Does anyone else find it hard to concentrate on small tasks?

[Hope167]

Hi, I'm new here. Does anyone know any strategies on how to concentrate better and deal with anxiety over small stuff like homework and other small tasks (answering emails, signing up for tests, etc)?

I've been unable to do schoolwork lately because it is hard to control my mind and actually get myself to concentrate on what I am supposed to be doing. My parents think that I am just unorganized, and being lazy but I am not, and I have never been that way. I just cannot seem to control my mind.

[Hidden]

Hello Hope167 & Welcome

It is a long time since I was 16 and a long time since I had exams and homework to do etc but still I can relate that it is the small tasks that can make my anxiety so much worse than the bigger things in life

I think if you have lot's of little things to do they all start whirling round at 100 miles an hour and you don't know which way to turn

Have you tried makings lists , by this I mean where you can write down what is the most important thing you need to do first and so on and as you do them tick them of one by one , that way everything that is needed to be done you can one by one see them been ticked of your list and it may not seem so overpowering which will help with your anxiety

Sometimes when we write things down we think needs to be done we realise either they don't or they are not as important to get done as our minds tell us they are

If you are finding it hard to concentrate maybe give yourself a set time , 30 minutes where you will try and concentrate and then take a break for another 30 minutes and go back to it again

Have you looked on You Tube at relaxation exercises for stress and anxiety , there are so many on there and you will always find one that will suite you and if you can learn how to relax your mind this will help to

You can of course talk to your teachers if you have a good relationship with them and let them know how you are feeling they should try and support you as well as you are old enough to go to the doctors and speak with them they could also have some great advise

Have you tried talking with your parents or does it always end up in a argument as you feel maybe you can't get your point of view across and they are not listening

One way that could help them to listen to you is sitting down and write a letter telling them everything you are feeling and going through at the moment and leaving it for them to read

That way you get to get everything of your chest without been interrupted and they get to see what you want to say and maybe would take it on board and it could result in them supporting you to which I know would help

Be reassured that you will not be the only 16 year old going through these feelings but you will work through them and life will get easier

Take Care x

[LibertyB]

I find small tasks harder than big tasks as the small ones add up and they make your anxiety worse. I learnt a strategy called eat that frog. And basically the idea is that you do the task you least want to do first. I always think what is making me the most anxious and start there. It sounds weird but once you’re on a roll that’s it - you’re onto a winner!

I always thought that I was unorganised but the way I think about it now is I strive on pressure. So with my homework I always left it to last minute until my anxiety was through the roof. Don’t be so hard on yourself as that will only drive your anxiety higher. Do it in small bouts and then have a treat. That way you’ll be more motivated to do it.