Count Words
With only your eyes, and without having to read each and every word, start by counting words in a single paragraph. No need to utter them. Then, count a bit further into the next paragraph until, before you know it, you’re done with the whole page. Do it in a short span of time and be surprised by its immediate effects. Repeat exercise if necessary.
Clear your mind
The philosophy behind this is common in yoga or in martial arts. When grandmasters impart on their students the necessity of fighting or training with a clear mind, there is palpable truth to it. The goal is to make the clearing of your thoughts second nature. Try doing it five minutes at a time. Quash all thoughts. Empty the mind of its weight, and make it a habit. In time, try doing it in slightly longer durations until you are able to prolong a clear mental state. It may be difficult to perfect but once you are able to conquer it, you will have the kind of focus and concentration that many will envy.
Move and sweat and little
No wonder why many corporate offices now have gyms for their employees. Exercise makes you focus on your goal. If you feel like there is too much noise in your head, consider going for a workout before delving into a ton of paperwork. It shouldn’t take time to reap the benefits. Working out regularly will not just give you focus, but it will also improve your sleeping habits, making you doze off 15 minutes ahead of your schedule, and 45 minutes longer, infusing more quality into your rest. This way, you will be able to take advantage of your overall mental prowess.
The water glass exercise
Fill up a glass with water and, while clasping it with your fingers, stretch out your arms so it’s directly in front of you. This exercise should help you hone your concentration skills. Keep your eyes on the glass and drive away irrelevant thoughts. Just focus on the object while assuring that it doesn’t make the slightest stir. Do it for a minute, and try extending it gradually by using only an arm at a time.
Seek inspiration
Think of something that inspires you. Summon a soothing sound, or a phrase, or even a word. Have it repeated in a cycle for five minutes and this shall facilitate the boosting of your energy. It will make you focus on the source of such inspiration and nothing else, calming your mind, releasing endorphins, which will make you feel happy and positive. If you’ve successfully executed the 5-minute exercise, repeat it but double its duration.
Sit in a chair
This is an easy exercise that lets you focus better. Sit comfortably on a chair and only think of keeping still. Increase your body awareness and ensure that there are no muscle twitches or involuntary movements. If you are tempted to move during these five minutes, resist it. Again, focus on keeping yourself unperturbed. Repeat this exercise until you are successful and ready to double the span.
Concentrate on things
Gather yourself and think of an object near you that you’d like to focus on. If you’re by the kitchen, a spoon will do. You can make use of a glass or a plate, and all, and begin by focusing on the chosen object, observing from all angles. Don’t let your mind ramble words connected to it. You may wish to focus on perceptions drawn by the object, but do it without letting words flow.