How to work on concentration?

[DWarrior]

Do any of you guys have tips on improving one's concentration? As I'm practicing speed-reading, I notice that I read in boosts, and that I can read a lot faster if I learn to concentrate better.

I don't have ADD, it just seems like today's culture doesn't promote concentration.

I'll admit that this is just one of the first steps I've taken towards learning about this topic, but I noticed that many readers have great bookmarked articles and books, so I might as well save the time sifting through google.

[Zach]

Sometimes I can be too full of energy to sit down and concentrate on a book or something, so to combat that I go exercise a bit or something. I tend to be able to learn more and concentrate better when my body is low on energy.

Is this your problem? Caffeine also ruins my ability to study well, so it may be affecting you also. Do you drink a Pepsi or something while you try to read?

[Calculusaurus]

Like most students, I have difficulties concentrating on studying. But about 6 months ago I started meditating. The effect is subtle so far, but I've noticed my ability to concentrate has increased. This makes sense because after a few weeks of meditation you'll notice that concentration while meditation increases by a lot. So it only seems reasonable that this effect trickles out to your non-meditation concentration.

[psudo]

Know Yoga : Pranayama
Best and most effective for overall health.Please try this for a month before making opnion.

[StevenA]

I read somewhere that watching television may cause you to have a shorter attention span since most programs consist of short bursts of information and one or two-liner jokes. I personally have a very difficult time focusing on my reading if I've recently went on a long TV bender.

[Henry]

I "try" to minimize things like TV. It's tough sometimes but eventually, you get bored enough to concentrate on the things you want to.

[nikewong]

1. finsih doing all the things before you study (like washing your plates, or watching all the downloaded movies, etc.)
2. take a deep breathe
3. put away your phone (might just switch it off)
4. stay away from your tv and comp
5. rest for few second whenever you feel tired or lose concentration
6. stretch your body (minor exercise do help a bit)

[Bootstrapping Joe]

One very old method is:

Sit in front of a lit candle, and look at the flame. Just watch it. When you notice your sight wandering, refocus on the flame.

As you get better, you will notice your thoughts are wandering along many different trains of thought. Each time you notice this, bring your mind back to the flame. Think only of the flame.

As you get better, close your eyes, and visualize the flame. you will notice your thoughts are still wandering along many different trains of thought. Each time you notice this, bring your mind back to the flame. focus only on the image of the flame for longer and longer periods of time.

This technique will build great concentration and focus, but it requires patience.

BTW, it doesn't have to be a flame, it can be any object, but flames have a prehistoric fascination to humans, so it might be a bit easier than some other object.

[Michael Chui]

Along the same lines of meditation, I've recommended this elsewhere:

Calm brilliance - My techniques

A friend wrote this, and he has stated that he'd be willing to answer any questions that come up. I have not tried it out myself; YMMV.

[Keith]

Originally Posted by Bootstrapping Joe

BTW, it doesn't have to be a flame, it can be any object, but flames have a prehistoric fascination to humans, so it might be a bit easier than some other object.

I believe flames hold the attention better because they're animated.