Can Exercise Improve Concentration and Focus?

AI Thread Summary
Current paradigms on concentration and focus emphasize the importance of several factors, including sleep, exercise, nutrition, and mental practices like meditation. Many participants noted that adequate sleep and regular physical activity significantly enhance their ability to concentrate. Caffeine, particularly from coffee, is mentioned as a mild enhancer for focus, especially in individuals with ADD/ADHD, although there are concerns about dependency and the long-term effects of stimulant medications like Adderall. Natural supplements such as Omega-3 fatty acids and Ginkgo Biloba are discussed as potential cognitive boosters, with a preference for Omega-3s due to their stronger evidence of effectiveness. The role of routine and a consistent study environment is highlighted as beneficial for maintaining concentration. Additionally, the impact of mental distractions from interpersonal relations and attitudes is acknowledged, suggesting that a holistic approach, including meditation and structured schedules, can improve focus and reduce variability in concentration levels.
Nano-Passion
Messages
1,291
Reaction score
0
What are the current accepted paradigms on concentration and Focus? I want to know more information about it, links are also greatly appreciated.

Sometimes I can study for a very long-period of time with complete concentration. And other times I just can't seem to focus as much as I would like and my mind would often wander.

What helps concentration?
 
Biology news on Phys.org
Nano-Passion said:
What are the current accepted paradigms on concentration and Focus? I want to know more information about it, links are also greatly appreciated.

Sometimes I can study for a very long-period of time with complete concentration. And other times I just can't seem to focus as much as I would like and my mind would often wander.

What helps concentration?
Sleep.
 
For me, it's good to get regular exercise...and sleep, like Evo said.
 
Pythagorean said:
amphetamines

Only thing I take is a cup of coffee in the morning.

Evo said:
Sleep.

I get plenty of that. =D

lisab said:
For me, it's good to get regular exercise...and sleep, like Evo said.

Regular exercise maintains concentration?
 
Coffee has been shown to provide some benefit for ADD/ADHD, too, but they still prescribe amphetamines like Aderall. Lots of controversy there, though. Hard to tell when pharmaceutical companies tend to be selective in their reporting.
 
Pythagorean said:
Coffee has been shown to provide some benefit for ADD/ADHD, too, but they still prescribe amphetamines like Aderall. Lots of controversy there, though. Hard to tell when pharmaceutical companies tend to be selective in their reporting.

How much caffeine (how many cups) should I take? I take only one a day because I fear of being too dependent or addicted.

---

I wish Adderall was legal. Its a shame brain enhancers are looked down upon, in fact, I think its the smart thing to do; pun intended. :biggrin:

Though the thing that scares me is that its said that it can induce psychosis.
 
No idea, never read the research in depth, just the abstract.

Yeah, I wouldn't with mess with my long-term brain chemistry like that. Practicing concentration is probably the most beneficial approach for a healthy individual.
 
Pythagorean said:
No idea, never read the research in depth, just the abstract.

Yeah, I wouldn't with mess with my long-term brain chemistry like that. Practicing concentration is probably the most beneficial approach for a healthy individual.

Sometimes I have veryy good concentration, other times I don't. I just want to be more consistent.

I'm looking to take Ginkgo Biloba and Omega-3s. Any other natural "brain boosters" out there?
 
You're on the right track, good nutrition and sleep is really what it comes down too. I'll bet omega-3's are magnitudes more effective than ginko biloba. Dark chocolate has known positive effects too.

There's also attitude and interpersonal relations. Those can always be distracting.
 
  • #10
Pythagorean said:
Coffee has been shown to provide some benefit for ADD/ADHD, too, but they still prescribe amphetamines like Aderall. Lots of controversy there, though. Hard to tell when pharmaceutical companies tend to be selective in their reporting.

I love my Aderall. If it wasn't for it, I'd still be in what I like to call my "zombie mode". Imagine walking around in a near daze all day, every day, for the better part of at least 6-7 years and not knowing anything was wrong.
 
  • #11
Nano-Passion said:
What are the current accepted paradigms on concentration and Focus? I want to know more information about it, links are also greatly appreciated.

Sometimes I can study for a very long-period of time with complete concentration. And other times I just can't seem to focus as much as I would like and my mind would often wander.

What helps concentration?

Have you tried simple meditation techniques?. Meditation can help in concentration especially done in the morning.
 
  • #12
Nano-Passion said:
Regular exercise maintains concentration?

It does for me - it allows me to sit longer. I get fidgety if I have a lot of pent-up energy.

I should add another thing that helps me tremendously: routine. Get into a regular study schedule. For me, this means being in the same place, too.
 
  • #13
Nano-Passion said:
Regular exercise maintains concentration?

From a neuroscientific perspective, exercise stimulates the release of molecules that enhance the signaling of brain cells and promotes neurogenesis (new neurons are made in two regions of the human brain, one important for learning and memory). Running also enhances the brain to synchronize signalling into patterns thought to be important during learning and memory (although I think this data is more correlation than causation).

Personally, I know the weeks I don't go for a run I am more distractable and irritable. I think I also heard somewhere that it's healthy for you? :wink:
 

Similar threads

What brain exercises improve brain functions based on facts
Replies
9
Views
2K
I How can concentration gradient field come into existence immediately?
Replies
1
Views
3K
Maximizing Brain Health: Effective Exercises for Memory and Mental Fitness
Replies
1
Views
2K
How to approach the problem of brain preservation?
Replies
5
Views
4K
I need help please for Simulation of Xenon Oscillations in a Nuclear Reactor
Replies
4
Views
1K
Mind cannot think without overeating
Replies
1
Views
2K
Maximizing Brain Function: The Link Between Exercise and Cognitive Ability
Replies
11
Views
2K
Is There a Proven Way to Enhance Concentration and Improve Focus?
Replies
5
Views
2K
Find the acceptable concentration of CO
Replies
5
Views
2K
I Measurement problem - will this work?
Replies
4
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top