Ever catch yourself zoning out in the middle of an important task? One minute you're focused, and the next, your mind has wandered off to what's for dinner or a quick scroll on TikTok!
If you struggle with short concentration, you're not alone; according to a poll of 2000 people, the average British person has an average attention span of just 17 minutes and 10 seconds. Another study showed that while watching television, the average adult loses focus, usually to look at a mobile device, after just seven minutes.
A recent U.K. survey found that about half of adults think their attention spans are getting shorter, and plenty of teachers say the same thing is happening with kids. ADHD diagnostic rates are on the rise in the UK as platforms like TikTok have sparked the conversation, prompting more people to question if they have attention challenges—this has even resulted in medication shortages.
While the statistics may seem alarming, the good news is there are plenty of ways to regain focus once you understand why it may be happening! Lifestyle factors such as diet, nutrition, and supplementation can be a big help.
But before we move on to the 'how,' let’s explore the ‘why’ it can be so tricky to stay on task:
Why Do We Lose Concentration So Easily?
In this modern day, there are endless distractions all fighting for our attention; notifications, jam-packed schedules, and the chaos of multitasking make distractions unavoidable. Add in exhaustion and lack of motivation, and it’s no wonder staying focused feels like an uphill battle.
That said, understanding why concentration fades can help you tackle it better. Here are some of the most common reasons for a short attention span:
- Lack of Sleep : Poor sleep deprives your brain of the rest it needs to recharge, affecting your ability to focus.
- Stress Overload: When you’re stressed, your mind is busy trying to juggle many things in the background. Stress floods your brain with cortisol, making it harder to focus and process information. It disrupts clear thinking, leaving you mentally scattered and overwhelmed.
- Nutritional Gaps : Your brain needs the right fuel to perform at its best. Missing out on important nutrients can make staying focused harder than it needs to be.
- Too Much Screen Time : Staring at screens all day can strain your eyes, overstimulate your brain, and drain your mental energy—whether it’s your laptop, TV, or mobile. High screen time can easily creep into our everyday lives without us even realising it.
If you can relate to any of these, don’t worry; there are plenty of simple ways to get back on track!
Top 7 Tips for Tackling Short Concentration
Short concentration spans don’t have to hold you back! Here’s what you can do:
1. Set the Scene
A cluttered space creates the feeling of a cluttered mind. Create an environment that is calming and conducive to work. A quiet corner free from distractions. Research shows that music can help people enter an alpha state—a mental state associated with improved focus and attention, so why not press play and get into the zone?
Turn off notifications to resist the urge to mindlessly pick up your phone. Be honest—do you really need alerts from every app? While you’re at it, set a time limit for your social media use in your phone’s settings!
2. Exercise Your Body
Exercise isn’t just great for your body—it’s great for your brain too! Research shows that regular physical activity boosts neuroplasticity, helping your brain reorganise and create new neural connections. It also increases blood flow to the brain, helping you stay alert and focused.
Aerobic exercise, in particular, has been linked to slowing cognitive decline and lowering the risk of dementia, making it a powerful way to keep your brain sharp and protected.
If you’re pressed for time, even a quick 10-minute stretch or walk can make a difference.
3. Brain-Boosting Nutrition
What you eat impacts more than just your appetite. Good nutrition is the key to a healthy brain! Skip the sugary snacks that lead to energy crashes and go for brain-boosting foods like nuts, seeds, berries, fatty fish, and leafy greens.
Essential nutrients like vitamins, plant polyphenols, and omega-3 fatty acids fuel neurogenesis—the growth of new brain cells. Promising research has shown that nootropics and adaptogens like Lion’s mane, ashwagandha, turmeric, and ginkgo biloba is another powerful way to boost brain power; these help regulate stress and improve cognitive function.
If you’re always on the go or struggle to stick to brain-boosting diets and supplements, vitamin gummies packed with these essential nutrients are a simple and convenient way to stay on track. Click here to get your essential omegas!
4. Targeted Supplements: Take a Gummy Break
Yes, this is your ‘go ahead’ to take a break and enjoy a gummy! Not only are gummy vitamins enjoyable to eat, but they’re also a simple way to get a targeted dose of brain-friendly nutrients into your daily routine.
We’ve put together our recommended list of expertly formulated gummies with vitamins and minerals known to enhance cognitive function and focus, as well as support rest for tired brains.
- Focus Gummies: Give an advanced nootropic formula a try. Novomins Focus Gummies are packed with superfoods such as adaptogenic mushrooms, ashwagandha, and green tea extract.
- Cognition-Boosting Mushrooms : Mushrooms like Lion’s Mane are taking the wellness world by storm. Novomins gummies pack 2000 mg of high-potency Lion’s Mane mushroom extract, reinforced with vitamins B6 and B12 for added vitality and iodine for cognitive function.
- Natural Sleep Support: Try a high-strength formula like Novomins with 15 sleep-promoting ingredients like magnesium and lavender extract. Formulated by scientists.
If you can’t decide which gummies to take, Novomins offers you the chance to build your own bundles—why not go for Focus Gummies to support your mind and mood, Lion’s Mane Mushroom gummies to stay sharp and alert, and the Night-Time Gummies to support rest?
5. Hydrate Your Brain
Dehydration can cause brain fog and sluggishness, making it harder to stay sharp. Keep a water bottle nearby throughout the day, and for an extra boost, consider incorporating hydration-supporting gummies like Magnesium, which supports both electrolyte balance and psychological function. Your brain will thank you!
6. Practice Regular Meditation
With endless distractions pulling us in all directions, practicing mindfulness is like resetting your overstimulated brain. Scientific studies show that practicing mindfulness meditation can enhance memory, concentration, and emotional processing, making it a powerful tool for sharpening your mental abilities over time.
Give it a go! Even a few minutes of daily meditation can make a big difference and boost focus.
7. Challenge Yourself: Try Something New!
When we try something new and enjoy it, our brain releases dopamine, the chemical that brings us pleasure. But the benefits go beyond just feeling good—learning something new actually strengthens our brains.
“Research into brain health and longevity suggests that regular experience of novelty is essential to a long, happy life,” Brain World magazine writes. The harder a skill is to learn, the better it is for your brain. Science shows an increased challenge during practice leads to more learning and greater structural changes in the brain.
So this is your sign to pick up French, learn a new instrument, or try sudoku. Just a note: It’s better to skip digital versions of mind-stimulating activities and choose real ones that engage fine motor skills. As we age, a decline in fine motor control often goes hand-in-hand with a drop in dopamine production.
Conclusion: Build a Daily Routine for Focus
Consistency is key when it comes to boosting your concentration from within. While it doesn’t always have a quick fix, these 7 simple tips can make all the difference.
By making small changes like exercising, adjusting your diet, staying hydrated, and adding gummy vitamins to your routine, you can boost your focus and take control of your day!
