Focus vs. Concentration: Unveiling Differences
Thesaurus be darned: while the words “focus” and “concentration” are often treated as synonyms, their meanings differ in the realm of brain science.
Focus involves aiming attention toward a specific task, usually for a short duration. Concentration, on the other hand, denotes the ability to sustain attention in the face of distractions, usually for a longer period.
It may seem redundant, but a better grasp of the difference between focus and concentration can help you refine your mental faculties. Here, we break down the two forms of attention and share some tips for rebuilding your mental resilience.
What’s the Difference Between Focus and Concentration?
Think of your focus as a laser, gathering and aiming your mental energy toward a single point.
Conversely, concentration is the ability to maintain that laser’s position. The stronger it is, the longer you should be able to hold steady—even if your roommate, your cat, or some other distraction threatens to distract you.
The difference between the two isn’t strictly linguistic. It has to do with modern psychology and brain science, specifically our current scientific understanding of attention. Attention involves two main activities: [1]
- The ability to hone your focus on a single task, goal, or other real or mental object
- The ability to ignore extrinsic or intrinsic stimuli, sensations, information, and perceptions that aren’t immediately relevant to your object of focus
Many headlines report a generalized decline in our attention spans, in part due to the internet, social media, and the short-form content that populates it. [2, 3] But it’s possible to rebuild your short attention span, and a firm grasp of the difference between focus vs concentration is an excellent place to start. [4]
Focus and Concentration in Context: The Science of Attention
There are several different kinds of attention: [1]
- Concentration, also known as sustained attention, where attention is continuously aimed at one task, activity, or goal
- Selective attention, which refers to consciously choosing what to pay attention to
- Focused attention, which usually refers to the involuntary or sudden conferral of attention
- Alternating attention, sometimes called multitasking, which involves switching between two or more tasks at once
- Divided attention, also known as limited attention, usually comes into play during multitasking, when a person is tending to more than one task simultaneously
Someone who says, “I want to improve my ability to focus” likely means they want to improve their ability to concentrate: tending to one activity for a long duration (ideally undistracted).
Fortunately, the field of attention science has developed several methods for exercising and strengthening one’s ability to concentrate without necessarily needing pharmaceutical interventions.
Tips for Improving Focus and Concentration Naturally
In today’s distraction-laden world, it’s common to get sidetracked and struggle to complete tasks. These attention-keeping tips can help you regain your concentration.
Avoid Multitasking
Multitasking may give the illusion of efficiency, but in practice, it can deteriorate your ability to sustain higher levels of focus. [1]
Switching between tasks (or between the task at hand and your phone) tends to increase your cognitive load—a mental resource involving memory—thereby reducing the quality of your performance.
Whenever possible, try to do one thing at a time. It can also help to prioritize your to-do list and take frequent breaks between sprints of work.
Try Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation tends to one giant object of focus: the present moment. By training the brain to focus on the now, meditation also helps cultivate the mind’s ability to resist distraction (yes, even digital distractions).
Practicing meditation and other mindfulness techniques regularly can help rebuild focus and concentration over time. You don’t need much to reap the benefits—even just 5 minutes can help augment your concentration capacities. [5] Some even use mindfulness meditation for sleep, which is another crucial step in improving your cognitive function.
Move Your Body More
Exercise is as good for your body as it is for your mind. It can assist with attention in a few ways:
- Circulation – By increasing blood flow to the brain, exercise can help you feel more alert and focused in your daily life.
- Endorphins – A byproduct of working out, endorphins can also elevate your mood and make you more inclined to feel productive.
For the health of your brain, aim to get at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise weekly. [6]
Try Focus-Building Plants
Certain herbs and plants have historically been used to promote better mood, deeper focus and concentration, and mental resilience.
Kratom, for instance, works as a stimulant in small doses to help increase alertness and energy. Kava root works to calm the nervous system, helping to relieve anxiety and create more mental space for concentration.
If you’re interested in trying a kava kratom tonic for better focus, just be sure to consult with a healthcare provider before adding it to your routine.
Get More Sleep
Sleep is a game-changer for those rebuilding cognitive function and health. It is crucial for replenishing your brain and body and optimizing processing speed, focus, and performance.
Ideally, adults will achieve 7 to 9 hours nightly.
Boost Your Productivity with feel free
Focus is the short-term aiming of attention, while concentration is the sustained ability to maintain that attention. That said, sometimes even the healthiest of habits falter in the search for mental endurance.
Fortunately, the feel free CLASSIC tonic is formulated to support a focused mind.
With natural ingredients like kava kava and kratom for focus, this gently energizing tonic helps invigorate your mental clarity and supports energy throughout the day.
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Sources:
- Very Well Mind. How Psychologists Define Attention. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-attention-2795009
- CBS News. Are attention spans getting shorter (and does it matter)? https://www.cbsnews.com/news/are-attention-spans-getting-shorter-and-does-it-matter/
- Newsweek. Our Attention Spans Are Declining, and Technology Is Not Solely To Blame. https://www.newsweek.com/our-attention-spans-declining-technology-not-solely-blame-1787387
- Today. Your attention span is probably shorter than it used to be. How to fix it. https://www.today.com/health/mind-body/how-to-increase-attention-span-rcna147866
- Very Well Mind. How Long Should You Meditate? https://www.verywellmind.com/how-long-should-you-meditate-5208166
- Mayo Clinic. How much should the average adult exercise every day? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/exercise/faq-20057916
