For those times when you cant focus on a task........

So I came across this recently, and if anyone is like me, sometimes struggling to focus and always finding something else to do, you may find some useful tips here......

Tips to help get your brain working again

Sit up straight
Posture affects your thought process. Prove it to yourself. Think through a maths problem in your head while slouching, looking at the floor and letting your mouth hang open. Then do another sitting up straight, keeping your mouth closed and looking forward or slightly upwards.

Take a short break
When you find your concentration waning, take a walk around the office or, better still, outside. This will get your heart rate up, increase your alertness and give your mind a chance to work on the problem. Try walking up and down the stairs a few times.

Mix up your environment
It can also help to work in different places. A change of scenery – even another part of the office – can refresh the mind and give you new stimulus.

Avoid sugar
Simple carbohydrates can give you a sluggish feeling that makes it hard to think clearly. It results from insulin rushing into the bloodstream to counteract the sugar high. So avoid pasta, sugars, white bread and potato chips (crisps) before any important mental tasks.

Speed read
Contrary to what many believe, your comprehension of material often goes up when you speed read. You get to learn a lot more in less time and it’s a good brain exercise.

Make a plan
When you sit down to work without a plan, it’s easy to get caught up in activities like checking email. So make a clear plan of action beforehand. If you need to check email, do so but then close your inbox –or at least the ‘new mail’ pop-ups – while you work on the task.

De-clutter
Cluttered rooms and offices can contribute to cluttered thinking. Organise a clear space for mental work.

Eat fish
Scientific studies suggest that eating fish can help improve concentration. Research in the US found that older people who eat fish regularly have quicker and better memories.

Don’t skip breakfast
Having breakfast improves concentration, reaction time, learning ability, mood and memory. A breakfast high in fibre helps slow down the absorption of food in the stomach, so you have more energy for a longer period of time.

Snack on blueberries
A study in the US found that eating blueberries can slow and even reverse age-related brain decline, as well as improve short-term memory loss.

Drink lots of water
Dehydration can be detrimental to the brain. Drink lots of water, particularly before a potentially stressful situation.
Doodle
Drawing stimulates the right hemisphere of the brain and inspires creativity. Doodling can kick start your brain when it’s bored.

Laugh
Laughter causes a natural release of the brain’s endorphins – chemicals that drown out pain and increase overall well-being. Laughter is a well-known natural stress reducer.

Think positive
Take ten minutes each day to think more positively and you’ll begin to notice an improvement in thinking abilities and problem-solving skills. It will also make you feel empowered.

Switch hands
Try using your less dominant hand for tasks such as eating or writing to stimulate your brain.

Yawn
It is thought that a yawn works to send more oxygen to the brain, cooling it down and waking it up.

Do something new
If you get stuck following the same routine every day, your brain won't ever be challenged. Do something different for a change. For instance, why not take a different route to work?