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Ask HN: Any scientifically proven techniques to boost concentration?

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Re: Ask HN: Any scientifically proven techniques to boost concentration?

#34

Just joined a Flow Working workshop by Dr. Antoine Larchez and had some interesting results. As a lifelong (functional) procrastinator with diagnosed ADHD, I brought down 2.5h of effortless (once started) work on paper, some of the best in a couple of months if not years. I have yet to see whether the methods are scaleable and replicable for me, but a lot of the content resonated with me, especially the insight that…

What did you do different to get the 2.5 hours of uninterrupted work done?

Re: Ask HN: Any scientifically proven techniques to boost concentration?

#36

For me I have noticed that either one hemisphere is ready to create or the other. Example: if my mind is cold for writing. Then drawing is hot. But if sketching is cold, then writing is hot. And yes. Caffine helps everything.

Note: often you can work in the same problem either visually or with text.

Re: Ask HN: Any scientifically proven techniques to boost concentration?

#37
There are many incremental improvements that can make a small difference, but in my opinion the most important thing is to optimize your environment first and foremost.

One of the most effective strategies I've learned isn't necessarily cheap, but it works: Get two computers. One is your work computer. You only work on it. One is your play computer. You only play on it. If you struggle with self-control, use extensions to block or limit your time on sites like HN, Reddit, Twitter, and others on the work computer.

For me, physically moving between the two computers helps reinforce the separation. If visiting HN is an alt-tab away, it's easy to drift off when there's a lull in work or I have to wait for a compile. If I have to actually get up and move to waste time, I will put deliberate thought into it and, most of the time, not do it.

If you have the space, creating a separate home office that is in a different room from your play computer is golden. That's a lot to ask, obviously.

For a more accessible alternative, consider isolating your distracting activities to only your phone. That's what I do most of the time. I only use the phone distractions while I'm walking, which helps wake me up in the process.

Re: Ask HN: Any scientifically proven techniques to boost concentration?

#39

I struggled to find a description of it on the web (everybody gets hung up on secondary details like 'light a candle' and 'read a sacred text') but basically you can (1) set a timer for some specific time (say 5-10 minutes to start, could be more once you get experienced; it's important to use the timer so you don't need to think about when to stop.) (2) meditate by closing eyes, focusing on the breath, relaxing, for…

what's the next part? I'm sure I can handle what you described. Am I done, lather rinse repeat?
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