Did you know that meditation can be extremely beneficial when it comes to focusing? If you’re getting ready for an upcoming exam, presentation, or anything that requires focus, the following tips may just get you that A.
But first, what is meditation?
Here’s what Wikipedia has to say, “Meditation is a practice where an individual uses a technique – such as mindfulness, or focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity – to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state.”
According to Columbia University Medical Center, meditation can change the structure and function of the brain through relaxation, which can lead to increased focus.
Mindfulness Meditation
This type of meditation can be beneficial for focus and concentration because each time your mind starts to wander, you take note of it, and bring your attention back to your breath, etc.
Walking Meditation
Try a walking mindfulness meditation: whether you are walking to your next class, to a meeting, or to lunch. All you have to do is put in your headphones and press play.
Here’s our favorite mindfulness meditation for walking:
Mindful Walking Meditation (Relieve Stress)
Seated Breathing Exercise
This one is pretty simple. Find a seat where your back is straight, it can be on a cushion, in your chair, or laying flat on the floor. Now breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. While you do this, count each inhale and exhale. For example, inhale (one), exhale (2), etc.
Count until you reach ten and start back at 1 if desired.
Gratitude Journal
This one may sound weird for concentration, but by journaling, you can direct your attention to something other than what you are concerned about, and then return to that topic when you are ready. Grab a piece of paper, or a notebook, and start by writing everything that you are thankful for at that moment. Then take a deep breath and let it out. Then return to your task or assignment.
Tried any of these tips? Let us know in the comments!
