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How to develop your concentration skills for school and work
Concentration is the ability to focus your attention on a single task and block out distractions.
Being able to concentrate is a valuable skill in today’s world of distractions and notifications. As well as benefiting you in your school and work lives and giving a boost to your wellbeing, employers are on the lookout for candidates who can focus on the task at hand.
‘In this world of distractions, employers love to hire candidates who can concentrate’
What is concentration?
Concentration is the mental effort you put into focusing on a specific task or activity. It involves:
- Focus: Directing your attention entirely to one thing and blocking out everything else.
- Attention: Keeping your mind engaged in the task without getting distracted.
- Mental endurance: Staying focused for extended periods of time without your mind wandering.
- Persistence: Continuing to work through challenges and distractions until you complete the task.
Employers like applicants who can demonstrate the ability to concentrate because they are more productive. If you can concentrate, you will make better use of your time and get more done.
Concentration at school
It’s the same at school. If you can concentrate, you’ll get your work done quicker and to a higher standard. Here are some examples of how concentrating can help you at school:
- Classroom activities: Staying focused during lessons helps you absorb information and listen to instructions, allowing you to focus on your work and participate in class discussions and group work.
- Homework: Homework involves independent working, which means being able to concentrate as there is no one except you to keep you on track! Being able to concentrate means you won’t waste time procrastinating then rush to get your work done at the last minute.
- Studying for exams: When exam season comes around, you’ll have multiple subjects to revise for in just a few weeks. You’ll make the most of your time if you can concentrate – and it will give you more time for those all-important breaks you need to keep your brain fresh.
Concentration at work
Likewise, concentration will help you stay productive, on task and working to a high standard in the workplace. Here’s how this skill will help you out at work:
- Efficiency: When you’re focused on a task, you complete it faster and with greater accuracy. This is important whether you’re working on a report, answering emails or solving a problem.
- Handling multiple responsibilities: Good concentration allows you to multi task by focusing on all the tasks you are juggling at the same time.
- Problem-solving: When tackling a challenge or coming up with creative solutions, concentration stops you getting distracted when answers don’t come straight away. This way, you’re bound to find a solution sooner or later!
- Customer service: In customer-facing roles, concentration means you’re primed to listen carefully to customers, rather than letting your mind wander. You’ll be better placed to understand their problems and answer their queries, resulting in a higher satisfaction rate.
How to improve your concentration skills
If you struggle concentrate, you’ll be relieved to know it’s a skill you can learn! Try these techniques to improve your concentration skills:
- Set goals: Being clear about what you’re trying to achieve will help you stay focused as you’ll have an idea of the progress you’re making and how far through the task you are.
- Create a distraction-free environment: Distractions are bad for concentration, so find a quiet place to work and turn off unnecessary notifications. Ask colleagues not to disturb you or put your headphones in to show them you’re busy.
- Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness exercises, like meditation, can help improve your ability to focus – this has been proven by science!
- Take regular breaks: Working for long periods without breaks can reduce concentration. Short breaks help you recharge so you can maintain your focus when you return to your task.
- Exercise: Physical activity boosts brain function, improving your ability to concentrate. Even a short walk can help clear your mind and refocus.
- Sleep well: This may be stating the obvious, but it’s hard to focus if you’re tired! Get seven or eight hours sleep a night to keep your brain sharp.
- Prioritise tasks: How do you best work? Only you can answer this, but many people find it’s best to tackle harder tasks first, then move onto easier ones after lunch. Whatever your preferred approach, make a to-do list at the beginning of the day.
Honing your concentration skills now will serve you well throughout the rest of your education and help you prove to employers that you’ll make a productive member of the team.
