December is a very busy month for most, which can make it a stressful time and one where our attention can easily wander. This week we have an article from Karl Burton that looks at natural methods you can use to sharpen your focus.

No matter what might cause our lack of attention, one thing is for sure – we want to improve our focus and we want to do it as naturally as possible.

Here are some ways you can naturally sharpen your attention span.

Meditation

This method is as natural as they get. Think about it. There are few things as natural as breathing. When it comes to focusing, it has been long believed by many ancient cultures that meditation is one of the best ways to sharpen it.

In fact, a meditation that focuses on your breath, the kind that comes with yogic practices have been known to not only strengthen one’s ability to focus, but it has also helped lessen mind wandering, help you be more positive, and help you control your reaction to your emotions.

Starting a meditation practice of your own isn’t difficult. All you need is a comfortable chair or mat if you choose to sit with your legs crossed on the floor. Sit comfortably, breath in and count to eight. Hold that for a moment and then breath out. Repeat, and if a thought enters your brain, imagine it leaving you when you exhale.

You should find your focus improve the more you practice. And don’t worry about getting it right. It’s called a practice for a reason.

Aromatherapy

Essential oils are powerful volatile compounds and there are a few that can help you sharpen your focus. Just as the term “aromatherapy” implies, all you need to do is breathe in these essential oils or blends like Digize and you should find your attention span getting stronger.

Some of the essential oils that help with focus include vetiver, lavender, cedarwood, rosemary, peppermint, lemon, cypress, patchouli, and frankincense. Breathing isn’t the only way to utilize the benefits of essential oils. You can apply them topically if you dilute them well in a carrier substance or you can purchase a pulse point oil such as Solistics Stressless.

Some people ingest essential oils, but it can be dangerous, so we don’t recommend anyone consuming any essential oils without the supervision of a medical professional.

Diet

It should come as no surprise to you that one of the best ways to sharpen your focus is by changing your diet. Of course, the key to any diet change is to follow the universal rule of everything in moderation. Too much of anything is no good for you, which could be the case with some of these foods.

Caffeine

That morning cup of coffee might not be such a bad thing. There is no denying that caffeine gets you going in the morning. But, this is one of those instances where moderation is key. Too much caffeine can do harm including a racing heart and anxiety.

Natural Sugars

By this, we don’t mean the white stuff in the sugar bowls or what your grandmother uses to make her holiday cookies. Still, natural sugars found in orange juice and other fruits can give your memory and focus a much-needed boost. Just one more reason for us to avoid artificial sweeteners.

Breakfast

While this doesn’t refer to a specific food, they call this meal the most important of the day and for good reason. Students who eat breakfast tend to perform better. Of course, eating that leftover pizza delivery cold from the refrigerator doesn’t count. Good foods to eat for breakfast include whole grains, natural yogurt, oatmeal, nuts and fruits, one of the best being blueberries. Also, don’t overdo it. High-calorie breakfasts have the opposite effect and put a strain on focus.

Fish

Salmon, tuna, and other scaly creatures are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health. They are so powerful in fact, they have been shown to do amazing things with dementia and strokes.

Hemp Seed Oil

Another way to get a good daily dosage of omega’s is to take hemp seed oil which has an optimal 3-1 ratio of Omega’s 3, 6 and 9, fatty acids that are vital in maintaining healthy skin. It also contains Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, D and E, making it a wonderful supplement for general health.

Chocolate

This does not mean you can dive into all that candy still floating around your house. Dark chocolate is what you are looking for. It contains natural properties that stimulate, like caffeine and sharpen our focus.

Blueberries

Rightfully called a superfood, these small fruits are known for their antioxidizing capabilities. When it comes to your brain, blueberries boost your concentration and memory as quickly as five hours after your first bowl.

Blueberries also help stave off dementia, boost brain cells, prevents age-related memory loss, and does wonders for mental health in general.

Conclusion

Natural remedies are the best choice for any mental or physical issue we might be experiencing because this is what is best for our overall health and well-being. Try these natural remedies for your lack of concentration and find out for yourself whether they are helpful. We think that you will be pleasantly surprised at the results and will wonder why you waited so long to adopt these practices.

Thanks to one of our readers who after reading this post recommended the article ‘25 Most Effective Apps to Manage ADD for Kids and Adults in 2021‘ to help those who have been diagnosed with ADHD.