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CBD and concentration: useful tips to improve concentration

Inability to concentrate

Why can't you concentrate? There can be a number of reasons, but for most people, sleep deprivation, stress, poor diet or information overload (internet, social networks, media, etc.) are behind the inability to concentrate .

But of course, various health conditions and attention disorders can also be to blame, such as ADHD, anxiety and depressive disorders, thyroid problems or chronic fatigue syndrome.

Of course, if it's a medical condition, it's a good idea to see a doctor, but if it's a lack of focus that stems from fatigue, stress or 'digital overload', simply changing some habits and lifestyle can help you immerse yourself in your work and get your tasks done.

How to focus better?

Once you incorporate the following tips into your daily routine, it's almost certain that your ability to focus will improve. These are simple but proven and effective strategies that will not only make you more efficient, but also more balanced and satisfied.

1. Start sleeping properly

This may not be the advice you want to hear, but it is the most important of the bunch. Quality and sufficient sleep strengthens your ability to focus. With lack of sleep, attention decreases and decision-making skills deteriorate. The ideal recommended sleep time is 7-8 hours per day.

Pay attention to the rules of sleep hygiene, which include:

  • Regular sleep schedule: Try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day (including weekends).
  • A quiet place to sleep and a good quality mattress.
  • Avoiding stimulants before bedtime, whether it's caffeine or alcohol or stimulating activities such as watching TV or using the phone and computer.
  • Relaxation: take a hot bath, try deep breathing or relaxation exercises to calm the mind and body before bed.

CBD (cannabidiol) can also improve falling asleep and sleep quality. In 2019, a study was published that examined the effect of CBD capsules on sleep and anxiety. It showed that CBD improved sleep in 66.7% of participants and reduced anxiety in 79.2% of individuals.

For sleep support, full-spectrum products that contain the full spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes and other substances from cannabis, such as 10% CBD full-spectrum capsules or 10% CBD oil, or specifically targeted variants of CBD products with melatonin, added terpenes or vitamins, are best.

2. Quit multitasking

Do you pride yourself on being able to do several things at once? Then you should know that the human brain, according to scientists, is not built for so-called multitasking, i.e. performing two or more tasks at the same time. Scientific studies published in the last few decades have revealed that when we multitask, our performance decreases and our error rate increases.

Set aside time and dedicate yourself to one activity at a time, and once you get started, don't drift off to another. Constantly switching quickly between tasks will tire you out, stress you out and break your concentration. Related to limiting multitasking is our next piece of advice, which is to prioritise and plan.

 

The concept of multitasking. The overworked entrepreneur sitting at a laptop overloaded with multitasking in the modern office

3. Plan and take breaks

Prioritise your tasks and then plan what you will do the next day, week or month. This will help you to manage your time better and always focus on what is important at the time. Don't forget to plan breaks and holidays too.

Have you heard of the Pomodoro technique? It is a time management method that increases productivity and can help you to concentrate better. The principle is that you alternate between work and rest at precise times. You can use a classic kitchen timer, as the founder of this method, Francesco Cirillo, did, or download an app on your phone, such as Pomodoro Timer or Focus To-Do.

In the traditional Pomodoro technique, the working interval lasts 25 minutes, followed by a 5 to 10-minute break. It is recommended to repeat three times and then take one longer break. Of course it is up to you what time interval you set, try what works best for you.

4. Don't let stress take over

Short-term mild stress can be beneficial as it can often encourage you to perform better and can increase your focus and concentration. However, the longer it lasts, the more it occupies the brain and puts a strain on the body.

Long-term (chronic) stress impairs cognitive function, memory and attention, and leads to difficulty concentrating and processing information. Scientific studies show that individuals exposed to many stressors can experience a range of physiological and psychological reactions, including anxiety, insomnia, muscle pain, hypertension and weakened immune systems. Stressors can cause serious illnesses such as heart disease and depression.

Work to reduce stress and improve mental health. Meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, mindfulness training or any other type of relaxation can help. Training the mind and redirecting thoughts can not only reduce stress but also improve mindfulness.

5. Project focus

To be able to concentrate, you need to support your brain with an appropriate diet. Put together a diet of quality foods such as fruits, vegetables, fish, lean meats, eggs, seeds, nuts, complex carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats. Avoid industrially processed foods, heavy, fatty and fried foods, and excess sugar.

