Concentration
There are so many things going on around us, so many tasks to solve in parallel. Sometimes, when in deep stress situations, I do have issues focusing, thus I thought I should share some of my exercises and tips with you.
On a personal level, to be honest this is a distraction post. Mom and granny are on the way back and I miss them dearly, thus I need something to occupy my mind.
Breathe
Adequate breathing methods give us a clearer head and provide the needed oxygen for your brain, which is so important for concentrated thinking and acting. At the same time, breathing slows down the heart beat, relaxes the muscles and lowers the blood presure. What I do: I breathe in front of an open window (note for self: to avoid opening it during a storm!) and for a couple of minutes I inhale and exhale slowly. It either helps or you get a burst of energy due to boredom that you rapidly start focusing better!
Let go (yes, sure, this should help now!)
Just for once think of only thing, namely NOTHING. Meditation is the best method in order to become focused and calmer for a longer period of time. What do you need for this? Silence! Find a comfortable spot, close the eyes, breathe (see above) calmly. In case your thoughts wander try focusing on the breathing and clear your mind. One more detailed and professional description can be found here.
Ginkgo Power
The asian Ginkgo tree is simply an power bundle. It contains substances which enhance the concentration and sustain the brain cells to provide more energy. As a result the memory works better and the stress level decreases. You can buy concetrates in the pharmacy, it does help!
For more details here.
Listen to your body
If you are hungry or thirsty, the level of concentration drops. This is the reason why a balanced diet (and God knows I'm still searching for one) and drinking lots of liquids helps (with the water part I am at peace, but with the light meals not yet!). This is one advice which I am also not following, I am having days when I forget to eat for the whole day and then due to real hunger I end up eating in the evening. Sounds familiar?
Sport (another one where the practice beats the theory)
So the theory says that if you do sport outside on a regular basis, you will be able to concentrate better. Somehow I don't manage to focus on doing sports, any obvious reasons? Of course it improve the blood pressure, the cells do receive adequate amount of oxygen. So I should rathe go for a run, instead of writing, but hey! It's Sunday! On a personal side, I would give it a try to nordic walking, has anyone practice it yet? Any tips?
Too much input
When you need to focus, do turn off the radio, TV, mobile, anything which might distract you. It does help!
Nuts
No I am not nuts (I hope at least)! But as I heard and tried, they do help due to the vitamin E (very rich!) The ideal brain food, better plain, no salt or sugar on them. Cashew nuts, yummy!
Aromatherapy
Oh, a nice lavendel oil on my wrist (since it is one of the few essentials oils that can be used neat on the skin) and the world smells and feels better. In case you don't love lavender as much as I do, you could use lemon or muscatel, they are as appropiate.
Picture from here
Some of lavender oil's properties and usage:
Lavender oil has a soothing and calming effect on the nerves, relieving tension, depression, panic, hysteria and nervous exhaustion in general and is effective for headaches, migraines and insomnia.
It is also very beneficial for problems such as bronchitis, asthma, colds, laryngitis, halitosis, throat infections and whooping cough and helps the digestive system.
Lavender oil relieves pain when used for rheumatism, arthritis, lumbago and muscular aches and pains, especially those associated with sport. (so I guess I could start with sports right? I have the remedy for aches!!!)
On the skin, lavender oil tones and revitalizes and it is useful for all types of skin problems such as abscesses, acne, oily skin, boils, burns, sunburn, wounds, psoriasis, lice, insect bites, stings and also acts as an insect repellent.
Of course the list could go on, but this what I have tried or attempted to try. Any more ideas from you? Something you would recommend?
Enjoy the Sunday!
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