How to improve focus and concentration in adults

Hello Martina,

I don't know if you are referring to an adult who is apparently healthy or an adult with a diagnosed condition.

If it is an adult with a diagnosed condition, I am wondering if an occupational therapist would be the best person to approach with your query.

Personally, this is not something I assess or develop exercise prescriptions for with my clients.

All the best!

It really depends on the person and the situation I would think.

Mac Dodds M.A., CSCS
Live Your Best Years Now
Goodlifefitness.biz
mac@goodlifefitness.biz

Hi Martina,

I agree with Joanne and Mac. It depends on the person as well as if they have any medical conditions that will make it hard for them to concentrate and focus. It also depends on the type of training they are engaged in, the length of the program, the intensity and frequency, their daily lifestyle, work schedule and their commitment to the program you have laid out for them. It’s different form person to person, so giving you a definite answer here without knowing whom you are referring to it will be very challenging.

When I meet with my clients for the first time I try to take in consideration their lifestyle and habits, so I can design a program for them that it will be easier for them to follow and commit to it. If you don't give them goals that are impossible or very hard to reach, then it will be easier for them to follow it. Break down their program into smaller segments with attainable goals, so they can stay with it and don't feel they are failing because it's very hard for them to reach them. Then evaluate the results and make any changes if needed so they stay engaged and committed to the program (and still enjoy the whole experience).

I hope this helps.

Best,
Harris

Hello Martina Johnson,

I agree with the others; you need to know the person in order to engage better.
Generally speaking, doing a simple yoga pose to concentrate on breathing may relax someone enough to concentrate more. This can be done in the easy seated or corpse pose.
You may also try to encourage living in the moment; be fully present where you are now.
Many, many of life's experiences come into play here.
Take care.

This is not within my scope of practice, but I would suggest a neurologist first to make sure there is nothing medically wrong, then I would find a qualified physician or therapist who specializes in this field to give you assistance.

Hi Martina,

on the assumption that it is a problem of a person being 'scatter-brained' and not anything more sinister, I find it helpful if I add to any physical exercise a task that requires inward direction.

For example, just cuing to lift on an inhale count of 2, hold for one and exhale on a count of 4 while lowering can help people concentrate.

Good luck.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com