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Boost Your Concentration With Meditation
If you want to improve your focus and performance, then Boffins
at the University of Pennsylvania recommend that you meditate
daily, even if it
happens to be in short doses.
The researchers conducted the first ever study of its kind to
examine how meditation may modify the three sub-components of
attention, including the ability to prioritise and manage tasks
and goals, the ability to voluntarily focus on specific information
and the ability to stay alert to the environment.
Their study showed that meditation does so as it is an active
and effortful process that literally changes the way the brain
works. As a part of the study, the researchers split subjects
into two categories - those new to meditation, or "mindfulness
training," took part in an eight-week course that included
up to 30 minutes of daily meditation, and those more experienced
with meditation that attended an intensive full-time, one-month
retreat.
Participants performed tasks at a computer that measured response
speeds and accuracy. At the outset, retreat participants who were
experienced in meditation demonstrated better executive functioning
skills, the cognitive ability to voluntarily focus, manage tasks
and prioritise goals.
Upon completion of the eight-week training, participants new
to meditation had greater improvement in their ability to quickly
and accurately move and focus attention, a process known as "orienting."
After the one-month intensive retreat, participants also improved
their ability to keep attention "at the ready."
The researchers found that even for those new to the practice,
meditation enhanced performance and the ability to focus attention.
The results suggest that meditation, even as little as 30 minutes
daily, may improve attention and focus for those with heavy demands
on their time. While practicing meditation may itself may not
be relaxing or restful, the attention-performance improvements
that come with practice may paradoxically allow us to be more
relaxed.
Reference
Source 202
November 4, 2009
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