Poor concentration in children

Bad concentration  is a brain disease. Any physical or mental illness can impede concentration. In this state one is unable to perform his duties or make good decisions.

Genetic factors also play a role in reducing concentration and memory loss, especially in  neurological disorders , such as  Alzheimer’s disease.

Research shows that  diet and lifestyle also play a role in maintaining memory. Other risk factors include smoking during pregnancy.

Weak concentration from an Ayurvedic point of view

Dosas are the main functional representatives of the body. Vata is the main dosha which gives a stimulus to the mind for its normal functioning.

Difficult concentration is a normal recurrent phenomenon  in most people. Fatigue and emotional stress can cause concentration problems in most people and children. Concentration problems are also characteristic of certain physical and psychological conditions. The distinguishing condition associated with difficulty concentrating is hyperactivity and  attention deficit disorder (ADHD)  – a disease condition that has been increasingly diagnosed in children and adults in recent years. Rare conditions that affect the brain and some  emotional and endocrine disorders  can also affect the  cognitive function of the individual  and thus impair concentration.

Other reasons for difficulty concentrating:

• Hunger
• Medication

Image credit: My Fit Station

Food nourishes the body, mind and soul

• Ayurveda advocates  Sattwick’s diet  to keep the mind calm.
• Food should always be fresh and clean. Avoid stagnant food.
• A well-balanced dietwith lots of vegetables, fruits and whole grains must be followed.
• Avoid the Rajasik diet, which consists of foods with a very spicy, salty and acidic taste. It is also good to avoid stimulants such as refined sugar and caffeine, as they aggravate the pita and cotton wool, which in turn increases anxiety, anger and irritability .
• Tamasik foods– stagnant, frozen, canned and heavily processed foods should also not be consumed as they reduce digestive fire and produce a toxic substance called aam and contain large amounts of sodium preservatives and synthetic additives harmful to adults and especially children .

The importance of sleep

Ayurveda considers sleep as a basic building block for common sense and body. Sleep deprivation leads to a decrease in mental performance.  A peaceful night’s sleep is vital to your child’s mood and brain function.

• Sleep helps reduce stress and depression.
• Practice healthy bedtime rituals such as reading historical texts before bedtime.
• Remind your child to finish their homework and stop playing at least an hour before bedtime.
• Dress it in  comfortable nightwear according to room temperature.
• Oil balances wadding. Massage before going to bed will relax his senses.
• Tenderness and attention are important for a child with poor concentration. If you do not have time, a short foot massage or petting will soothe it. If your child  has  problems falling asleep,  these activities at bedtime will definitely help him or her.

Yoga and meditation

Physical activities help children burn their excess energy in a positive way.

• Yoga is useful for children with poor concentration,  as it uses  Asanas (physical postures), Pranayama (breathing exercises)  and deep relaxation techniques to calm the senses, reduce hyperactivity.
• Yoga helps reduce the size of crying attacks, temperamental outbursts, emotional instability and mood swings.
• The practice of mantra meditation will put your child at rest during stressful situations.

Techniques for building concentration

For children who have  impaired concentration, memory, impulse control, speed of perception, and inability to follow directions.

• Cognitive exercises  have been found to produce desired changes in how the brain works.
• Memory games motivate children to memorize sequences of visual and auditory stimuli.
• Crosswords improve word attentionand consistency, while picture puzzles improve memory and concentration.
• Dumpling exercises memoryand triggers brain circuits, thus improving cognitive function.

Creating useful habits

A child with poor concentration needs regularity and consistency to counteract his or her natural tendency to chaos. It is recommended  regular sleep and eating and avoiding those activities  that disturb or over-stimulate the child’s senses. A persistent routine stabilizes  Vata  and  eliminates the bad effects that inconsistency causes.

Time for a break

Children with poor concentration should restrict television, internet and video games.

• The child’s mind-boggling mind* is over-exposed to the media with negative perceptions of violence, obscene speech, and upsetting, fast-moving images. When the child is sensitive, it disrupts his nervous system and throws Watts out of balance.
• Sleep disorders, chronic fatigue,headache, dizziness, memory loss, attention problems, aggression, self-destructive behavior and impaired vision* are possible side effects of overexposure to technology.
• Reduce your child’s screen time!
• Encourage outdoor games!

Positive impact on the family environment

• The atmosphere at home should be  calm, fresh and disposed.
• The nursery must be clear, ventilated regularly and provided with sufficient natural light.
• Minimize posters and wall paintings.
• Paint your child’s room in soothing, muted instead of bright colors.
• If you are playing music in the house, select soothing tunes or classical music.
• Children should be taught to  respect adults  and appreciate the traditions that generate positive energy in the home.
• Build a  strong support network for your child  at home and at school.
• Spendenough time with it.
• Whenever they have  bursts of uncontrolled behavior, do not punish them. Reward the child when he or she displays the right behavior, and he or she will repeat it.
• The main idea is to make him feel loved and valued.
• Many poorly concentrated children are smart and creative personalities.  Your parents’ patience and care will help them deal with their weaknesses confidently.