Sleep deprivation, stress, anxiety, and some medications may cause concentrate issues. In some cases, an underlying health issue may be the cause. Being unable to concentrate may affect performance at work or school and how people are able to do everyday tasks.
Let’s be honest, focusing on things like work and school can sometimes be challenging. It’s quite common for people to sometimes get distracted easily or forget what they were doing in the first place. This can affect all facets of your life, both big and small.
While trouble concentrating can be caused by something as simple as stress or lack of sleep, it can also be a symptom of depression or anxiety. Here’s what you need to know about possible reasons why you’re having trouble concentrating, and what you can do to help improve it.
You’re tired and cannot concentrate
Whether you are dealing with a lot of stress, can’t help but watch one more TV episode late at night, or are having trouble calming your mind before bed, a lack of sleep can impact your ability to focus. In fact, there is a direct correlation between sleep deprivation and impaired cognitive function. This includes your working memory and your cognitive speed. There is even evidence that depriving your brain of enough rest can cause brain cell damage.
Everyday life is getting in the way
When you have a lot going on at home, it can be difficult to focus on work, and vice versa. Your emotional state is tied to your focus, so when you are excited about something, it causes your adrenaline to increase. Too much of this can cause anxiety, create an inability to concentrate, and actually decrease your ability to work throughout the day.
You’ve got too much going on
Even though the multitasking method of productivity isn’t always bad, having too many things on your plate can cause trouble focusing on just one thing. Multitasking often causes a lower quality of work, as well as frustration and stress.
You feel like you have brain fog
Brain fog makes you feel physically tired and mentally confused, and everything takes longer to process. If you experience brain fog for more than six months, you could have chronic fatigue syndrome.
You struggle with basic decision-making
How quickly can you decide what you want for lunch? If you feel like you can’t think clearly or your mind wanders when you try to make decisions, your levels of focus could be low.
You often procrastinate
Time management is an important but difficult skill. Time easily slips away from us, but if you’re never able to manage your schedule, your focus levels could need some work. You may need to make adjustments in your life to aid your concentration and limit procrastination.