Different people have different reasons for wanting to learn how to improve concentration. They can be summed up as:

• Response to the increasing demands modern society makes on us
  
• The desire to maintain mental and cognitive abilities - especially as we age.
  
• Challenges in Focusing that are commonly attributed to ADD/ADHD.
  
• Physical injury.
  

Fortunately, there is much that can be done to help all of this groups to maintain and to improve their ability to focus and to concentrate. (Please note that I will be using the terms "mind" and "brain" interchangeably).

Use It Or Lose It First and foremost is recognition of the need to keep using your mind. In other words: Don't take your mind for granted. By entering into a planned regime of exercising your mind, proper blood flow is ensured. This is needed both to bring nutrients to the brain and evacuate the waste products that accumulate as brain cells work.Furthemore, recent research has shown that the brain has the capacity to heal itself and generate neural pathways - as a result of our thinking.

Nutrition Naturally, It's also important that you eat sufficient fresh fruits and vegetables to supply the anti-oxidants required for proper brain maintenance. Personally, I supplement these to make sure I get enough, but, more on that another time.

Get Enough Restful Sleep Did you know that roughly a third of all adults suffer from sleep disorders that can be easily treated? Do you snore? Do you feel rested when you get up in the morning? Do you snore? Most people require at least eight hours sleep to get the two hours of effective sleep they need. When in doubt, consult a physician. Short of that you might try practicing basic sleep hygiene, which includes:

• don't eat heavy meals 3-4- hours before going to sleep
• if you do eat, no proteins, fats or hard to digest items.
• getting to bed early enough to ensure you get your eight hours

Planning Ahead A plan can keep you on course. Write it out the evening before, so your mind can mull over it while you sleep Make it as detailed as possible, and keep these things in mind:

• Consider the distractions and interruptions you can expect
• Consider the time each item will take and make sure your plan is realistic
• Tell someone what you plans for the day are. This creates greater commitment.
• Keep a journal and track the results of your planning, to improve as you go along

Calm Yourself Sufficient rest and proper planning can do a lot to calm us down. Here are some tips that can help:

• Do Breathing exercises especially when you succumb to overwhelm.
  
• Get regular Physical exercise. 3 times a week.
• Meditationof any form
• Emotional Freedom Technique

Be Present To The Moment We spend much of our time focused either in the past or the future. We're in the past when we associate; and we're in the future when we plan and become anxious over the results of what we are doing now. These are not only energy consuming habits - they keep us from getting on with the matter at hand . Make it a habit to put those other thoughts out of your mind as soon as you notice them. We will be dealing with this extensively on my blog

The Art of Listening Effective listening is an art that can be learned. Basically, it means paying attention to what is present in the moment. If you are involved in a conversation, pay attention to what the other person is saying - without planning your response and without making judgment. This too, will be elaborated on in my blog