BRAIN BOOST WORKSHOPS Attention and Concentration- Part 2 - PowerPoint Presentation

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BRAIN BOOST WORKSHOPS Attention and Concentration- Part 2

Amanda Thompson, MS, CCC-SLP

Today’s Discussion Topics

Introduce and practice strategies to improve attentional abilities.

Self-evaluation to identify areas for future improvement.

What can I do about these difficulties?

Attention Strategies

Part 2

Active focus: what to do during a task

Rephrase information

: put it in your own words

Visualize information

: try to visualize what was presented to you

Summarize or paraphrase

informationMake the information relevant to youMake associations

Make

predictions

Discussion

: Which of these strategies do you already use, and when?

Active focus: what to do during a taskSelf-talk

during tasksRepeat the steps of an activity to yourself as you complete themRepeat information back to yourself in your headTalk to yourself about the progress

Can be used for simple or complex activities“I am taking my morning medications”; “get off the 10W on Wilshire Blvd.”Multi-step activities (e.g., changing your motor oil)Why?Helps you improve concentration during a task

Helps you remember completing the task

Discussion

: When can you use self talk?

Activity-self talkTap your fist on the table, then the side of your hand, then your palmKeep going for 30 seconds

Now, try talking to yourself while you do it. Say it loud, “Fist, Side, Palm”Does self-talk make it easier for you to stay on track?

Use Alarms

…To keep yourself on track

Timer strategy

Work 20 minutes

Break! (set alarm)

Work 20 minutes

Break! (set alarm)

…To evaluate progress

Set alarms or reminders in calendar as “check in points”

Evaluate task pace

Functional complaints and how to fix them

Problem

StrategyForgetting what you are supposed to be doing

Use

your calendar to prioritize and schedule the task. Refer to your calendar to make sure you are on task.

Before you begin an important task, post a sign near you that reminds you what task you are on. Example: “bills”Utilize active focus strategies during the task

Difficulty multi-tasking

If

you are struggling to complete each task or not doing the task well, do one thing at a time.

Write down each task on a to-do list so you can more easily bounce from task to task

Losing

focus/ fatiguing Take regular short breaks

Consider doing jumping jacks, stretching, or walking around the room briefly

Consider setting an alarm to cue you to get back to work after taking a break

Break tasks down into smaller steps

What about when I am interrupted?If you know that you will be interrupted during a task, select a familiar task (e.g., folding laundry) rather than a task that demands your undivided attention (e.g., paying bills)

Use notes to capture your thoughts about what you are doing when you stopped working, perhaps including what you were doing and what needs to happen nextHave a detailed to-do list so you can keep track of what you have and haven’t completedIf you know you have to be interrupted mid-task (e.g., to go to an appointment), set an alarm so you can fully attend until “go time”

Conversational Vigilance: LEAPConversational vigilance is paying attention during a conversation

Four principles:1.) Listen actively

2.) Eliminate distractions3.) Ask questions4.) P

araphrase

CogSMART

Manual September 2010

Conversational Vigilance: Listen Actively

Use nonverbal behaviors to convey that you’re listening

Square: Turn toward the speaker and

face them squarely

Open: Open your posture, avoid

“closed” body language

Lean: Lean toward the speaker

Eye-contact: maintain adequate eye

contact

Relaxed: Adopt a physically relaxed

posture

Conversational Vigilance: Eliminate distractions

Turn off the TV, your phone, radio, etc.

Eliminate visual distractions (computer, TV)Take your conversation to a quiet place

Conversational Vigilance: Ask Questions and ParaphraseAsk Questions

Ask questions for clarificationAsk the speaker to slow down or explain something in a different way ParaphraseRepeat information back in your own words

“Let me make sure I understand you…”“So what you are saying is”Helps ensure that you’ve heard correctly and understand

Activity: Conversational VigilanceConversational vigilance with a partner

Examples of discussion topics:Favorite recreational activityLeast favorite foods and whyA challenge I recently overcameThe most important thing I have learned this near

Activity: My New GoalsLog 1-3 lifestyle changes you will implement to improve your attention

Example: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per nightLog three attention strategies you will practice and in what contextExample: I will utilize self-talk when taking my morning medications

Independent PracticeChoose 1-2 strategies that you will implement this week. What are they?

When will you utilize them?Was it successful? Why or why not?

Discussion: Any ideas?

SummaryAttention involves actively applying the mind to something, while also excluding non-relevant information

PREPARE for a task by organizing yourself and eliminating internal/external distractionsUtilize active focus strategies, including self-talk, during tasks and conversation to improve concentrationPractice LEAP strategies to improve concentration during conversations

Any Questions/Comments??

Next session

: Memory and New LearningThursdays from 2:00PM-3:00PMDomiciliary room 22

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