Difficulty Concentrating: How to Survive the Work Day

Difficulty concentrating at work is something everyone can relate to. Let's face it, it is easy to daydream in the office. Your window has a much better view than your computer screen does, and with all the things going on in your life, it can be hard to focus on the job at hand.

Difficulty concentrating is a common symptom of menopause, so a large percentage of menopausal women may find themselves dealing with this problem. They may also experience disorientation, forgetfulness, and lost trains of thought, which can have negative effects on concentration at work. This symptom is caused by an imbalance of hormones, and fortunately there are lifestyle changes and techniques that you can employ in your daily life that will help balance hormone levels and increase concentration.

How Can I Combat Poor Concentration Levels at Work?

Finding it hard to concentrate can make certain aspects of your work and social life very difficult and might result in poor performance at work or negative effects on personal relationships. Try following these simple steps to maintain concentration and productivity at work:

Walk or Cycle Instead of Driving

Exercise is vital for keeping the mind sharp so try to swap your car for a pair of walking shoes or a bicycle in the morning. Even just 30 minutes of aerobic exercise can influence your concentration by boosting your energy levels. Combining exercise with your work routine means you don't have to drastically change your day-to-day lifestyle, and it will help you build energy for the day ahead.

Keep a Tidy, Comfortable Work Space

Having a clean desk might seem trivial, but it is important. Ensure you have an adequate amount of work space and keep all your essential items easily accessible at your desk, so you won't have to get up frequently and look for things. Try removing any distractions from your desk, and consider what makes you perform at your best. You might prefer to work in silence, or you may enjoy being surrounded by colleagues who help motivate you. Try to create an environment that is particularly productive for you.

Take Water Breaks Instead of Coffee Breaks

When you take breaks, try to avoid caffeinated beverages like coffee. Although you might think that they improve concentration and make you more alert, they only do so for a very short period of time. The come-down from these stimulants makes you sleepy and won't improve your concentration levels in the long run.

Exercise Your Brain

If your brain isn't stimulated, your attention span suffers. The key to improving concentration is keeping your brain active. Have a book of Sudoku puzzles or crosswords on your desk and open it up on your lunch break or before work has even started. It will help improve your focus.

Relax and De-stress in the Evening

Once you have finished work and returned home, it's important you take the right measures to prepare for the next day. Diet, exercise, and adequate rest are very important, but you should also take time for yourself and try stress-relief methods, like meditation or yoga.

More Information

Two in every three women suffer from difficulty concentrating during menopause. It often seems to come out of nowhere and can last for quite a while, affecting many aspects of a woman's life. Making changes to your daily routine may seem challenging, but it's incredibly beneficial in fighting symptoms of menopause.

Follow this link to find out more about difficulty concentrating and how to treat it.