Mental Clarity
"I saw a bank that said "24 Hour Banking," but I don't have that much time." - Steven Wright
Over the past several months I have been really paying attention to steps I take that allow me to be more focused and attendant. While I realize that some of these results may be anecdotal at best, I thought I would share them and try to get some feedback from things others have tried and had success with.
1) Sleep: Obviously, getting enough sleep is a pretty basic step towards mental focus. If you're sleepy, you're not operating at your peak.
2) Caffeine: Back when I was still having hot flashes I found that caffeine made them much worse. I got off all caffeine at that time and noticed that I was much more focused long term without it then I ever was with it. No caffeine will also help with getting more and better sleep.
3) Water: I have found that keeping ice water with me and drinking throughout the day helps me feel more focused.
4) Carbs: I went on the South Beach Diet a few months ago (and I've lost 13 pounds!). I noticed that without the sugar highs and lows I could work much longer and without being bothered by hunger.
5) Fish Oil and/or Vitamins: On my doctor's suggestion I went on a variety of supplements several months ago. I take a multi vitamin, an extra calcium and a fish oil twice every day. Honestly, I can't be 100% sure if it's the fish oil or if it's the vitamins, but I notice a marked difference if I run out of my supplements for several days. I'm wondering if it might be the fish oil simply because I've read so much about ADHD and omega 3 deficiency.
6) Gum Chewing: Some studies have shown that gum chewing can enhance concentration. My son has an accommodation at school that allows him to chew gum in class for this very reason. I have found it tends to help me as well.
So, what about you? What do you do that you find helps you to focus?
Over the past several months I have been really paying attention to steps I take that allow me to be more focused and attendant. While I realize that some of these results may be anecdotal at best, I thought I would share them and try to get some feedback from things others have tried and had success with.
1) Sleep: Obviously, getting enough sleep is a pretty basic step towards mental focus. If you're sleepy, you're not operating at your peak.
2) Caffeine: Back when I was still having hot flashes I found that caffeine made them much worse. I got off all caffeine at that time and noticed that I was much more focused long term without it then I ever was with it. No caffeine will also help with getting more and better sleep.
3) Water: I have found that keeping ice water with me and drinking throughout the day helps me feel more focused.
4) Carbs: I went on the South Beach Diet a few months ago (and I've lost 13 pounds!). I noticed that without the sugar highs and lows I could work much longer and without being bothered by hunger.
5) Fish Oil and/or Vitamins: On my doctor's suggestion I went on a variety of supplements several months ago. I take a multi vitamin, an extra calcium and a fish oil twice every day. Honestly, I can't be 100% sure if it's the fish oil or if it's the vitamins, but I notice a marked difference if I run out of my supplements for several days. I'm wondering if it might be the fish oil simply because I've read so much about ADHD and omega 3 deficiency.
6) Gum Chewing: Some studies have shown that gum chewing can enhance concentration. My son has an accommodation at school that allows him to chew gum in class for this very reason. I have found it tends to help me as well.
So, what about you? What do you do that you find helps you to focus?
posted by Catherine Banks at 3:27 PM
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