In an increasingly busier world, it can be difficult to keep your mind focused on the issues at hand. When you do let yourself get distracted, your performance will suffer in any task you choose to undertake. While few people realize it, several aspects of your lifestyle will affect your ability to maintain good mental focus. You can use these factors to improve your mental clarity and your ability to concentrate in your daily life.

Adopt a Healthier Diet
Plant-based foods, whole grains, and lean meat are essential for living an overall healthy life. In addition, specific foods can improve your mental focus and acuity. For example, a recent study found that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (flaxseed, salmon, sardines, etc.) helped protect cognitive functioning in seniors. Similarly, foods rich in antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, also strengthen cognitive functioning. Green tea was found to promote learning, improve memory, and reduce anxiety.

Exercise and Sleep Better
Both sleep and physical fitness are closely linked to mental focus due to the positive effects these activities have on stress. When you have heightened levels of stress, exercise will provide the release of energy you need to reduce your stress levels. Sleep will help by giving you the opportunity to relax and reduce the transmission of stress hormones by your brain. As a result, you’ll rest better and awaken with greater mental clarity and more energy.

Take a Holistic Approach
Spending 20 minutes per day in meditation can go a long way towards helping you regain your mental focus. The activity is designed to strengthen your mental functioning by requiring you to maintain better control over your thoughts. Research into the benefits of meditation has found that it improves the ability to concentrate. It also reduces the likelihood of experiencing anxiety, fatigue, depression, and anger. Studying martial arts, such as tai chi, can provide similar benefits.

If you feel as though your life is out of control or too chaotic, taking a little time to restructure your lifestyle may be necessary. Take the opportunity to implement healthier practices into your life. You may be surprised to find that a few minor changes, such as those listed here, will be enough to bring clarity and focus back into your life.