Use science to improve focus and concentration
Hey there, gamers! I’m excited to share some interesting research on how to improve focus and concentration while gaming. From the use of white and pink noise to the power of binaural beats and visual focus exercises, there are a variety of methods that can help to increase focus and concentration ultimately leading to better gaming performance. In this article, we’re going to explore some powerful tools backed up by science on how to improve gaming focus and concentration.
Transition to a Focused State using White & Pink Noise
White and pink noise can be extremely beneficial if you have trouble getting into a focused state. Research studies have shown that these types of noise can help release specific chemicals in the brain, which in turn amplifies the activity in the prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain that is responsible for the ability to direct focus and stay focused on certain things. This is especially useful, as it allows you to fully immerse yourself in the game and maintain that concentration for longer periods of time. However, It’s important to note that white and pink noise might not make you concentrate better, but it can make it easier to transition into a focused state.
Supplements that increase focus and concentration
Supplements can be an effective way to improve focus and concentration. By providing the brain with the right nutrients and compounds, supplements can help to improve cognitive function, ultimately leading to better performance.
Caffeine
The most well-known supplement for increased focus is caffeine. Its suggested dosage of 100mg can help to improve focus and concentration by stimulating the nervous system and increasing the release of certain neurotransmitters that are associated with cognitive function. Caffeine can be found in coffee, tea and yerba mate.
Alpha-GPC
Alpha-GPC is another supplement that is naturally found in the brain. It can be taken in doses of 300mg to 600mg. This supplement should not be taken every day. Eating garlic with it can increase its effectiveness.
Omega 3
The omega-3 fatty acids can also be beneficial and have been closely related to brain function and cognitive performance. Omega-3s can be found in food such as salmon, avocado, eggs, spinach, walnuts, etc. These essential fatty acids can help by supporting the brain’s ability to function optimally.
Creatine
Creatine is a supplement that has a strong potential to improve focus and concentration, by increasing the amount of energy available to the brain. Creatine has also been shown to benefit short-term memory and thinking skills. Creatine is naturally found in red meat.
Remember that each individual might have different needs and sensitivities to these supplements. It’s always best to consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplement, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions or are taking any medications.
Visual focus exercises for better concentration
Much of our cognitive focus, or our ability to think about something in a specific way and stay focused on it, is directed by our visual system. One way to improve focus and concentration while gaming is through visual focus exercises. These exercises can include limiting your visual field in some way, such as wearing a hat or a hoodie, to help enhance cognitive focus. This is because limiting distractions in your surroundings by reducing the amount of visual information that you take in can help you to focus better.
One type of visual focus exercise is something called overt visual attention. This involves maintaining focus on one location for a given period of time. This could be a pen being held in front of you, for example. By focusing on that particular location and by forcing yourself to refocus anytime your eyes wanders, you’re helping your brain get better at focusing for longer periods of time.
Another type of visual focus exercise is called covert visual attention. It involves obtaining information from multiple locations at the same time without having to direct our vision specifically to one location. This means that while you’re focusing on one thing, like the screen in front of you, your mind and to some extent your peripheral vision is focused on another object in the room.
Visual focus exercises can be an effective way to improve focus and concentration while gaming. By limiting your visual field and practicing overt and covert visual exercises, you can train your brain to focus better and for longer periods of time.
Listen to 40hz Binaural Beats before playing
Listening to something called binaural beats can help you focus better. Binaural beats work by playing two different frequencies in each ear. This creates a third frequency that gets integrated within deep brain centers. This can increase levels of specific neurochemicals responsible for focus and concentration. Studies have found, that especially a 40hz frequency is most effective to improve focus and concentration.
Try listening to binaural beats for 5 minutes before you start playing a match or doing aim training. If you’re in a state of mind where you feel very distracted, then keep them turned on for longer. People might react differently to binaural beats, so you should experiment with different frequencies, volume levels, and how long you listen to them to find what works best for you.
Use cold water to increase focus
One effective way to improve focus and concentration is using cold exposure. Studies have shown that this method increases stress levels in the body, leading to improved cognitive performance. This is because cold temperatures activate the body’s stress response, which triggers the release of hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline. These hormones help with focus and concentration when you’re playing.
One way to experience the benefits of cold exposure is by taking cold showers before you play or even taking a bath in cold water where your body is fully immersed in the water. Cold water baths are even more intense than cold showers, but they can make a bigger impact on your cognitive performance. Just make sure to start with a short time and gradually increase the time you spend in the cold water.
DISCLAIMER
Please note that cold exposure can be associated with certain health risks. This information is provided for educational purposes only, not as a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
Take a break to defocus
It’s important to relax your brain after you’ve been focusing for a while. Studies have shown that our brain works in cycles of 90 minutes, and after 90 minutes of focusing, it’s important to take a break and do something that doesn’t require a lot of concentration. This helps your brain stay focused throughout the day and not get tired. You should take at least 10 minutes, and even up to 30 minutes to defocus. During this time, don’t try to do anything that requires you to concentrate. You could do something like going for a walk outside without looking at your phone, or sitting quietly in a peaceful place. 1. It’s worth keeping in mind, that if you’re really good at focusing, you might need even more time to defocus.
Final Words
In the end, there are many ways you can use science to help you focus better while you’re gaming. You can experiment with different types of noise, listen to binaural beats, practice visual focus exercises, consider incorporating supplements into your diet, take regular breaks and expose yourself to cold water. By implementing these strategies, you can potentially improve your focus and concentration while gaming, leading to better performance and more wins.