“Top Concentration Killers!”

Culprit [Social Media]: Whether you're living with ADHD or just have trouble focusing from time to time, today's world is full of concentration killers. Psychologist Lucy Jo Palladino, PhD offers a few tips to manage distractions, starting with social media. It's easy to connect with friends -- and disconnect from work -- many times an hour. Every status update zaps your train of thought, forcing you to backtrack when you resume your work.

Social Media Fix: Avoid logging in to social media sites while you're working. If you feel compelled to check in every now and then, do it during breaks, when the steady stream of posts won't interrupt your concentration. If you can't resist logging in more frequently, take your laptop someplace where you won't have Internet access for a few hours.

Culprit [Email Overload]: There's something about an email -- it shoots into your inbox and itches to be answered immediately. Although many emails are work-related, they still count as distractions from your current project. You won't make much progress if you constantly stop what you're doing to reply to every message.

Email Overload Fix: Instead of checking email continuously, set aside specific times for that purpose. During the rest of the day, you can actually shut down your email program. This allows you to carve out blocks of time when you can work uninterrupted.

Culprit [Your Cell Phone]: Perhaps even more disruptive than the ping of an email is the ringtone on your cell phone. It's a sound few of us can ignore. But taking a call not only costs you the time you spend talking -- it can also cut off your momentum on the task at hand.

Cell Phone Fix: Put caller ID to good use. If you suspect the call is not urgent, let it go to voicemail. If you're working on a particularly intense project, consider silencing your phone so you're not tempted to answer. Choose specific times to check voicemail. Listening to all your messages at once can be less disruptive than taking every call as it comes in.

Culprit [Multitasking]: If you've mastered the art of multitasking, you probably feel you're getting more done in less time. Think again, experts say. Research suggests you lose time whenever you shift your attention from one task to another. The end result is that doing three projects simultaneously usually takes longer than doing them one after the other.

Multitasking Fix: Whenever possible, devote your attention to one project at a time, particularly if you're working on an intense or high-priority task. Save your multitasking skills for chores that are not urgent or demanding -- it probably won't hurt to tidy up your desk while talking on the phone.

Culprit [Boredom]: Some of the tasks we have to do each day are more interesting than others. The boring ones may burn through your attention span in minutes, making you extremely vulnerable to distractions. Your phone, the Internet, even the prospect of dusting your workspace can seem tempting if you're bored.

Boredom Fix: Make a deal with yourself: If you stay on task for a certain period of time, you earn a 10-minute break. Reward yourself with coffee, a favorite snack, or a walk outside. Boring tasks are easier to accomplish when you have something to look forward to. This is also one case where multitasking may work well. Listening to the radio while filing receipts could help you stay put long enough to finish the job.

Culprit [Nagging Thoughts]: It's hard to focus on the work in front of you if you're worrying about errands you need to run or housework to be done. Or perhaps you're hung up on a conversation you had yesterday, and you keep replaying it in your mind. Nagging thoughts of any sort can be a powerful distraction.

Nagging Thoughts Fix: One way to keep nagging thoughts from buzzing around in your brain is to write them down. Make a list of errands, housework, or other tasks you plan to complete later. Vent frustrations over an unpleasant confrontation in your journal. Once these thoughts are on paper, you may be able to let them go for a while.

Culprit [Stress]: When you feel like you have too much on your plate, it can be hard to focus on individual tasks. To make matters worse, stress takes a noticeable toll on the body. You may develop tight shoulders, headaches, or a racing heart, all of which can chip away at your ability to concentrate.

Stress Fix: Learn stress reduction techniques, such as meditation. This can help you rein in stressful thoughts, so they don't demand so much of your attention. In one study, researchers found that people who took an eight-week meditation course improved their ability to focus. If you can't find a meditation class locally, look for one online.

Culprit [Fatigue]: Fatigue can make it tough to concentrate, even when you have few distractions. Studies suggest too little sleep can sap your attention span and short-term memory. 

