When you have a task, let's say to write one of the cheap research papers, and you are in a state when the papers written - looking back, you may notice that you have succeeded not through effort but through unconscious processes. One of which is concentration. In the first place, it is a skill.

Concentration is the ability to focus your mental energy on a specific task. It's essential for getting things done at work, learning new skills, and improving your life in general.

However, focusing can be hard for everyone from time to time. If you’re struggling to get it done, there are many ways to strengthen your concentration and improve your productivity.

1. Stop multitasking

Multitasking is a bad habit that can actually hurt your productivity. It can lead to poor work quality, a higher stress level, and increased anxiety.

It can also block your brain's ability to get creative and produce original work. If you want to be successful, you need to give your brain the space it needs to think of new ideas and produce original work.

When you’re working on something, resist the urge to check emails or respond to text messages. Instead, batch similar tasks together and set a time to complete them.

This will keep you focused and prevent distractions from interrupting your work. It may also be helpful to use a mental health journal app that lets you track your energy level throughout the day.

2. Focus on the present

One of the most important skills for living a happy and fulfilling life is to focus on the present. It’s not a practice that can be taught in a single session, but over time it will build positive habits and reduce stress levels.

Whenever you find yourself drifting from the present, gently redirect your mind to focus on whatever activity you are currently engaged in. This could be meditation, yoga, or even simply being mindful of your body while doing a walk in the park.

It’s important to remember that plans rarely happen the way we intend, and it’s okay to have a moment when you feel that you have lost control of the situation. Remaining focused in the present will make it easier to accept these situations and appreciate them for what they are.

3. Shut out distractions

One of the most effective ways to stay concentrated is to shut out distractions. This can be done by using distraction-busting apps, avoiding social media when working or putting on headphones to silence the world around you.

Studies show that a noisy environment makes it more difficult to focus, so you should try to avoid this if possible. Wearing earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones can help, as well as listening to a calm background music track that won't distract you too much.

It's also important to set clear boundaries and make sure your colleagues know when you need your undivided attention. You can also use workspaces like Slack to put yourself in "do not disturb" mode, which will keep you out of the limelight and reduce the number of interruptions.

4. Take a break

When you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a break to give yourself a mental reset. This will help you come back to study with a refreshed mind and focus on your work.

According to research by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, employees who take breaks and return to their jobs with improved attention levels are better able to handle stress.

While there is no hard-and-fast rule for taking a break, the right activity can help you recharge your brain and give your prefrontal cortex (the area of the brain responsible for goal-oriented tasks) a rest.

For example, you can play a game or challenge yourself to a new task, like cooking dinner. These activities don’t rely on the PFC but instead use other parts of your brain, which helps refresh your mental focus and improves your memory.