Distractions are everywhere you look. Right now, concentration is harder to master than ever and you’re certainly not alone if you feel like it's a challenge. With new technology landing in the palms of our hands at record rates, it’s no wonder 49% of adults believe their concentration span is shorter than it used to be. 

Getting drawn into this “attention war” is easily done but the stress of an unproductive day mounts up quickly. When there are simple ways to improve your concentration, it's better to act now than to let the stress build up. Besides, that can only make concentration harder to achieve.

Thankfully, the solution can be simple: make positive changes to your routine today with these five tips.

Tip 1: Start your day with a cup of matcha

If you usually reach for coffee, you will know all too well that one cup isn’t enough to keep you going. Not only can your energy levels rise and fall dramatically, but too much caffeine can also leave you with anxiety, poor-quality sleep and dehydration. 

Ironically, these are all big contributors to weak concentration. Matcha, on the other hand, is a natural source of slow-releasing caffeine making it the perfect pick-me-up when you’ve got a busy day ahead. 

Not only does it boost energy, but starting your day with a cup of high-quality matcha really can be a game-changer for improving your mental clarity, focus, and alertness. There's nothing quite like the unique combination of caffeine and L-theanine found in matcha that helps your concentration. A perfect excuse to brew up a cup of our matcha first thing in the morning.

Tip 2: Take breaks and get moving

It's easy to get lost in your work and forget to take breaks. Even when your concentration isn’t at its peak, it can be tempting to stay shackled to your desk and assume any time not spent attempting a task is time wasted. 

But taking regular breaks can actually improve your mental clarity and focus. When you take a break, get up and move around so that your mind and body can return to a less stressed state (reducing the risk of burnout or illness). Taking these short breaks throughout the day is so important so here are some ways to inspire you to schedule them:

• Go and connect with someone, spark up a conversation 
• Take the stairs to your next meeting to get your blood pumping
• Stroll around the nearest park for a dose of restorative nature
• Take your lunch break in the fresh air to disconnect from your workspace 
• Stretch after long calls to lower high stress levels

All ideas give your brain and body a chance to recharge. So make sure to drop mini breaks into your calendar and enjoy the feeling of taking care of yourself.

Tip 3: Stay hydrated

“Drink more water” has made its way onto everyone’s to-do list at some point; no one can deny the importance of staying hydrated. Yet while it’s fundamental for all bodily functions, dehydration can cause fatigue, brain fog, and a lack of mental clarity. The opposite of what you’re aiming for. 

Who knew that the simple act of sipping on your water could be your answer to incredible concentration levels? Make it easy for yourself by keeping a water bottle in your bag, on your desk and on your bedside table. And if you don’t enjoy drinking water, don’t worry. You can stay hydrated with all kinds of tasty drinks. 

Enjoy herbal teas, coconut water and, our personal recommendation for those seeking better concentration is a cup of matcha. Our high-quality matcha is not only hydrating, but it also contains antioxidants that can help improve your overall health.

Tip 4: Practice mindfulness

Life is stressful. No matter how demanding your job is, all aspects of life can be challenging at times. It can feel like you're spinning many plates yet without appropriate rest and recovery, this prolonged stress will be detrimental to your health. More specifically, stress and anxiety can cause mental fatigue and a lack of focus. 

That's why it's important to practice mindfulness. There may be many things you can do to mitigate high levels of stress and anxiety but one proactive way is to build mindful moments into your day. Mindfulness can help you stay present and focused, and can help reduce stress and anxiety. You could try:

• Walks in nature noticing the sights, sounds and smells
• Guided meditations to start your mornings
• Breathing exercises whenever you need to calm down
• Rituals such as making yourself a cup of matcha each day

Mindfulness is about stepping out of the thinking mind and enjoying the present moment. So, take a few deep breaths and enjoy being in the here and now. 

Tip 5: Get Enough Sleep

Every single time we sleep, our bodies work the night shift to bring everything back into balance. Without adequate time (sleep), this job isn’t being completed and the consequence is poor physical health, faulty mood regulation and weak concentration (to name just a few side effects). 

So if you’re aiming for better concentration, you better get enough sleep. It may be easier said than done but knowing the importance is a good motivator to begin with. 

Ensure that you wind down properly by relaxing and minimising screen time. And, if you need a little help drifting off, enjoy a cup of our matcha before bed. The L-theanine found in green tea leaves can help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.

You’re just a few micro habits away from better concentration

In conclusion, mental clarity and focus are essential for getting through the day. And with these five tips, you can help improve your mental clarity and stay focused throughout the day. So, take a break, stay hydrated, practice mindfulness, and get enough sleep. And don't forget to enjoy a cup of our matcha along the way. Cheers to a focused and productive day!