** Control your Frenzy**

** Frenzy** is an emotional state, a state of wild activity or panic. It is often corroborated by anxiety, sadness, anger, and related emotions. Emotions are processed by a small, almond-shaped brain structure known as the ** AMYGDALA** , It responds strongly to negative emotions, which are regarded as signals of threat.( http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Amygdala)

Functional brain imaging reveals that activation of the amygdala by negative emotions disrupts the brain’s ability to solve problems or do other intellectual work. Positive emotions and thoughts do the opposite — they improve the brain’s executive function, and so help open the door to creative and strategic thinking.

** This is what you can do: **
You should create a balance between you positive and negative emotions daily. A noted psychology researcher at the university of north Carolina , chapel Hill, recommend a 3:1 equilibrium if positive and negative emotions based on a mathematical model.( http://www.unc.edu/peplab/barb_fredrickson_page.html) “You can calculate your positivity ratio” on this website (www.positivityratio.com). Negative emotions can be controlled by sleeping well, having a good work out and meditating. When people around you annoy you, it could prompt a negative emotion. Such automatic response may be tamed by taking a few deep breathe and letting go the irritation and the irritant.

If your mind wanders where it wills and you cannot focus it on one thing at a time, how can you complete a task or achieve a goal?

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