Expert advice for improving concentration and focus

Mental health experts suggest that declining concentration levels, often felt during transitions back to routine, can be managed through specific lifestyle adjustments and habit retraining.

To improve focus, experts recommend several practical steps. Melissa DiMartino, a psychology professor at the New York Institute of Technology, suggests physically removing mobile phones from the immediate environment during important tasks to reduce the urge to check notifications. Additionally, disabling unnecessary notifications and using 'Do Not Disturb' modes can prevent thought interruptions.

Mental health advisor Erin Clifford notes that healthy concentration is not about working for hours without distraction, but rather the ability to notice when the mind wanders and redirect it back to the task. Psychologist Rod Mitchell adds that establishing daily rituals—such as working at the same desk or starting at a consistent time—can signal to the brain that it is time to focus. He also warns against the habit of using smartphones to fill every moment of boredom, such as while waiting for coffee, as this can decrease the ability to tolerate even short periods of inactivity.