There is nothing more frustrating than when you sit down at your table to study with the most sincere
of intentions and instead of being able to finish the task at hand you find your thoughts wandering.
However, there are certain techniques that you can use to enhance your concentration. “Your
concentration level depends on a number of factors’” says Samuel Ghosh, a social counsellor. "In
order to develop your concentration span, it is necessary to examine various facets of your physical
and internal environment." She adds.
To begin with one should attempt to create the physical environment that conducive to focused
thought. Whether it is the radio, TV or your noisy neighbor’s, identify the factors that make it
difficult for you to focus. For instance, if you live in a very noisy neighborhood, you could try to
plan your study hours in a nearby library She disagrees with the notion that people can concentrate or
study in an environment with distractions like a loud television, blaring music etc. "If you are
distracted when you are attempting to focus, your attention and retention powers do not work at
optimum levels," cautions Ghosh. "Not more than two of your senses should be activated at the same
time." she adds. What that means is that music that sets your feet tapping is not the ideal
accompaniment to your books. Also do not place your study table or desk in front of a window.
"While there is no cure for a mind that wants to wander,one should try and provide as little stimulus
as possible. Looking out of a window when you are trying to concentrate will invariably send your
mind on a tangent," says Ghosh.
The second important thing, she says, is to establish goals for oneself instead of setting a general
target and then trying to accomplish what you can in a haphazard fashion. It is very important to
decide what you have to finish in a given span of time he human mind recognizes fixed goals and
targets and appreciates schedules more than random thoughts. Once your thoughts and goals are in
line, a focussed system will follow.
She recommends that you divide your schedule into study and recreation hours. when you ‘study,
choose a mix of subjects that you enjoy and dislike and save the former for the last so that you have
something to look forward to. For instance. If you enjoy verbal skill tests more than mathematical
problems, then finish Maths first, Not only will you find yourself working harder, you will have a
sense of achievement when you wind up.Try not to sit for more than 40 minutes at a stretch. Take a very short break to make a cup of tea or
listen to a song and sit down again. Under no circumstances, should one sit for more than one and a
half hours. Short breaks build your concentration and refresh your mind. However, be careful not to
overdo the relaxation. It may have undesired effects.
Questions:
i. What is most frustrating according to the writer?
ii. What should be done first to enhance concentration?
iii. How does distraction affect us according to Samuel Ghosh?
iv. Why is it important to set goals and targets?
v. Why should we choose a mix of subjects?
Answers
Answer:
1. the most frustrating is when you sit down at your table to study with most sincerity and instead of being able to finish the task at hand you find your thoughts wandering.
Answer:
Wandering thoughts, disturbance from television or radio, noisy and distracting environment are few are the major barriers to concentration. One should attempt to create the physical environment that is conducive to focused thought. A person should examine physical as well as environmental facets and identify distracting factors. If a person is distracted while attempting to focus, his attention and retention powers do not work at optimum levels. At a time only two senses must be activated. To manage concentration, one must focus on establishing specific goals rather than general targets, setting goals in a line with effective time management. Concentration is merely a matter of disciplining the mind which comes with practice and patience.
Explanation:
(a) Title: Techniques to Enhance Concentration
1. Hurdles / Barriers to Conc.
1.1 wandering thoughts
1.2 radio, TV
1.3 noisy environment
1.4 distracting env.
2. Technique of Enhancement
2.1 examine environmental facets - phy. &
internal
2.2 identify distracting factors
2.3 activate one sense at a time
2.4 study table/desk away from window
3. Managing Conc.
3.1 establish specific goals rather than gen.
targets
3.2 setting of thoughts & goals in line
3.3 time management
4. Recommendations
4.1 establish goals & schedules
4.2 plan study & recreat'n 'l hrs.
4.3 make conc. a habit for life
5. Ultimate Help / Aid
5.1 don't get disheartened
5.2 discipline the mind
5.3 practice & develop patience