By JOHNNY CARCIOPPOLO / Community Columnist

You probably already know how hard it is to focus on something. Focus issues are often the result of different things like boredom, lack of interest or even fatigue. Concentration can often be attributed by how motivated and interested we are in the task. Here are some ways to deal with focus issues.

• Supplements can help you when you are having focus issues. Vitamins like the B complex group, Biotin or vitamin H and lecithin all help improve your memory.
• Eating the right foods can help you better focus as well since you will be getting the supplements from the foods to help with brain health.
• Consult with your physician if you find you can’t focus on any one thing for any length of time. Lack of focus can be a symptom of several different conditions, including depression. Get a thorough checkup to rule out any physical causes of your lack of focus issues.
• When working on projects on your computer and online, make sure you only have tabs open that are relevant to what you are doing.
• Make your tasks routine. Set up a routine for tasks that you do every day. For example, check your email and social media at the same time every day.
• Separate your day into a time for creating, time for work and communication, and time for yourself.

You can increase your productivity and accomplish more in less time by using a technique called applied focus. Applied focus can help you avoid the little distractions that can derail your efforts at productivity.

Applied focus is a strategy that helps you multiply your productivity. Each session is 45 minutes long, with a 15-minute shift in focus. Or you can do 90 minutes followed by 30-minute shift in focus. In other words, you stop focusing intentionally on your task and do something completely different in the shift focus period. During the focused session, though, you don’t allow anything to distract you (except a dire emergency). Phone calls are out, email is off, texting and Facebook are off-limits.

Here are some guidelines (be sure to adjust them as necessary to fit your individual situation):

• Open only one browser or application window at a time. So, if you’re writing a blog post, only your word processor or text pad is open.
• Keep your sessions timed. Don’t go past your 45- or 90-minute session, no matter how focused you are. You need the break.
• Get away from your task. Get up from your desk, walk around, get a drink or snack. Give your mind a break.
• Be prepared ahead of time. Do your research during a different applied focus session.
• Have a session set up for email, telephone and social media time.

Applied focus sessions can increase your productivity, but it will take some getting used to. Start slowly by scheduling one or two sessions a day. Once you become used to the routine, you will notice an improvement in your concentration and productivity.