Fatigue Fix: Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Instead of burning the midnight oil, make sleep a priority. This will help you get more done during your waking hours. Also, pay attention to which times of day you feel most alert. Then you'll know when to schedule your most intense tasks.

Culprit [Hunger]: The brain can't focus without fuel, so skipping meals -- especially breakfast --  is a top concentration killer. Research indicates short-term memory and attention suffer when you rise and shine but do not dine.

Hunger Fix: Keep hunger at bay and give your brain a steady source of fuel with these habits:

• Always eat breakfast.
• Eat high-protein snacks (cheese, nuts)
• Skip simple carbs (sweets, white pasta)
• Choose complex carbs (whole grains)

Culprit [Depression]: Most people tend to think of sadness as the hallmark of depression. But the National Institute of Mental Health says difficulty concentrating is one of the most common symptoms. If you're having trouble focusing, and you also feel empty, hopeless, or indifferent, you may be experiencing depression.

Depression Fix: If you think you might be depressed, the first step is to talk with a doctor or counselor. Depression is highly treatable. Many studies have shown the effectiveness of antidepressant medications and certain types of talk therapy.

Culprit [Medication]: Unfortunately, some of the medications used to treat depression can interfere with concentration. The same is true of many other drugs. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to check if a medication or supplement you are taking may be affecting your concentration.

Medication Fix: If you suspect your meds are clouding your concentration, don't assume there are no other options. Talk to your doctor about adjusting your dosage or switching to a different class of medication. Do not stop taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Culprit [ADHD]: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not just a problem for children. More than half of kids with ADHD continue to experience symptoms as adults. The classic signs are a short attention span and trouble focusing on tasks.

ADHD Fix: If you have consistent trouble focusing, and you had attention problems as a child, ask a doctor or counselor about ADHD. There are ways to manage the condition, including behavioral therapy and medications.

Reviewed by: Sabrina Felson, MD on June 24, 2018

REFERENCES: 

American Academy of Family Physicians.
American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-IV-TR, American Psychiatric Pub, 2000.
American Psychological Association.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Daniel Kegan, PhD, JD, organizational psychologist, attorney, and president of Elan Associates.
Feingold Association of the United States.
Gordon Logan, PhD, professor of psychology, Vanderbilt University.
Jha, A. Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral Neuroscience, June 2007.
McCann, D. Lancet, Nov. 3, 2007.
Michael J. Baime, MD, clinical associate professor of medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine; director, Penn Program for Mindfulness, University of Pennsylvania Health System.
National Institute of Mental Health.
National Women's Health Information Center.
Palladino, L. Find Your Focus Zone: An Effective New Plan to Defeat Distraction and Overload, Free Press, 2007.
Rubinstein, J. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance, August 2001.
Schonwald, A. AAP Grand Rounds, February 2008.

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2LiveWell

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.

"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

The contents of the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by WebMD, WebMD employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of WebMD, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk. 

 

“Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun’s rays do not burn until brought to a focus” (Alexander Graham Bell)

“The degree of freedom from unwanted thoughts and the degree of concentration on a single thought are the measures to gauge spiritual progress” (Ramana Maharshi)

“Concentration is the ability to think about absolutely nothing when it is absolutely necessary” (Ray Knight)

“To turn your dreams into reality, all your resources, efforts and concentration should be aligned in the same direction” (Roopleen)

“Concentration is the secret of strength” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

“Signs You're Not Getting Enough Protein”

How Much Do You Need? You should get a minimum of 10% of your daily calories from protein. (For a target of grams, multiply your weight in pounds by 0.36.) And you want it from a variety of sources throughout the day: A tub of low-fat Greek yogurt for breakfast has about 20 grams; a serving of skinless chicken breast at lunch, about 25 grams; and a cup of black beans in your dinner, about 15 grams. Your body breaks down and reuses the protein in many ways.

