Concentration refers to the mental effort you direct toward whatever you’re working on or learning at the moment. If you’ve ever found it difficult to get through a challenging task at work, studied for an important exam, or spent time on a finicky project, you might have wished you could increase your ability to concentrate
Factors that affect concentration
Age and lack of sleep can affect concentration.
- Head or brain injuries, such as concussion, as well as certain mental health conditions can also affect concentration.
- It’s easy to become frustrated when you’re trying to concentrate but just can’t. This can lead to stress and irritation, which tends to make focusing on what you need to do even more of a distant dream.
Kids
Brain training can work for kids, too.
- Invest in a book of word puzzles, complete a jigsaw puzzle together, or play a game of memory
- Even coloring can help improve concentration in children or adults. Older children may enjoy more detailed coloring pages like those found in adult coloring books.
Older Adults
The effects of brain training games may be particularly important for older adults, since memory and concentration often tend to decline with age.
- A 2017 review looked at 100 studies examining the effects video games could have on cognitive function. The results of the review suggest playing video games may lead to various changes in the brain, including increased attention and focus.