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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?

#41

Post by endymi0n »

reactspa wrote: post #34
endymi0n wrote: post #23

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?

Basically meditated, emptied my mind by writing down any tasks I'm procrastinating or ruminating on, identified the fears behind them, set a goal, did a quick exercise and then just did it in 50 minute chunks, but with the phone completely off, any windows in single focus and most importantly with the camera on and 10 people watching (== not really watching but doing their own tasks).

Had a pretty sizeable psychological effect though.

I used to do sessions with FocusMate before which worked, but in a bit of a hit & miss. Key differences to this workshop was the length (blocking half a day, uninterrupted) and the guidance through it, taking away brain cycles for managing.

Still a bit unsure how to fully replicate that experience on my own, but just experiening that someone was able to trigger this kind of focus in me, on a dreaded task, on demand, had a profound effect in me to go try it again.

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

#43

Post by terr-dav »

sydthrowaway wrote: post #40

Lions Mane mycelium

While I can't attest to this helping me focus, I can confirm that it does something.

I used to take it in the morning and evening. After stopping for a bit and restarting, I noticed I was waking up super tired and having intense dreams. I stopped taking it in the evening and confirmed that other people have had the same experience.

FYI I take it in a tincture, and I have not experimented with different brands or preparations.

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

#44

Post by dominotw »

vedran wrote: post #10

A few more from Dr. Huberman: ADHD & How Anyone Can Improve Their Focus - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFL6qRIJZ_Y How to Focus to Change Your Brain - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LG53Vxum0as

I've tried to listen Huberman so many times but have hard time focusing. He seems to rattle off a list of things without any emotional hooks to keep the user engaged.

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

#46

Post by reactspa »

endymi0n wrote: post #41
reactspa wrote: post #34

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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

Basically meditated, emptied my mind by writing down any tasks I'm procrastinating or ruminating on, identified the fears behind them, set a goal, did a quick exercise and then just did it in 50 minute chunks, but with the phone completely off, any windows in single focus and most importantly with the camera on and 10 people watching (== not really watching but doing their own tasks). Had a pretty sizeable psychologi…

> just experiening that someone was able to trigger this kind of focus in me, on a dreaded task, on demand, had a profound effect in me to go try it again

Thanks. You realized what you're capable of.

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

#48

Post by btgeekboy »

I’ve gone the caffeine route before, and it works but only until the crash. The heart palpitations aren’t worth it, IMHO.

I’ve had a subscription to Brain.fm for a bit over a year now. Supposedly it doesn’t work for everyone but I find the act of picking a 60 minute Deep Focus block, probably just as much as the music itself, really helps me keep my head down.

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