Psychology

Mental focus is the power of the mind to concentrate on a particular object or thought and its ability to direct thinking thereon. Mental focus is indispensable and is required by individuals continually while taking part in the day-to-day spheres of life. Whether you are playing cards or preparing for your exam, it is the mental focus that keeps you going.

Mental focus is the primary building block that leads to concrete memory. Mental focus is the act that helps improve memory skills through an absolute focus on a task that is at hand right now without being distracted by any external stimuli.

All individuals can initiate concentration and improve memory. We often get lost in doing something that we enjoy, listening to music, playing video games, reading, etc. These are actual situations of acute mental focus when the brain reaches the state of ultimate concentration.

What are the different levels of mental focus?

According to psychologists, 5 basic levels of mental focus are based on the foundation of time frame. These are,

• Mental focus and memory based on the entire lifetime
• Mental focus and memory standards every year
• Weekly mental focus, memory and concentration
• Mental focus and concentration level on each day
• Current mental focus and level of concentration

An individual who aims at all-round success both in terms of profession and social life needs to have a sound mental focus on all the five levels of concentration mentioned above. Lack in mental focus in any of the five categories will force the rest of the four categories to suffer. Proper mental focus of a wholesome kind can ensure the maintenance of a proper balance in an individual’s life. Only continued mental focus and concentration on a particular element or task can help one master it to the level of perfection.

How to stimulate mental focus?

Here’s some good news for all you gluttons out there. According to doctors and medical scientists, several delicious and healthy foods can be consumed to boost mental focus and improve the memory skills of the brain. These are termed “brain foods” and can help an individual feel energized, and attentive and build on the concentration level which in a way ensures better memory.

Most of the “brain foods” comprise particular nutrients like proteins, minerals, vitamins, fatty acids and antioxidants. As far as the issue of improved concentration and memory is concerned, an individual must consume a balanced meal that is rich in vegetables and fruits. This has to be done daily to provide the body with an ample amount of energy at the same time enabling the brain and the body to fight mental fatigue. Some other food items that help improve memory and concentration are as follows,

• Fish (sardine, tuna and salmon are extraordinary sources of omega-3 fatty acids that play a significant role in improving the overall health and functioning of the brain, fish is an essential brain food rich in protein that helps improve mental focus)
• Eggs (eggs are rich in the vitamin B nutrient choline which is a significant chemical that contributes to brain development and also contains protein)
• Nuts (almonds and walnuts are renowned as nutrients that build on brain health as these are rich in magnesium and vitamin E)
• Green leafy vegetables (heavy in vitamins and minerals, folic acid, which helps hold on to improved levels of mental focus and also prevent chances of memory disorders like Alzheimer’s)
• Berries (blackberries, blueberries and strawberries are rich in vitamins, antioxidants and minerals and help improve all the molecular signals happening within the brain)
• Broccoli (rich in Vitamin K which is conducive to the proper functioning of the brain)
• Tomatoes (tomato have special stress-fighting qualities which help eliminate a number of the negative factors that hinder concentration and mental focus)
• Spinach (Spinach is rich in Vitamin A and C, iron and calcium which contribute to brain health and improve memory skills building on concentration at the same time)
• Kale (Kale is a particular vegetable that is loaded with compounds and effective nutrients that help improve memory skills, brain health and sound levels of mental focus; kale also contains minerals like iron, manganese, potassium and calcium along with vitamin C making it an absolute brain food)
• Swiss Chard
• Dark chocolate (this has lots of antioxidants that build on concentration and also ensures mental focus)
• Whole grains (cereals, popcorn and brown rice contain Vitamin B6 and B 12 that build on memory, improve the functioning of the brain, improve memory skills and accentuate mental focus)

Superior and advanced levels of mental clarity can ensure an improved memory for one and all. In fact, with improved mental clarity, one can look forward to improved concentration levels as well. With a better mental clarity level, it becomes easier to deal with stressful situations making any individual a lot more productive and efficient in their day-to-day activities and in the professional level as well.

Opportunely, improving mental clarity is a venture that is way within our capacities, the only difference being we don’t know that. To improve concentration and mental clarity one needs to practice a few disciplinary modes and work a little hard. And what we gain in return is going to do away with short-term memory and ensure an enhanced mental clarity that will help us perform incredibly better.

Mental clarity makes all individuals extensively productive and efficient which leads to success. It also ensures improved awareness which leads to a better life and alert living.

Tips to improve mental clarity:

There are several expensive programs available in the market that promise to help improve mental clarity. But before you start with any such complex and confusing program, it is suggested that you try out some of the less expensive simple tips which you can carry out on your own. These methods will help you improve mental clarity and concentration doing away with short-term memory.

• The first and foremost thing you need to do to improve mental clarity is get enough sleep. In the absence of sound sleep, the body doesn’t get enough rest making individuals feel mentally and physically tired all the time. Such a situation can further lead to the formation of brain fog.
• The next thing that you should do for better mental clarity is follow a standard exercise regime daily. Staying in shape and losing weight helps build on the overall mental capacity of the brain. With feelings of fatigue and mental stress, you should not just sit like that. You need to get going either with a jog or a brisk walk or at least do a few stretching exercises.
• To improve mental clarity, all individuals must take control of their health. For this, you can start by making little changes to your diet and your lifestyle. A proper diet should have the perfect balance of minerals and nutrients.
• Maintaining a healthy blood sugar level is another effective method to improve mental clarity. Blood sugar is the fuel for the brain. So by consuming a balanced diet comprising of portion meals and low sugar at regular intervals throughout the day, we can help improve concentration and do away with short-term memory.
• An hour of regular meditation daily can also help improve mental clarity and concentration. Meditation will help the body to relax and at the same time clear the mind of all stress and fatigue.
• Another very effective way of enhancing mental clarity and concentration is to practice certain brain exercises. You can try exercising with your mind to strengthen and stimulate the brain which will build on mental clarity. Try solving puzzles and math quizzes. Sudoku is also another interesting option that can help boost mental clarity. Such brain exercises help initiate and thereon maintain significant neuronal connections which are a part of the overall cognitive abilities of an individual.

You may also try writing with the opposite hand at times. In the initial stages, you will find it rather hard. But with practice and improved neuronal connections soon you will be able to do it which is evidence of improved mental clarity.

• To improve mental clarity one very significant thing that you need to do is start focusing on a particular situation or a particular event rather deeply. In the beginning, you will realize that you are often forgetting things which is evident in the presence of distractions. You will have to overcome these and focus constantly trying to remember every bit of the situation or the element. You need to open up your senses and make them ready to embrace all new experiences now and then.
• Finally, for improved mental clarity what is necessary is to remove any traces of clutter both from your routine and your home. Complicated schedules and misplacement of things are situations that are evidence of constant distraction. For mental clarity, you first need to discipline yourself and bring some order to your life. Study your daily routine and try to make it as simple as possible.