Swelling: One of the most common signs that you're not getting enough protein is swelling (also called edema), especially in your abdomen, legs, feet, and hands. A possible explanation: The proteins that circulate in your blood -- albumin, in particular -- help keep fluid from building up in your tissues. But many things can cause edema, so be sure to check with your doctor in case it's more serious.

Mood Changes: Your brain uses chemicals called neurotransmitters to relay information between cells. Many of these neurotransmitters are made of amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. So a lack of protein in your diet could mean your body can't make enough of those neurotransmitters, and that would change how your brain works. With low levels of dopamine and serotonin, for example, you may feel depressed or overly aggressive.

Hair, Nail, and Skin Problems: These are made up of proteins like elastin, collagen, and keratin. When your body can't make them, you could have brittle or thinning hair, dry and flaky skin, and deep ridges on your fingernails. Your diet isn't the only possible cause, of course, but it's something to consider.

Weakness and Fatigue: Research shows that just a week of not eating enough protein can affect the muscles responsible for your posture and movement, especially if you're 55 or older. And over time, a lack of protein can make you lose muscle mass, which in turn cuts your strength, makes it harder to keep your balance, and slows your metabolism. It can also lead to anemia, when your cells don't get enough oxygen, which makes you tired.

Hunger: This one might seem obvious. Protein fuels you. It's one of three sources of calories, along with carbs and fats. If you want to eat a lot of the time even though you have regular meals, you may need more protein. Studies have found that eating foods with protein helps you feel fuller throughout the day.

Slow-Healing Injuries: People who are low on protein often find their cuts and scrapes take longer to get better. The same seems to be true of sprains and other exercise-related mishaps. It could be another effect of your body not making enough collagen. It's found in connective tissues as well as your skin. To make blood clot, you need proteins, too.

Getting or Staying Sick: Amino acids in your blood help your immune system make antibodies that activate white blood cells to fight off viruses, bacteria, and toxins. You need protein to digest and absorb other nutrients that keep you healthy. There's also evidence that protein can change the levels of disease-fighting "good" bacteria in your gut.

Who Might Come Up Short? Most Americans get plenty of protein. People who don't get enough usually have an overall poor diet. Elderly people and people with cancer may have trouble eating as much protein as they need. Severe malnutrition from lack of protein is called kwashiorkor. It's more common in developing countries, especially with children, or after a natural disaster.

What About Athletes? If you exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet, you're probably fine. But serious athletes with strenuous training schedules do need more protein -- about twice as much as the average person, or roughly 0.5-1 gram of protein for every pound of body weight each day. Don't overdo it though. Too much protein can also cause problems.

Reviewed by: Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD on November 12, 2018

Sources:

Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids, The National Academies Press, 2005.
FDA: "Nutrition Facts Label: Protein."
Harvard Health Publishing: "When it comes to protein, how much is too much?"
KidsHealth: "Learning About Proteins."
Royal Society of Chemistry: "Dietary protein intake and human health."
USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Legacy Release.
National Research Council. Recommended Dietary Allowances: 10th Edition, National Academies Press, 1989.
Scallan, J. Capillary Fluid Exchange: Regulation, Functions, and Pathology, Morgan & Claypool Life Sciences, 2010.
Indian Journal of Psychiatry: "Understanding nutrition, depression and mental illnesses."
Cleveland Clinic: "Skin."
Indian Dermatology Online Journal: "Nail as a window of systemic diseases."
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: "Inadequate protein intake affects skeletal muscle transcript profiles in older humans."
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: "Protein."
Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care: "Protecting muscle mass and function in older adults during bed rest."
Mayo Clinic: "Metabolism and weight loss: How you burn calories."
ChooseMyPlate.gov: "Protein Foods: Nutrients and health benefits."

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2Live

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.

"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

The contents of the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by WebMD, WebMD employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of WebMD, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk.