Training Concentration: Passive and Active Activities

To become better at concentration, it is important to train the ability to concentrate. This involves dividing training activities into passive and active categories. Passive training activities involve becoming comfortable with boredom and lack of novel stimuli. By avoiding hyper palatable digital distractions, such as constantly checking the phone or tablet, the brain can develop a tolerance for boredom and focus on tasks for extended periods. Examples of passive training activities include watching a movie without distractions, reading books without looking at screens, and engaging in outdoor activities without phones or tablets. On the other hand, active training activities require actively practicing and maintaining focus on difficult tasks. These activities can increase the capacity for concentration. Hobbies that require unbroken concentration, such as practicing a sport or playing chess puzzles, can help improve concentration skills. By incorporating both passive and active training activities, individuals can become more comfortable with boredom and familiar with the feeling of concentration. This translates to better focus and performance in cognitive demanding professional tasks.