With emails pinging, messages, WhatsApp's and social media a constant distraction, sitting down and concentrating on an important report is easy to put off. So how can we train our brain to concentrate with so many distractions?

Here are some tips to help.

  1. Feed your brain - your brain like every organ in your body needs fuel to function, foods high in the Omega 3 fatty acid DHA, such as oily fish, contribute to normal brain function. Have eggs for breakfast, whole eggs are among the most nutritious foods on the planet, containing a little bit of almost every nutrient you need including vitamin B5 which contributes to normal mental performance.
  2. Drink plenty of water. Your brain is strongly influenced by your hydration status. Studies show that even mild dehydration, such as the loss of 1–3% of body weight, can impair many aspects of brain function.
  3. Switch off distractions - turn off your emails, silence you phone and turn off notifications. Plan to check devices and emails at intevals in the day and plan your work and output in these intevals.
  4. Organise your mind. Remove the mental to do list from your brain, write down a list of everything you need to do including household chores and returning phone calls, so your mind is free to concentrate on the task in hand.
  5. Take a break and go for a brisk 10 minute walk in a green space. A survey conducted by the University of Michigan asked one group of students to walk around an arboretum and another around a city. The latter group scored significantly lower in concentration tests. If you have a local park, take a stroll in it. Exercise also increases brain power and reduces anxiety.
  6. Meditate. Many studies have found that meditation helps increase the strength and endurance of your attention, along with reducing stress and anxiety.