One of the ways in which you can improve your concentration is to stop doing several tasks at once. Develop the habit of doing one thing at a time. If you are writing a report for your boss for instance, your focus and attention should be entirely on the report. Avoid unnecessary distractions such as checking your mail or checking out on your colleagues. You will soon realize that as you focus on the task at hand, you will be quicker and more effective. As much as possible, do try to allocate specific timelines to each task that you need to do. This means that you will need to complete a particular task within a given time frame. You will be able to concentrate on each individual task, so that you can do it on time. This will require strict discipline on your part, which will enable you to stay focused on the tasks. All the same, you need to know that concentrating on one thing for extended periods of time may dull your concentration. If you dwell on one thing continuously, you may find yourself losing your power to concentrate. In such a case, you need to take a break and do something different or rest, since you will not be productive anyway.
It is also possible to improve your concentration by learning to restrain your thoughts. Distraction from random thoughts can be a serious obstacle to achieving concentration, so you need to bring your thoughts under control. You can achieve this by being consciously aware of what you are thinking about. Make up you mind not to entertain thoughts that are not relevant to the task you are doing. If you are casual about anything you are doing, you will find that you easily lose focus and begin to daydream, so you need to accord each task the seriousness it deserves. Taking control over your thoughts will not happen automatically, and you may find yourself struggling at first. With practice however, you will soon be able to master your thoughts and channel them in the right direction.
Your power to concentrate is also influenced by your overall health and well-being. If you are sick, tired or mentally disturbed, you will find it difficult to concentrate. In view of this, you can improve your concentration by being physically and mentally healthy. This entails eating well, exercising, getting sufficient rest and sleep. Physical exercises help to improve concentration by clearing the mind, which increases your alertness. Sufficient rest and sleep helps to refresh your mind, making it easier for you to concentrate. If you have nagging worries, note them down on paper and schedule time during the day to deal with them.
Meditation is a time proven practice when it comes to improving your concentration. Indeed, concentration is the basis of meditation, without which you cannot meditate effectively. If possible, set aside time for meditation every day, and you will be amazed at the results. This may only require simple exercises such as concentrating on your breathing or an object. There are various meditation techniques that you can employ to enhance your concentration, so the choice is up to you.