Add these foods to your plate:

  • Blueberries - a source of minerals, vitamins, fiber, polyphenols; studies show that blueberries can improve cognitive function.
  • Fish - contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for normal brain development and function. They support the ability to learn, improve memory and concentration.
  • Walnuts - contain antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. They provide energy to the brain and help maintain its proper function.
  • Hemp seeds - contain all essential amino acids, a balanced ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E, thiamine, niacin, vitamin B6, riboflavin, folic acid, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. Hemp seeds have neuroprotective effects and promote brain health.

Choose foods that release energy into the bloodstream gradually, such as whole grains, which have a low glycemic index and help stabilize blood glucose levels. Fast carbohydrates such as white flour and sweets may give you immediate energy, but your sugar levels will drop quickly afterwards and that's when you'll start to feel tired, unfocused or irritable.

Don't forget to drink water or unsweetened teas. Try green tea, which contains L-Theanine, a natural amino acid that promotes concentration and well-being.

6. Try CBD

Although there are no studies yet that show a direct link between CBD (cannabidiol) use and better concentration, it's likely that CBD can boost concentration indirectly, perhaps by relieving stress or helping with insomnia. As we've already discussed, stress and sleep deprivation are factors that negatively affect the ability to concentrate.

CBD, a non-psychoactive substance from the cannabis plant, interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in your body through the CB1 and CB2 endocannabinoid receptors. The ECS is one of the key regulators of the stress response and is important for returning to a "non-stressed state". As research shows, by acting on the ECS, CBD directly suppresses stress-related processes such as fear, anxiety, depressive behaviours, inflammation and pain perception, and promotes behaviours suppressed by the stress response such as appetite and sleep.

By interacting with the endocannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 and its ability to influence other important receptors such as the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor, CBD may be useful in reducing acute stress-related anxiety and normalising abnormal stress responses.

Interestingly, a 2018 study suggests that CBD may also promote the growth of new neurons in the brain (neurogenesis). Neurogenesis contributes to improved brain function and cognitive functions, which include memory and learning.

If you want to try CBD, there are a variety of products to choose from. CBD oils are the most popular, but over-the-counter CBD capsules, CBD vapes, patches or gummies are also available. Choose a lower concentration to start with, such as 5% or 10% full-spectrum oil.

 

Euphoria Hemp CBD Gel Capsules 30x30mg, 900mg

7. Clean up your workplace and don't get distracted

Look around you. What does your workplace look like? Three coffee cups, stacks of papers, a cluttered computer desktop, ...? Maybe it's the clutter that's preventing you from concentrating. Create a quiet and pleasant space to work, sort through papers, get rid of things you no longer need and organize your computer folders.

Do you get distracted from your work every now and then by incoming emails or messages on your phone? Identify the factors that most often distract you while you work and try to minimise these distractions. Always try turning off email notifications, app notifications and social network notifications for a certain amount of time and setting your phone to silent mode. Explain to colleagues that you need to finish a task today and won't be available for the next three hours. If you're interrupted every half hour, you'll find at the end of the day that you didn't get anything done. It's easier said than done, but try to set clear rules that are acceptable to you and your work team and insist that they are followed.

Conclusion

Fast-paced lifestyles, digital technology, an endless stream of information - managing to stay focused on work or study is a challenge these days. However, there are a few proven strategies that will improve your focus, productivity and satisfaction.

These strategies include getting quality and sufficient sleep, planning, eating a balanced diet, eliminating distractions, getting enough exercise and having a tidy workplace. Try different techniques to help you manage stress, such as breathing exercises or meditation. Go outside regularly for a short brisk walk to relax and refresh your mind.

CBD, which interacts with the receptors in your endocannabinoid system, can also be beneficial, and research shows that it has the potential to combat insomnia, anxiety or stress, and may indirectly improve cognitive function.

Finally, we have one more great tip for you to support concentration. We offer Hemnia Power mind gummies containing vitamins, CBD, extracts from functional mushrooms and L-Theanine, a natural amino acid found in tea leaves. The unique composition of these gummies helps to calm the mind and boost your mental performance.

However, if difficulty concentrating is affecting your ability to function in everyday life in the long term, don't wait to contact your doctor.

 

Author: Canatura

 

   

Photo: Shutterstock

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