 There are so many reasons why we lose focus as humans, possibly because of much pressure or so many needs pressing us to sort them out. Nevertheless, there are ways to deal with this issue. Focus. It's a word often yelled at children from frustrated teachers and at ourselves when we have trouble getting to the bottom of something. Come on, focus. You can do this. In this video, I'm going to share with you 10 reasons why you can't focus and how to fix it. If you're new here, I'm sure it would benefit you so much if you subscribe to our channel for more awesome videos like this. Why is it easy for some people to hone in on a problem and give it lesser guided focus while other people cannot go two minutes without staring out the window or thinking about sitting on the beach? Well, there are many reasons beyond personality types. Here are 10 of the biggest reasons you may be having trouble concentrating. One, you're not getting enough sleep. There are reasons we spend at least 25% of our lives in bed. Sleep is very important. It helps as we charge, gives the brain a chance to exercise neuronal connections and gives our bodies time to repair muscles and replace chemicals. So when we're not getting the right amount of sleep and it varies from person to person, but around six to eight hours in the average, everything suffers. In particular, the mind takes the brunt of it. You will find it very difficult to stay focused on anything because your brain is not only tired. It's confusing. It hasn't had the necessary time it needs to prepare for another full day of activity and as such, it is torn between the task at hand and wanting to shut down. Now you may think you're getting your six to eight hours every night, but still have trouble focusing. Check to see if you have sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea. Even though you go to bed at 11 PM and wake up at 7, you may have had a night of restless, constantly interrupted sleep if you haven't had a good amount of sleep. Restful REM sleep. You will suffer the consequences. Lack of sleep can also lead to depression. And anyone who has ever been depressed knows all too well how the mind wonders. Two, you surround yourself with distractions. It is said that today's teenagers will interact with three different technologies at the same time. A phone, TV and computer without any kind of problem. It's just a way of life, but it's not a way to focus. This plays into conversations and interactions with people, either in person, online or on the phone. We think we're giving that person enough attention, but we're not. We hear the phone beep and have to check it. We see something come on TV in the background and our attention wanes. We all need to take a long hard look at how the devices we own and use hinder our focus. We should get into the habit of turning off everything we don't absolutely need when a job needs to get done. Does the TV need to be on in the background? Do we need to have the music playing? Can the phones be put into a drawer on vibrate? Ready only for important calls? If we remove all of these distractions, we could all vastly improve our focus. Three, you are not dealing with your problems. Remember that old saying, the squeaky wheel gets degrees. It applies to a lot of aspects in our lives. In particular, to people who are always complaining and get most of the attention. But when it comes to focusing, that squeaky wheel is a problem, or problems that have not been dealt with. If it is a problem that has gone completely unchecked, we find ourselves thinking, I really need to deal with that tripping faucet, or I need to talk to my mortgage broker. This problems will stop nagging us if there are a list of things to deal with, or we take steps to get them done. So, make an appointment with the broker. Watch the video on replacing a washer. Even though the actual problem is not solved, by simply starting to work on it, it stops squeaking. Four, you haven't made a good plan. This definitely goes hand in hand with the point above. A plan is essential if you want to focus, when a mechanic looks under the hood of a car, to see why it's not running correctly. He or she is not just vacantly looking around, hoping to see an issue. There is always a plan about what to check, when to check it, and always in a specific order. A doctor has a plan when he or she checks you for a medical complaint, and so when you're dealing with something, have a plan. Whether it's as simple as making a lease before you go to the grocery store, or building an entire set of schematics, and directions for home improvement project, make sure you have a plan. That way, you can focus on each step, and not on the whole project, which can become overwhelming. Five, you're not getting enough exercise. On the flip side of the sleep coin, is exercise. Most of us are just not getting enough good exercise, and it's showing by the rising obesity rates in the US and the world. It's easy to brush off exercise due to the number of hours we all work, and the supposed lack of free time we all have. But, a lack of exercise will take its toll on the mind, as well as the body. Exercise spoils the brain growth, those hormones, fights anxiety and depression, reduces stress, and even increases sensitivity to insulin. All of those are factors that can affect our focus and concentration. So, get some exercise. Even if you start slow, by taking the stairs every day instead of the elevator, you're doing your brain a world of good. You're working in a messy environment. You may be one of those who can achieve a lot when surrounded by mess and clutter. You're definitely in the minority, unless you're an artist who thrives on chaos. You really need some order in your chosen workspace. Clutter and mess may not bother you, but they can still be a distraction for your mind. And whether your desk is filled with toys and games, or old takeout wrappers and soda bottles, the end result is the same. You have something else to focus on, other than that task at hand. So, clean it up. It doesn't have to be pristine, and it doesn't have to be a completely blank space. Just give yourself and your brain the ability to easily focus on just one thing. Seven, you may have ADHD. Do you have trouble listening to people and following instructions? Are you often irritable? Do you have a lot of trouble relaxing? Are you restless, constantly moving around and juggling your legs? Are you late more than you are in time? Do you have trouble prioritizing your task? These are all possible symptoms of adult ADHD. And if you have it, you're going to have major problems focusing on the task at hand. Talk to your doctor if you think you may be suffering from adult ADHD. And he or she may be able to prescribe something to help, be it medication, meditation techniques, or other possible ways to alleviate the symptoms. Eight, you're working too hard. The US is now leading the world when it comes to the number of hours worked every year by the average citizen. And the US is also one of the only countries in the world that don't have national paid parental leave, mandated paid sick time, or mandated annual leave. The bottom line, we're all working too much and our ability to focus is suffering. It's very beneficial to step away from the office, wherever that may be, and think about something else. In creative professions in particular, the easiest way to solve a problem is to stop thinking about it for a while and let the subconscious go to work. But by working every hour that you are able, you're going to lose focus and be less efficient at your job or whatever else you want to focus on. Step away, take a break, take a vacation, and give yourself and your brain a much needed rest. Nine, you aren't eating or drinking correctly. Along with sleep and exercise, the body needs fill. And just like any machine, your body will have issues if it is not giving the correct fill. A cheeseburger with fries and a Coke is a tasty treat now and again, but it's not going to do much for your brain. And if you are dehydrated, your mind will wander and your body will weaken. You need to feed your body and brain. The nutrients they need to function at their best. Get in the habit of drinking water at your desk at work. Add fish oils and vitamins to your break fast routine. Eat more fresh food and vegetables. No one is asking you to become a magnificent, healthy eater overnight, but by making a few important changes to your diet, you will quickly notice the result in your ability to focus and get things done. 10, you haven't identified the specific problem. It's hard to focus on a problem if you have no idea where to look. And yet, it happens in the workplace and at home, every single day. It's amazing how many times a meeting can be brought to a halt by the phrase, what exactly is the problem we're trying to solve here anyway? So before you focus on the task at hand, nail down the specific problems you're trying to address. Don't go into any task looking at the generalities and vague issues. If the problem is the utility bills are too high, ask why. Is it because the AC is on too long during the day? Then figure out how you can reduce the temperature in the house without running the AC. That's a problem to focus on.