Struggling to focus? A neurologist shares 5 simple, science-backed ways to train your brain

Along with these techniques, Dr. Chawla advises people to pay attention to the basics: get around 7–8 hours of sleep, manage stress, reduce excessive screen time, and make time for reading. Sleep is especially important for overall brain and mental functioning. If concentration problems are persistent and begin affecting studies, work, or daily life, they should not simply be dismissed as a lack of discipline. As Dr. Chawla points out, conditions such as ADHD or anxiety can sometimes contribute to concentration difficulties. Persistent or severe problems are worth discussing with a qualified healthcare professional rather than trying to self-diagnose. Better focus does not necessarily come from pushing yourself harder. Sometimes, it starts with giving your brain fewer things to switch between, and practicing the ability to stay with what is in front of you.