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Twelve Reasons Why You Cannot Concentrate

The ability to concentrate is one of our greatest gifts. But it is an unappreciated boon like your teeth. You do not realise the value of your teeth until you start losing it. Similarly, it is only when you wonder why you cannot concentrate, you come to know that there is something wrong with you. Modern life is full of distractions and hence, our attention spans have reduced greatly.

However, there are some days where you feel like you cannot concentrate on anything around you. Working, studying and a simple thing like watching television also requires you to concentrate. So, if you are wondering why you cannot concentrate on anything, it is time to take stock of the situation. Concentration problems are serious and they often stem from medical conditions.

FOODS THAT HELP IN CONCENTRATION WHILE STUDYING

So instead of just casually thinking about why you cannot concentrate, check with an expert. Sometimes, the inability to concentrate can be a symptom of ADHD or hypertension. Thus, do not take your problem lightly. Apart from being a problem for your career and studies, the inability to concentrate can actually be the first signs of a serious mental disorder.

Here are some probable reasons why you cannot concentrate on anything:

You are fatigued

You are fatigued

Have you been working too hard lately. Sometimes, working non-stop can take your brain to a state of mental fatigue. You just lose the capacity to concentrate on anything at all.

Vitamin Deficiency

Vitamin Deficiency

If you are not eating a healthy diet, then you might need to check your vitamin or mineral count. Sometimes, dropping levels of Vitamin B12 can be the reason why your brain becomes fuzzy.

Hormones

Hormones

Muddle headedness could be a sign of hormones gone wild. You know the feeling of irritability when your periods are due. When you have hormonal upheaval like pregnancy or menopause, you have the same problem, but on a much larger scale.

ADHD

ADHD

ADHD (Attention Deficiency Hyperactivity Syndrome) is a condition found in kids where they have low attention span and are hyperactive. Sometimes, this condition remains untreated and gets carried over into adulthood.

Aneamia

Aneamia

Aneamia is a medical term for low iron and haemoglobin count. The supply of oxygenated blood to the brain is less and thus, your brain cells are less active than they should be. You need to eat foods rich in iron.

Sleeplessness

Sleeplessness

Getting less sleep than you should can drive you to insanity. So the inability to concentrate is only a small measure in that case. You need 6-8 hours of sleep every day. And if you cannot get that, your brain cells start dying out.

Cold Turkey

Cold Turkey

Have recently quit smoking or alcohol? Quitting any habit concerning substances makes you go cold turkey or have withdrawal symptoms. Anxiety and not being able to concentrate are some of the withdrawal symptoms that are very common.

Dementia

Dementia

Sometimes, you cannot concentrate on anything because you have a severe mental condition where your brain cells do not respond to stimuli. Dementia is a disease that can happen to people in any age group. So, get yourself checked no matter what is your age.

Thyroid

Thyroid

An under active thyroid gland means high brain activity. You will feel anxious and hyperactive but that will not allow you to concentrate on anything. This is usually coupled with weight gain and swollen feet.

Hypertension

Hypertension

Hypertension that occurs due to stress is one of the biggest problems plaguing the young generation. If you are not able to concentrate, then it could easily be a symptom of hypertension. Before going on meds, try counselling and self-motivation techniques to deal with the problem.

Depression

Depression

Depression occurs due to several reasons. Sometimes, you may be depressed for months or years before you start showing signs of clinical depression. So, if you are living with emotional baggage, you need to talk to someone you trust and seek help.

Change Of Medications

Change Of Medications

Some types of medications like tranquilisers, hormone tablets, contraceptives affect your concentration levels. If you have recently stopped taking some of these med or changed the dosage, then you may be in a state where you find it hard to concentrate. If this phase lasts for more than a week, see your doctor.

Story first published: Thursday, May 8, 2014, 11:55 [IST]
Read more about: wellness health