CAN’TCONCENTRATE?
4 STEPS TO IMPROVING YOUR FOCUS
There’s no worse feeling than the cocktail of stress and anxiety that brews in your stomach when you have a test looming but can’t seem to sit still long enough to study. As many of us know well, the ability to concentrate isn’t something most people are born with — it’s a skill that takes time and patience to perfect. If you find your eyes straying from your flashcards or notes, try these simple steps to get back on track. Take a Break This one seems like a no-brainer, but sometimes you have to hear it. If you’ve been staring at the same sentence for an hour without taking in a word, it’s time to reset your brain. Take a walk or grab a snack, then return to your task refreshed.
Silence Your Cell Phone If your phone is buzzing in your pocket or on the desk beside you every few minutes, it’s no wonder you’re not getting anything done. Take a second to turn your notifications to silent, or even better, stash the phone out of sight. That way, Facebook will leave you and your flashcards alone. Involve Your Senses According to Psychology Today, getting as many of your senses involved in the act of learning as possible will help you stay on task. If you’re reading a textbook, try taking notes to mix things up. The tactile element should help you concentrate. Create a Distraction To-do List This interesting idea comes courtesy of the website The Art of Manliness. Apparently, research shows that every time we get distracted by an idea, it takes a full 25 minutes on average to return to the task at hand. Instead of leaping into action to find the answer to every question that floats into your brain, try writing them down for later. These solutions are all immediate, but there are lots of things you can do to improve your concentration in the long term. Some of those strategies include practicing mindfulness, spending more time outdoors (research suggests that just looking at greenery can boost your focus), and redesigning your work space.
Inspired by Bon Appétit magazine ROASTEDCORNSALSA
INGREDIENTS
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2 medium ears of corn, shucked 1 jalapeño or Fresno chile, seeded and thinly sliced
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1/4 bunch cilantro leaves, sliced 1 large tomato, cored, seeded, and finely chopped
LEARNMORE ABOUTOURAUGUST PROMOTIONTOHELP CHILDRENWITH MUSCULARDYSTROPHY BYVISITING MOMETRIX.COM/MDA
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Juice of 1 lime
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1/2 red onion, diced
Kosher salt, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat a cast-iron skillet to high. Char corn, turning occasionally, for 10–14 minutes, until they begin to blacken in spots. 2. Using a sharp knife, remove corn kernels from cobs and transfer to a large mixing bowl. 3. With a wooden spoon or potato masher, gently crush corn to release starch and juices. 4. Add jalapeño, onion, tomato, and cilantro. Mix to combine.
5. Top with lime juice and season with salt. 6. Serve alongside your favorite tortilla chips.
... CONTINUEDFROMCOVER The week after camp, we drove Benjamin to Houston for major surgery for scoliosis, which had been getting increasingly severe. He needed to have two metal rods attached to his spine. Since the surgery in mid-June, Benjamin has been resting and recovering. He’s been getting a little better every day, and he’s thrilled that he’s 2 inches taller and can sit more comfortably. And he can’t wait to go back to school. He loves to read and to learn, and of course, going back to school means he’s another day closer to going back to MDA Camp, where he can do anything. –Ja y Willi s
Our son, Benjamin
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