One Unorthodox Way To Overcome Lack Of Concentration

For digital nomads, the ability to concentrate is their nutrition. It helps them get more done in less time and deliver high-quality masterpieces.. As a result, they can have more free time traveling and experiencing the beauty of life. 

However, concentration is often not something we can command at will. Just because we want to concentrate, it doesn't mean we will. 

It's easy to get distracted internally and externally. The environment is packed with too many things: social media, news, notifications, updates, emails, meetings, to-do lists, and the list goes on and on. 

But the good news is that studies have found an unorthodox way to overcome the lack of concentration. 

No, it has nothing to do with forcing yourself to sit still. It's also not about consuming caffeine either. 

In fact, it's about spending time alone (I will explain more about that in the section below).

What you will learn in this article:

• The causes of the lack of concentration
• The symptoms of unable to concentrate
• The unorthodox way to overcome the lack of concentration

What Causes A Lack Of Concentration?

The inability to concentrate can be caused by chronic conditions, including:

• alcohol use disorder
• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• chronic fatigue syndrome
• concussion
• Cushing syndrome
• Dementia
• learning disabilities
• epilepsy
• Insomnia
• sleep apnea
• depression
• mental disorders, such as schizophrenia

Some lifestyle changes can affect your concentration as well, such as:

• lack of sleep
• hunger
• anxiety
• excess stress
• medication intake
• frequent and long periods of technology use

What Are The Symptoms Of Being Unable To Concentrate?

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The lack of concentration affects people differently. Some of the symptoms you may experience include:

• cannot remember things that occurred a short time ago
• unable to sit still
• struggling to think clearly
• missing out details
• frequently losing things or difficulty remembering where things are
• inability to make decisions
• difficulty to perform complicated tasks
• unable to concentrate on one thing for a long time
• feels tired after concentrating for a while
• making careless mistakes

These symptoms may appear at different timings and locations. It's important to pinpoint the time and place whenever you feel difficult to concentrate. This can help you understand what's causing the lack of concentration better. 

How To Overcome The Lack Of Concentration?

It is evident that making changes to your lifestyle is critical: sleep more, eat better, healthier foods, reduce stress and anxiety, and spend less time on technology. 

Note: If you have any of the chronic conditions listed above that's affecting your ability to concentrate, please consult your doctor immediately. 

In this article, we'll explore a unique way to overcome the lack of concentration. As mentioned at the beginning, it has something to do with spending time alone. 

You guessed it. It is 'being alone'.

Why Being Alone Increases Concentration?

Studies have proven that being alone actually increases concentration and productivity. 

You can solve difficult problems better on your own than in a group. Your speed and accuracy increase when working alone. Even better, those who actively seek to be alone regularly are less stressed and feel more relaxed. 

The positive effects of being alone are enhanced when spent in nature. It has a calming effect on the mind, thus helps in restoring attention. 

With so many advantages to being alone, it is truly an experience worth trying for. 

But, please, do not mistake being alone with loneliness. 

While the latter is associated with depression, anxiety, and other chronic conditions, being alone comes with freedom and bliss of being with yourself. 

Loneliness is an unmet expectation, the desire to connect with people, but they're not around. 

On the other hand, being alone is choosing to be comfortable with yourself without allowing distractions. 

You might ask, "how do I start?" 

Being alone when you're comfortable with the crowd can be slightly challenging for you. But that doesn't mean it's impossible.

Like how every new habit may feel impossible to install, starting a routine to be alone is just like installing a new habit. It takes time, effort, and the right strategy to make it easier. 

The key here is to start small. 

How To Be Alone?

If you've never been alone before, the following tips can help you get started on the right foot:

• Set aside a 'me' time. Block an hour in the evening or morning and plan the activities you'll do alone. 
• During 'me' time, turn off all notifications and devices to eliminate all distractions.
• Do something that lights you up, such as painting, dancing, singing, walking in nature, and so on. 
• Take yourself to a date. You can watch a movie in the cinema, have lunch with yourself, or visit a museum. Anything that you've always wanted to do, alone. 
• Spend time in nature and let your mind wander. 
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The ‘100 Days Of Isolation' Challenge

If you're spending time alone regularly, you might want to take it to the next level by trying the ‘100 days of isolation' challenge. 

Unlike the 'Alone 100-days' TV series where you must survive in brutal, wilderness conditions for 100 days, our ‘100 days of isolation' is nothing of the sort. 

It is about disconnecting yourself from the world and doing anything you love. No phones, no laptops, no other humans. Just you and yourself for 100 days. 

You can stay at home and do the ‘100 days of isolation' or travel alone. Where you do the challenge doesn't matter. What's important is detaching yourself from other people to explore yourself and restore your concentration.