Difficulty Concentrating On Work

[BeingEve]

Okay so... I had my first uni assignment the other week. I managed to get it all finished in time, but I couldn't help noticing that I would find it incredibly difficult to focus on it for more than 5/10 minutes at a time. I heard that sometimes finding it difficult to concentrate can be a symptom of ptsd, and I figured that often when I lost concentration I would find myself thinking about my past and the things that are linked to my ptsd.

I don't even have to be having a bad day, I just suddenly find myself staring in to space thinking about other things. Anyway, this got me worried, as now I have four different assignments due in at the same time (eek!!!) and I'm worried that I won't be able to finish them all no matter how hard I try to keep focused. I also know that, under certain circumstances, you are able to apply for an extension to deadlines, but I worry about what sort of person this makes me look like.. I think it feels like I'm just making up excuses, since everyone has trouble concentrating sometimes...

So I guess I just wanted to know if anyone has this same problem with concentrating? and whether it would be okay to apply for extensions to my deadlines if I really did need it?

Thanks guys :p

 

[Anarchy]

I know the behaviour of distraction seeking, all too well.
I've only a couple of minutes on the machine, so apologies in advance for the links rather than a more specific post
https://www.myptsd.com/threads/i-feel-stressed-this-is-all-too-much.47358/#post-756170
and
https://www.myptsd.com/threads/writing-resume-over-quarter-of-a-century-of-repeated-patterns.48201/
You are far from alone

best regards
A

 

[user27357]

I know the problem as well. I have been on my job so long (27 yr) that I can do parts of it without much thought and find myself reliving events often. My best defense is to switch to a part of my job that requires 100% of my attention for awhile, kind of a distraction from the distraction. Luckily I have a job that allows me to manage my own time and my work is very diverse so I have a wide range of available work. On really hard days I will take care of my more physically involved work, climbing ladders or crawling inspection runs, and that helps a great deal. After that I can sit at a CAD station and listen to music while designing the next mechanical monster or go to the mill and make parts.

With 4 assignments on the desk you should be able to hop around a bit too, and if you can I would suggest doing the legwork on a harder day or taking a break for some exercise. There has to be parts that are more challenging mentally than others, maybe save those for the times you are having the most trouble concentrating. That sounds backwards but it works for me.

 

[BeingEve]

I see what you mean. Unfortunately my essays are made up of the same sort of thing right the way through, so there isn't necessarily harder or easier parts to separate. Going from one to the other could help though, and I suppose setting times to do certain parts will too, it's just trying to stick to those themselves will probably be a challenge..
Thanks

 

[Friday]

. I also know that, under certain circumstances, you are able to apply for an extension to deadlines, but I worry about what sort of person this makes me look like.. I think it feels like I'm just making up excuses, since everyone has trouble concentrating sometimes...

I love it when this happens... ( :) for real, no sarcasm) Because it means I've just run full face into my own snarky bigoted prejudices. They crop up all the time in different ways. Like, I've never cared about other people's weight. But when I got fat, I realized that I was super prejudicial about fat people. Because I was exercising 7-10 hours a day when I was fat, and all upset about how that didn't "show" anymore. Oh. Friday thinks fat people don't exercise, apparently. Okay, Friday. Reality check. Time to kick that prejudice to the curb.

What will you look like? Totally depends on who is looking. To some you'll look brave, because they're too afraid to ask. To some you'll look like a sniveling whiner because that's what they think people who ask for extensions are. To some you'll look like a proactive and serious student concerned about presenting your best work. To some you'll look like a point pinching A-freak. To some you'll look like a ditz. Et cetera.

You can't control what other people think of you. And there will never be a time when everyone thinks the same thing. We all see people and their actions differently, depending on our own experience & inclination.

 

[BeingEve]

This really put a smile on my face. You've just shone so much light on my situation! I guess I'll just see how I get on, get as much done as I can and only ask for an extension if I really really really need it. Thank you FridayJones :)

 

[Deleted member 12723]

I am having empathy for you on not being able to focus. When this happens to me, I take a breath and just focus on one thing at a time so I can do better. You will have to find your way that best works for you.

I do not see any harm in asking for an extension. I wish you the very best.

It is a tough thing to go through when I find myself worrying about what others think of me. I try so hard not to take it personal anymore but I still have the bat days as well.

Great thread.

 

[ghotiff]

My understanding with extensions is that you need to apply for them before the due date. It's okay to apply for one and end up not needing it.

In regards to improving concentration. My concentration greatly increases if I find the topic interesting. If you can try and find the interesting part, it might help.

 

[Anrish]

I also know the problem with a lack of concentration. I have to do most of my work on the computer and write reports...and there are times when I can't focus at all.

What helped me a lot was preparing schedules and trying to focus on only one thing at once. When everything is playing "Ping Pong" in your head, it's even harder to concentrate. Maybe preparing such a list might help you, so you can see what you achieved and what's still to do.

I also talk to myself out loud when I can't concentrate. I have a single office at work so I can close it. I discuss stuff with my imaginary friends (I have them with me most of the time) and talking with them and taking their point of view helps me to concentrate and to find solutions.

And I agree with @FridayJones : You're not responsible for what people think of you! Just be yourself. ;):hug: ....I'm often asked why I have that evil look - I always have it when I'm relaxed. ...I know that I'm relaxed in my inside and so I don't care anymore. :whistling:

 

[user27357]

Another thing I do- I listen to some music that is way out of my comfort zone. I have pretty eclectic tastes and am a musician myself so I tend to like most everything but only listen to a pretty short list of favorites. Pick a random station on Pandora, find a song you have never heard, explore the artist on Rdio or Spotify, expand your musical territories a bit.