Attention is an integral part of how we remember things. The attentional control component of the working memory is crucial for creating memory for input information (see post “The Role of Attention For Working Memory”). Some people can concentrate better than others and their productivity may significantly higher while others maybe more prone to be distracted by external or internal disturbances. The capacity to focus and concentration affect how efficient or effective we learn new things, adapt to changing environment. Attention or attention span, the same as the brain, is fully trainable. The more effort we exert, the better outcome will be. When one is focusing – neuron-circuits in the prefrontal lobe of the brain are being activated where complex neurobiochemical events are involved. Attention span measures the amount of time a person can concentrate on a task without being distracted. Attention span is related to sustained attention or vigilance which reflects the capacity of an individual for staying alerted for a sustained period of time for repetitive activities. Attention span also varies with a person’s interests or motivation. If a person is doing something he or she is interested in and/or is enjoyable about and is motivated, the attention span will be longer. Many lifestyle habits can shape and improve attention span. Some modern technology could adversely affect the attention. Internet is a vast resource of information, but also a vast distractor because one can move and jump from one page to another easily and get lost by what is originally intended to focus on, making completing the task less efficiently. Some practices and strategies should improve our focus, if tailored to one’s specific learning style. Some people are good at learning new things if they can be presented in a visual context, others maybe better at absorbing materials if they can be read aloud or being involved in a conversation. Kinesthetic learners (athletes, artists and etc.) are those known as doers, they learn skills by actually doing it or learn knowledge accompanying with some physical activities. Here are a list of tricks and strategies one can use to improve focus in practice, whether in a working office, at school, in a conference room, or trying to finish a project.

• Make a list of keywords or reminders for the task to be completed and prevent being distracted by external stimuli and internal random thoughts.
• Prioritize tasks, distinguish those tasks that can not be procrastinated.
• Limit the simultaneous tasks to two. Studies has shown that human brain is less efficient in keeping tracking of more than 2 tasks at the same time. Plan (schedule) and allocate the daily tasks. Don not overload daily goals.
• Focus only on a few manageable intermediate goals at one time period.
• Create a less distractible environment
• It has been shown that the optimal attention span is around 40-50 min, switch to a short relaxation activity such as music, conversation with somebody, or short physical activity and resume after that
• Use timer, leave ample time before scheduled events and avoid hasty and rush
• Use positive state of the mind and motivation, make full use of personal interest and enjoy the tasks
• Organize the tasks into “chunks”. Psychologist use “chunking” to refer to group the information into manageable pieces and absorb one piece at a time
• Use combinations of sensory perceptions – use imaginations, read (silently or loudly) to oneself.
• Practice meditation, relaxation or breathing exercises, especially if is facing some stressful events (see post “How stress affect memory”). Stressful event can only focus a person on the stressful event itself, but it will distract a person from doing other things.
• Exercise relieves stress and improves concentration by supplying brain with refreshing oxygen