Sometimes at work I find myself spacing out, unable to focus. I think the main reason is because I have read much of what I must read everyday before (mostly epidemiological research, so not exactly riveting stuff, though I do find it interesting on the whole). At least, I’ve read it in some form or another somewhere else. So after reading about risk behaviours among young MSM or IDU needle sharing practices for the 4 zillionth time, I find it hard to maintain my focus on my work. Lately it’s been getting worse, and I find myself perusing the SDMB for answers (damn SDMB, it’s like cognitive crack).
So my question to the best and brightest out there (and let’s face it, we all know they congregate here) is this: what’s the best way to focus and maintain that focus? I know that’s a broad question with a million conceivable answers, but what I’m really looking for are actually exercises, whether mental or physical, that increase concentration ability. Does anyone out there know of any solid, definite things one can do to increase one’s ability to concentrate? Any help would be greatly appreciated (and no, I’m no scatter brain, just need to get some focus so I can plow through the research, it’s pretty dry stuff).