Struggling to Focus? Meditation might help—All you need to know
In today's fast-paced world, where everything happens in a flash, people's attention spans are shorter than ever. Studies indicate that attention spans are rapidly shrinking, with individuals struggling to maintain focus on tasks that demand even moderate effort. The primary culprits are stress, constant digital distractions, and the overwhelming volume of information we are exposed to daily. India Today spoke with her to get deeper insights on how meditation impacts focus in the age of distraction. By Mrs. Aditi Shrivastava, Senior Teacher of Transcendental Meditation (TM) and Academic Advisor for Consciousness at Maharishi University of Information Technology (MUIT)advertisementWHY MEDITATION IS THE ANTIDOTE TO DISTRACTIONMeditation is a valuable tool for enhancing concentration and mental function. It helps individuals become mindful, present, and better equipped to manage the work at hand. As pressures from contemporary living rise, the capacity to concentrate becomes a key driver of productivity, making meditation a crucial skill for both personal and professional growth.THE HIDDEN COST OF MULTITASKINGWith most people juggling multiple tasks, multitasking is often mistaken for efficiency. However, research shows that it reduces productivity by nearly 40%. Stressful environments compound this, leading to anxiety, fatigue, and mental blockages. Meditation, by contrast, allows the mind to reset and operate from a calm, expansive state—making deep focus more natural.
Meditation isn't just a spiritual or ancient ritual—it is backed by neuroscience. It activates the prefrontal cortex, responsible for critical thinking and attention. It also increases grey matter in regions that handle learning and memory. Studies from Harvard have shown that nearly 47% of a person's day is spent distracted—something meditation helps dramatically reduce by anchoring awareness in the present.KEY BENEFITS OF MEDITATION FOR IMPROVING CONCENTRATIONadvertisementMeditation enhances focus by quieting internal distractions. It boosts alpha wave activity, which is linked to a calm yet alert mind. It stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress hormones and promoting a relaxed state conducive to concentration. With regular practice, it also helps regulate emotions like frustration and anxiety, allowing mental clarity to emerge. Over time, meditation improves neuroplasticity, empowering the brain to focus better and adapt to challenges.'Meditation allows the mind to transcend the noise and settle into stillness, which is where true concentration is built,' says Shrivastava. 'It clears away the mental clutter, giving rise to natural alertness.'HOW TO INCORPORATE MEDITATION INTO YOUR DAILY ROUTINEStarting a meditation practice doesn't have to be overwhelming. Begin with a short, consistent routine. Choose a style that resonates—be it mindfulness, visualisation, focused attention, or Transcendental Meditation (TM). Understanding the impact of meditation in your daily life can fuel your motivation to continue.'The key is consistency, even if it's just for a few minutes a day,' says Shrivastava. 'It's about choosing a practice that aligns with your mind's nature. TM, for instance, is effortless and deeply restorative.'ALTERNATIVE PRACTICES FOR BETTER FOCUSBesides meditation, complementary practices like yoga asanas, mudras, and pranayama can improve memory and concentration. Simple habits—like mindful walks or short meditation breaks between work—can prevent burnout. A balanced lifestyle involving good sleep, nutrition, and mental wellness further supports sharper cognitive functioning.advertisementImproving concentration is more essential than ever in our distraction-heavy lives. Meditation trains the mind to experience deeper awareness, expanding its potential for productivity and peace. Whether you choose TM, guided visualisations, or breath-focused practices, a daily routine is key to unlocking long-term benefits.'Concentration is a learnable skill, and meditation is the training ground to cultivate the mind's infinite capabilities,' Shrivastava concludes.Must Watch
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In today's fast-paced world, where everything happens in a flash, people's attention spans are shorter than ever. Studies indicate that attention spans are rapidly shrinking, with individuals struggling to maintain focus on tasks that demand even moderate effort. The primary culprits are stress, constant digital distractions, and the overwhelming volume of information we are exposed to daily. India Today spoke with her to get deeper insights on how meditation impacts focus in the age of distraction. By Mrs. Aditi Shrivastava, Senior Teacher of Transcendental Meditation (TM) and Academic Advisor for Consciousness at Maharishi University of Information Technology (MUIT)advertisementWHY MEDITATION IS THE ANTIDOTE TO DISTRACTIONMeditation is a valuable tool for enhancing concentration and mental function. It helps individuals become mindful, present, and better equipped to manage the work at hand. As pressures from contemporary living rise, the capacity to concentrate becomes a key driver of productivity, making meditation a crucial skill for both personal and professional HIDDEN COST OF MULTITASKINGWith most people juggling multiple tasks, multitasking is often mistaken for efficiency. However, research shows that it reduces productivity by nearly 40%. Stressful environments compound this, leading to anxiety, fatigue, and mental blockages. Meditation, by contrast, allows the mind to reset and operate from a calm, expansive state—making deep focus more natural. Meditation isn't just a spiritual or ancient ritual—it is backed by neuroscience. It activates the prefrontal cortex, responsible for critical thinking and attention. It also increases grey matter in regions that handle learning and memory. Studies from Harvard have shown that nearly 47% of a person's day is spent distracted—something meditation helps dramatically reduce by anchoring awareness in the BENEFITS OF MEDITATION FOR IMPROVING CONCENTRATIONadvertisementMeditation enhances focus by quieting internal distractions. It boosts alpha wave activity, which is linked to a calm yet alert mind. It stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress hormones and promoting a relaxed state conducive to concentration. With regular practice, it also helps regulate emotions like frustration and anxiety, allowing mental clarity to emerge. Over time, meditation improves neuroplasticity, empowering the brain to focus better and adapt to challenges.'Meditation allows the mind to transcend the noise and settle into stillness, which is where true concentration is built,' says Shrivastava. 'It clears away the mental clutter, giving rise to natural alertness.'HOW TO INCORPORATE MEDITATION INTO YOUR DAILY ROUTINEStarting a meditation practice doesn't have to be overwhelming. Begin with a short, consistent routine. Choose a style that resonates—be it mindfulness, visualisation, focused attention, or Transcendental Meditation (TM). Understanding the impact of meditation in your daily life can fuel your motivation to continue.'The key is consistency, even if it's just for a few minutes a day,' says Shrivastava. 'It's about choosing a practice that aligns with your mind's nature. TM, for instance, is effortless and deeply restorative.'ALTERNATIVE PRACTICES FOR BETTER FOCUSBesides meditation, complementary practices like yoga asanas, mudras, and pranayama can improve memory and concentration. Simple habits—like mindful walks or short meditation breaks between work—can prevent burnout. A balanced lifestyle involving good sleep, nutrition, and mental wellness further supports sharper cognitive concentration is more essential than ever in our distraction-heavy lives. Meditation trains the mind to experience deeper awareness, expanding its potential for productivity and peace. Whether you choose TM, guided visualisations, or breath-focused practices, a daily routine is key to unlocking long-term benefits.'Concentration is a learnable skill, and meditation is the training ground to cultivate the mind's infinite capabilities,' Shrivastava Watch
