Does everyone have those days where concentration just feels next to impossible? You try to settle down and do something productive, but you keep having squirrel moments like Doug in Disney’s Up? I find I have days like this more often than I care to have them, but I don’t want to give in to them because it wastes valuable time. Over the years, I’ve developed a coping strategy that helps me accomplish things despite my concentration issues.
When I’m having a day where concentrating is difficult, I grab my phone and open the timer. I set it for fifteen minutes, and I spend the time working on something I need to do. I don’t commit to more than fifteen minutes when I begin because I need to get warmed up first. I work until the timer goes off, and then I get up and move around, read a few pages in a book, or watch a couple of videos online for five minutes. Then I reset my timer and begin another fifteen-minute session, and I follow it with another five-minute break. I repeat the process until I can settle on a single task for longer than fifteen minutes, but if I find I cannot settle to a task for longer than fifteen minutes, I just keep up the 15-5 process until I get things done.
This might feel disjointed to some people, but if you have concentration issues, it’s better to get something done in fifteen-minute increments than to be unable to accomplish anything. It might not work for you. Maybe try a 30-10 split instead. All I know is that I start to feel more focused after getting something done in fifteen-minute increments, and many times, it has helped my brain become focused enough to complete longer projects. If you find yourself having a rough day because your concentration is shot, give yourself some grace. Try working in shorter time periods, and if that won’t work, ask yourself if you just need to step back and give your mind a longer break and allow it to rest and recover. Find the method that works best for your concentration because it will be specific to your needs.
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Inspirational Verses for the Day:
Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead. Carefully consider the path for your feet, and all your ways will be established. Don’t turn to the right or to the left; keep your feet away from evil. (Proverbs 4:25-27, CSB)
All Things Subject to Change 