Concentration, Focus, and Short Attention Span

oncentration

The ability to concentrate is one of the most important performance

tools

e posses and

being able to effectively tap into this mental resource oftentimes

s the difference between success and

failure

. It is a

necessary

component at

work, at school, or even when carrying on a casual

conversation

with

friends.

For those that struggle with concentration even the slightest

distraction can

fracture their

focus

possibly leading to a series of missteps

esulting

unwarranted frustrations and failures

rom a biological point of view what goes on in our brains

ausing us to struggle with

concentration and focus

Let’s explore the biological aspect of lack of concentration/focus/attention.

For information to pass from one part of the brain to another is contingent on the

action of chemicals

within

the brain called neurotransmitters. A neurotransmitter is

a small chemical messenger that allows

one neuron

(nerve) to communicate with

another. When an upstream neuron gets excited and wants

to relay information

the downstream neuron, it releases the neurotransmitter molecules into a closed

connection called a

synapse. The neurotransmitter then crosses the space to the

downstream neuron’s

membrane and binds to

specific receptors that cause an

effect inside the receiving nerve.

Most experts believe for the brain to concentrate well two neurotransmitters must not only be balanced

with

one another but also with other currently unknown neurotransmitters in different areas of the brain.

The two

brain messenger chemicals most likely responsible for lack of concentration are norepinephrine

and

dopamine. These neurotransmitters are distributed throughout the brain in specific locations, and

they have

different effects based on the types of receptors involved in chemical interactions and

the location.

There is an unprecedented amount of research dollars trying to unravel the biological wizard behind the

curtain of concentration, which is closely associated with short attention span, lack of focus, or inattention.

Are they closely linked or simply synonyms for one another? That question is a subjective and the answer

could be yes or no depending on what perspective you are looking at it from.

Some of the more creative theories about lack of concentration focus on the balance between

norepinephrine and dopamine in the various areas they affect, including the idea that one

neurotransmitter

has more effect in one hemisphere of the brain than the other. Most of the neurons

that have

norepinephrine as their transmitter are contained in one area of the brainstem, the locus

coerulius,

part of

the reticular activating system. This is the area of the brain that controls the general

level of

activation of

your nervous system (how alert you are, whether you are awake or asleep). So the

time you are

n a mental fog not being able to

focus

blame it on the

locus coerulius!

When the boss says, “Bob why don’t you have that project finished, are you having a problem with

concentration?” Simply, tell him that your locus coerulius isn’t working right today but as soon as

you your

norepinephrine gets up to speed you will finish your work in record time.

But wait could it be the neurotransmitter dopamine that is causing concentration

to wander?

Dopamine is

found in several different areas of the brain, but the area that seems

most important

for concentration is the

part that projects to the prefrontal cortex and

is probably responsible for

significance, meaning, and

motivation. So when your

dopamine isn’t quite right you lose that motivation

that is a very important part

concentration. For instance, let’s say that you have two projects to do.

One you are getting paid for and the

other you are doing as a favor to a friend.

Which one will you do

first and will each one get the same amount

of attention.

Perhaps, you will try to give each one your

total attention but chances are the

one you are

getting paid for will get done faster and be easier to

concentrate on.

One way to think about lack of concentration is an imbalance between both norepinephrine and

dopamine.

When you have too much norepinephrine working, you are agitated, and can only pay

attention to things

that are threats or targets of opportunity. When you have more dopamine rattling

around in that thick skull of

yours you may get stuck on repetitive actions. An example of a dopamine

imbalance would be the ability to

focus well on one piece of work but not be able to move on to the

next. In other words you are continually

getting stuck on one project or assignment and can’t seem

to move on.

I have told the boss that my norepinephrine and dopamine just aren’t getting it done in my locus

coerulius

and prefrontal cortex and he is only giving me a blank stare.

What should I do now?

Let’s look at a few ways

to try to get the most out of what is a less than perfect situation.

In layman’s terms when you aren’t firing on

all cylinders try these steps.

*Manage distractions: Learn to recognize things that easily distract you, and develop techniques for

getting

back on task. For example, if you have a window in your office, you may need to keep the blinds

down or

curtain closed whenever you need to concentrate. If pictures on the walls or your desk frequently

attract

your attention, get rid of them. Nevertheless, some people find it easier to concentrate when

surrounded by

chaos; figure out what works best for you before putting yourself in solitary confinement.

*Take breaks: I knew you would love this one! Taking a break every half hour or so to walk around or

stretch

can help you focus. While a little physical activity is ideal, you can also just take an occasional

daydream

break, it might just rebalance those neurotransmitters. A word of caution; daydreaming or

napping too long

makes it difficult to refocus your attention so keep it short.

*Use music or sound: Every person has an Achilles heel that knocks them out of their concentration

mode. A

baby crying, a particular tone of voice, an overbearing or belligerent boss,

or maybe even

that annoying ring-tone your co-worker just downloaded

. Some find that

listening to their favorite

music

background sound help

mute

out

any

of these

distractions

and

improves

both motivation and

concentration

Depending on your work

or school

environment, you may need

to ask

for permission

to play music or

sound

;

bviously

you may

e required

to use earphones. Chan

are

his simple

change may help

you be

come focused resulting in increased motivation and

productivity

Asian Ginseng and Mental performance

People who take ginseng often say they feel more alert. Several studies report that Asian ginseng may

slightly improve thinking or learning. Early research shows that Asian ginseng may improve performance

such things as mental arithmetic, concentration, memory, and other measures. More research in this

area,

although not easy to do, would be useful. Some studies have also found a positive effect with the

combination use of Asian ginseng and Ginkgo biloba.

Can Certain Vitamins and Foods Help With Concentration?

Most research suggests that this is indeed the case. Staying away from sugar laden foods and simple

carbohydrates is a good place to start. Additionally, studies show that both omega 3 rich fish oil

and vitamin

B12 can help with concentration.

All fruits and vegetables are packed with healthy vitamins and minerals. These fruit and vegetable foods

help with mental focus: strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, Swiss chard

and

kale. Leafy green vegetables contain folic acid, which is thought to help keep the mind focused as

well as

possibly prevent memory disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

Broccoli is rich in many vitamins, but one in particular — vitamin K — is said to be conducive to proper

brain

functioning. Berry foods help with mental focus and are thought to improve molecular signals in

the brain

due to their abundant supply of antioxidants. It's a good idea to add healthy fruits and

vegetables to other

nutritious foods we eat in order to increase our consumption of them. For example,

some blueberries added

to breakfast cereal can add extra healthy nutrients to start the day.

But

remember too much sugar on those

blueberries and cereal can upset the whole blueberry cart.

So use some discretion. It is also important to

point out that while honey is slightly better for you, it still

metabolizes rapidly, and is basically the same (from

a concentration point of view) as simple table sugar.

erbal and Homeopathic

Remedies for

oncentration, Focus,

and

Improving

Attention Span

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Information on this site is provided for informational purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for medical advice provided by your physician or
other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or
prescribing any medication. You should read carefully all product packaging and labels. If you have or suspect that you have a medical
problem, promptly contact your physician or health care provider. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been
evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Focus Formula - Maintain health and systemic balance in the brain and nervous system.

Focus Formula contains a selection of herbs known for their supportive function in maintaining
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Use Focus Formula to:

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Synaptol - Improve Focus and Attention Span with Synaptol (O n site review)
Synaptol is an OTC formulated proprietary natural medicine, featuring FDA approved active
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A 100% safe, non-addictive, natural, herbal remedy. Formulated by a Clinical Psychologist
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Use Focus ADDult to:

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*Support a healthy immune system in a healthy body
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