How often do you find yourself scrolling through social media every 10 minutes while working, or you might be under a deadline and find your mind wandering? 

Everyone's attention can wander at times, such as when you lose focus while performing routine tasks.

Many people dismiss these lapses in concentration as "senior moments," but they may be related to a vulnerable brain process known as executive function.

Along with other brain processes, your executive function peaks in your early 20s and then steadily declines as you age. Thankfully, the procedure is rather slow.

Concentration means control of attention. It is the capacity to concentrate on a single concept, object, or subject while blocking out all other irrelevant thoughts, feelings, and sensations.

For the majority of us, that last phase is the most difficult. To focus means to ignore or exclude all other irrelevant thoughts, ideas, feelings, or sensations. to ignore the numbers, alarms, and other signals that indicate we have fresh messages, updates, "likes," or followers!

The brain experiences wear and tear that impairs processing, similar to how a computer slows down after prolonged use.  This can be brought on by various physiological stressors, including inflammation, blood vessel damage (particularly in those with high blood pressure), the accumulation of aberrant proteins, and age-related brain shrinkage.

There are various factors that can affect your concentration.

Underlying circumstances 

Your ability to focus can be hampered by depression or sleep issues (like sleep apnea). The results of hearing or visual loss are also possible. You waste valuable cognitive resources when you spend too much time attempting to decipher what is written on a page or simply hearing what someone is saying.

Adverse effects of medication

Some medications, particularly anticholinergics (used to treat incontinence, depression, or allergies), might impair mental clarity and processing speed.

Excessive alcohol use

Too much alcohol affects thinking and disrupts sleep, which has an impact on focus.

Overabundance of information 

We are constantly being inundated with information via computers, TVs, and messaging like SMS and emails. When there's too much material, it burdens our filtering system and it's easy to get distracted.

Such symptoms could be a sign of a mood illness like anxiety or depression, or an underlying issue like minor cognitive impairment. Additionally, lifestyle factors including stress, weariness, inadequate sleep, dehydration, an unhealthy diet, or sedentary behavior may contribute to a decline in focus.

You can take action to increase your capacity for concentration to counteract the usual age-related loss in executive function. Here are some suggestions for improving your concentration.

Keep track of your loss of focus. 

Pay attention to occasions where you waver. Make a mental note, for instance, when you are reading a book passage and notice that your focus is slipping. Keeping a running total encourages you to be more aware when something happens, which can help focus your attention. Plan less attention-demanding activities for the moments when you are aware that your attention span is the weakest.

Become a mindful meditator. 

When your mind wanders, this type of meditation teaches you how to bring it back to the present. A study that was published in the April 2018 issue of Psychiatry Research suggests that the practice also aids in managing stress and anxiety, which may lead to an inability to focus. Programs for beginners in meditation are available in a lot of yoga studios and community centers.

Watch your sugar intake.

Unexpected blood sugar peaks and valleys may affect your attention. In general, eating more fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber foods while limiting your intake of simple sugars can help to maintain more stable blood sugar levels. A little bit of caffeine might give you a temporary mental boost, but too much can make you feel anxious or dizzy and impair your ability to concentrate. To regulate your daily intake, keep track of when and how your attention shifts after consuming caffeinated beverages.

Take supplements that help with focus and concentration.

Many factors can reduce your attention span and ability to concentrate, affecting your ability to focus. Stress, disease, diet, medications, nutrient deficiencies, and age can all have an impact on your ability to focus and think clearly.

Ingredients like Gingko Biloba Leaf, and Bacopa Leaf Extract help with increasing brain circulation, and help with improving concentration. Cognidyne by WT Rawleigh contains a blend of ingredients that may help with brain health. Available at 15% off for the entire month of November. Check it out now.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. It is recommended that a physician be consulted before taking any supplements. Results are not typical and may vary.