6 ways to boost mental clarity and concentration

I’ve to go tell you, I’m excited to share this post with you today.

Why, you ask?

Because it’s filled with fun ways to increase your mental clarity and concentration.

What’s more, these strategies are simple to incorporate into your routine, which makes it easy to do them every day. Yes, please!

 

Now, here’s the deal. You don’t need me to tell you that we live in a busy world filled with countless demands, responsibilities, and distractions.

What’s more, we are inundated with quick advertisements, 60 second YouTube clips, and 280 character tweets.

This constant buzz of activity often leaves our mind spinning, and the fast-paced approach to communication and entertainment has actually shortened our attention span. Yikes!

Obviously, this kind of fuzzy/scatterbrained lifestyle is not conducive to maximum productivity.

But the good news is there are many fun ways to overcome this obstacle.

And today I’m excited to share them with you.

3 ways to boost your mental clarity and concentration.

Start Reading

Reading is a powerful way to increase your mental clarity and concentration. Whether you’re enjoying a funny memoir, an easy beach read, or a book on self-care, you’re challenging yourself to focus on one topic for an extended period of time. You’re free of pop up advertisements, flashy commercials, and social media.

Longterm concentration is a skill, and by engaging in regular reading, you’re strengthening your ability to focus.

What’s more, if you’re absorbed in an especially engaging book, reading also helps eliminate mental distractions. It pulls you into the narrative and silences your busy mind.

I always know I’ve discovered a good book when I find myself thinking about it when I’m not reading. Often times with fiction stories, I feel as if I am a part of the characters’ lives. I mean, honestly, who didn’t feel like they were attending Hogwarts with Harry, Hermione, and Ron? I thought so.

By finding that engaging book, and allowing your mind to escape into another world, You are enhancing your concentration skills, clearing your mind, and also engaging in creativity. What more could you ask for?

If you’re looking for suggestions, here are a handful of my most recent favorite books.

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

Atomic Habits by James Clear

Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis

Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin

Happier at Home by Gretchen Rubin

Put Down the Smartphone

Building on the strategy of books, my second suggestion is to put down that smartphone. Now I don’t mean all the time, of course.

But on the flip side, you don’t have to be on your phone all the time.

Here’s the hard truth. If you are seeking to strengthen your mental clarity and concentration, scrolling through your Facebook feed or snap chatting with friends is not going to get you there.

Yes, these forms of communication have increased our connection with friends and family exponentially. And I won’t deny that they play an important role in our lives.

But I challenge you to step away from relying so heavily on this device as a means of entertainment.

If you’re seeking connection or communication with another person, try physically meeting up with a friend.

Or (and this is really crazy) try using the phone for its original purpose; call somebody 😉 Have an extended DISTRACTION FREE conversation.

Give that friend your full attention. Concentrate fully on their voice. And engage deeply in the dialogue. This focus will not only help you enjoy the conversation but will further strengthen your concentration skills as well.

Alternatively, if you’re feeling especially adventurous, write a letter. Would you love to receive real mail delivered to your door about something other than a bill or an advertisement? I know I would!

By pushing yourself to seek entertainment and communication outside of social media and text messages, you’re well on your way to increasing your mental clarity and focus.

Hit the Gym

Sure, we all know about the physical benefits of going to the gym regularly. But did you know you’re giving your brain a boost with that exercise as well?

It’s true!

While you’re strengthening your body, you’re also increasing your ability to remember, improving your concentration, and making room for creativity.

And if that’s not enough, physical exercise also helps reduce depression and improve your mental health overall.

So do a major favor for both your mind and body; lace up your sneakers and start moving!