Struggle to focus? These could be the 4 reasons behind it

We’ve heard so many times that the key to completing a task successfully is focus. Many of us already know that when we concentrate on one task at a time, we’re able to put our best foot forward. No one can disagree with the fact that there is a huge difference between the tasks that are executed with utmost focus, and those that are completed mindlessly. Hence, we want to do everything in order to sustain a high level of focus.

But, what if you tend to lose focus, in spite of trying your best? It not only leads to reduced productivity and multiple tasks piling up, but can also leave you frustrated. In such a case, it becomes extremely important to figure out the cause behind this inability to concentrate. Once you’ve identified a cause, you can work on bringing back your focus.

Here are four probable causes that may be causing you to lose focus:

1. Lack of sleep

Your workload might be messing with your sleep. In fact, maybe you have been giving up on sleep to meet deadlines. The thing, however, is that lack of sleep doesn’t give your brain enough time to rest. Without any rest, your brain cannot function at its full capacity. This leads to some noticeable effects like fatigue and restlessness, but not many know that it also affects our ability to focus on tasks at hand. In the end, it leads to a reduction in productivity.

2. Juggling too many tasks together

When we try and manage too many things at the same time, which is often the case for many of us, our mental energies get divided. Not only do we face problems with prioritising, we also face the issue of fractured focus. We’re not able to concentrate on any one single task. In fact, this is what causes more trouble in completing tasks in time. If you’ve been facing the same situation, a planner can be extremely helpful. Writing down your tasks for the day may just help you prioritise better.

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3. A distracting environment

From the phone buzzing every five minutes to your favourite show being aired on television, any typical modern ambience is so distracting! No matter how hard we try, it becomes tough to concentrate on work, when we have something or the other disturbing us every other minute. Hence, you need to create a space, which is free from all kinds of disturbances. This could be achieved by investing in a good study table-cum-book rack or placing your phone in a drawer, before getting to work.

4. Underlying mental health problems

If you’ve tried everything but still can’t focus, then it could be a symptom of something more serious. If the lack of focus is accompanied by other factors such as unfounded fear, depression, spontaneous mood changes and negative emotions, you should see a professional at the earliest. Don’t let the stigma associated with mental illness stop you from getting the help you need. Once you actively work towards your mental health, you will notice your focus improve with time.

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