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Ask HN: Any scientifically proven techniques to boost concentration?

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131–140 of 188 posts

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

#131

Not joking: stop going on the internet. It's scientifically proven to boost concentration. More specifically, do one thing, and only that thing, for a set time period. Do not check your phone, do not even have it in the same room. Do the one thing until time is up.

Ha - true - but not the answer we are looking for ...

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

#132
post #111

Fast. Like more than 48 hours water only. First of all it kinda puts you in this “survival” state where while not feeling hungry per say, you’re on high alert and can concentrate like crazy. And after you finish you feel rejuvenated and excited. Amazing experience and can’t recommend it enough. Done it several times already (4 days fasts) and still having the same initial effect. After listening through all of the sc…

I have done intermittent fasting, but I lose too much weight while doing so. I really liked the benefits. Especially fasted cardio feels so good. I'm already fairly slim (1.90m and <80kg) and become a complete stick man after doing this. Anybody know how to do this and how to stay in shape at the same time.

> Especially fasted cardio feels so good.

I noticed this too, if you mean the after effect. It almost got me a little worried though, since the good feeling is probably caused by a release of endorphins, which should usually get released as a response to pain. But I'm not sure.

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

#134
I’m a morning person. Taking a mid day nap gives me two mornings - which for me means much more focus and concentration.

I know OP asked for scientifically proven data, but I think for a question like this we are all different and learning about yourself and your body counts just as much as science.

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

#135
post #100
post #7

Exercise (mostly I've seen more intense than walking, but cardio like running, cycling, rowing, etc. - I haven't come across much for resistance training like weightlifting) has been very well studied to improve cognitive ability, as well as mental health (depression/anxiety). Depending on what you mean by proven , it's not gravity, but it's pretty good evidence compared to just about anything in medicine (just look…

I also read creatine, while used mainly to improve gym perf, helps wirh cognitive ability too.

I've been taking creatine monohydrate for years to improve cognitive function. There has been no visible cognitive effect, but it's greatly reduced exercise injuries.

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

#136
post #117

Not joking: stop going on the internet. It's scientifically proven to boost concentration. More specifically, do one thing, and only that thing, for a set time period. Do not check your phone, do not even have it in the same room. Do the one thing until time is up.

Do you have a citation for the „scientifically proven“?

https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&q=attention+span+in...

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

#137
post #78

A couple of things to add to your list: Go to bed early - 9-10pm and wake up when your body feels like it for a change. If it’s 4-5 am, you get more hours of dark and focus time and your brain is at peak executive thinking, so you can see the bigger picture and write much wiser code. Fasting for a bit may keep your focus as well for a while. If you wake up and are distracted from hunger, drink a cup of plain while mi…

Yes. Fasting can get you into ketosis, which can enhance focus.

Avoiding carbs and sugar prevents insulin spikes and that prevents "brain-fog"

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

#138

Not joking: stop going on the internet. It's scientifically proven to boost concentration. More specifically, do one thing, and only that thing, for a set time period. Do not check your phone, do not even have it in the same room. Do the one thing until time is up.

It works. I found myself getting distracted and one day I pledged not to switch tabs or panes when a programming task involves a pause, such as getting a new build. I'd either stare at the screen or switch to a related programming task. This brought out a tremendous difference in my concentration spans.

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

#139
post #100

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I also read creatine, while used mainly to improve gym perf, helps wirh cognitive ability too.

That's odd. Creatine stores are in muscles. I'm not saying it isn't the case, the body is weird as fuck, but I'd be interested in understanding how that's the case.

It’s because creatine is used by the body to convert sugar into adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is what your body actually uses for energy inside cells for things like contracting muscles and nerve impulses (like in the brain for things such as “thinking”).

ATP can’t be made in the brain, instead it is made by muscles. That’s why exercise and higher levels of creatine are good for cognitive performance and memory.

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