Focusing is tough in our modern workplace, with its merry-go-round of notifications, meetings, and action items. The monkey mind wants to be set free! Here are some ways you can effectively tether your mind, and increase your attention and focus on the job.
Eliminate Distractions

First, set up your work environment to minimize distractions. Cull tabs and shut down your browser, mute your phone or put it away, and invest in noise-cancelling headphones to tune out ambient noises. Set specific times to check email or social media.

Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Meditation and other mindfulness practices are particularly useful in improving your focus. Five or 10 minutes per day of sitting meditation can substantially reduce stress levels and enhance your working memory. It is useful to get your day off to a head start by starting with a 10-minute period of meditation – you’ll be surprised at how much it accelerates your capacity to stay focused and calm when things inevitably get hectic later.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep well to think well – aim for 7-9 hours of high-quality sleep per night. Establish regular sleep habits and practice good sleep hygiene for optimal brain functioning.

Break Tasks Into Smaller Steps

If your mind gets distracted and thinks about the big picture of a large project, it will overwhelm your focus and scare you. Doing this breaks down the big project into little projects – that feels better, doesn’t scare you, and keeps your focus intact. It then becomes fun because, as you want to do more, the Good Feelings of Experience your brains needs for focus are always available. Once you experience this a few times, it’s difficult to go back to doing tasks the opposite way, which immediately scares you every time.

Use Sativa Gummies

If you want lasting focus during the day, Sativa gummies can be a good addition to your regime. Sativas help perk up your brain, boosting concentration and creativity and generally raising your spirits by getting your flags to fly high. Make sure to consult your physician before taking any supplement.

Exercise Regularly

People likely boost their brainpower by going for a walk during a work break. Movement increases blood flow to the brain and can stimulate and sharpen your thinking in a way that getting up from your desk and walking around cannot. Even mini-breaks of activity in the course of your workday – such as a brief walk outside, a yoga stretch or two – can clear your head and allow you to concentrate again.

Eat a Balanced Diet

The food that you eat plays a significant role in your ability to concentrate: remember to eat small, antioxidant-rich meals, made from good fats, such as omega-3s, and vitamin-dense foods, like fresh fruits and vegetables. These items will provide your brain with the fuel it needs to run. Make sure to include nuts and lean meats as well.

Set Daily Goals

Set reasonable goals and intentions for each day. Outline your days and tasks and choose the most pressing ones first so that your work isn’t compromised by anxiety, too much gadget use or long periods on Facebook.

Create a Dedicated Workspace

You definitely need a dedicated space to work, so keep it clear of clutter, have plenty of light and make it as comfortable as possible. A tidy desk can really aid concentration. 

Use a Timer

The discipline can be enhanced by using (for example) the Pomodoro Technique: work for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break and focus again. It helps to regard your work as made up of intervals, enforced by a timer, with an enforced break woven in. This makes a daunting task more achievable, and keeps the mind fresh.

Stay Hydrated

Being dehydrated can make you less focused and less able to process new information. Drink lots of water throughout the day to keep your brain functional and hydrated! 

Take Regular Breaks

Breaks every once in a while, is as helpful as regular exercise keeping you fresh and ready for more focus. For super-focus, it’s a good idea to take short breaks every once in a while, to prevent exhaustion of the brain and keep your blood circulating. Step out of your chair every hour for a few minutes before you lose your patience and your focus starts to fade.

Practice Deep Breathing

You’re apt to stress and overwhelm when you’re breathing shallowly in the first place. Slowing down to breathe deeply will give you more oxygen flow to your brain as well as calm your nerves. Try pausing at the top of the breath in and at the bottom of the breath out two or three times a day for 10 slow breaths.

Connect with Nature

Spending time outdoors has been shown to dramatically improve concentration as well as overall health. If you can, take a quick walk outdoors at least a couple of times a day. If not, try to bring nature inside – whether that’s by introducing a pot plant to your office or using natural light. 

Listen to Music

According to studies, music stimulates both the left and the right brain simultaneously. Activating both hemispheres together improves learning through a reinforcement of memories and helps patients better attend to what they are learning.

Here’s a list of the top genres and tips to help you stay productive and focus better on your next paper.

Classical: Classical music can elevate mood and productivity, making it ideal for studying.

Spa Music: Relaxing ambient sounds from spa soundtracks help you unwind.

Nature Sounds: Musicless mixes made up of rain, birdsong, thunder, etc.

Electronic Music: Ambient EDM with minimal lyrics keeps you energized.

Lofi Hip Hop: Low BPM and natural sounds make it perfect for focus.

Jazz: Mellow jazz can boost creativity and reduce stress.

Ambiance Playlists: Find themed playlists for various study vibes.

Film or Game Soundtracks: Use your favorite soundtracks to set the mood.

Train Your Brain

Other studies suggest cognitive training, such as a puzzle, reading, or dabbling with a musical instrument; keep as much of your brain active as possible. The act of performing mental gymnastics can substantially help in focusing and concentrating.

All this can be used in combination with improving your focus at work. Finding strategies that suit your situation will help create an environment to work in and a routine that supports focus and productivity, and hence work satisfaction and success.

Need Office Space? We can Help for FREE!