It’s really not easy staying focused today and it’s mostly because of our smartphones, emails & social media. In fact, research shows that our attention spans are getting shorter, making concentration even harder. Just how do we keep our minds on one thing?! The good news is that there are simple strategies to help you regain control. Here are eleven tips that’ll keep you on track.
Featured Image Credit: VitalikRadko /Depositphotos.com.
Keep a Distraction Journal
Writing down exactly when & why you get distracted helps you understand what’s pulling your attention away. For example, maybe you always lose focus right after lunch or perhaps certain tasks make your mind wander—either way, recording them helps. You’ll spot patterns & understand your triggers, which allows you to take steps to avoid them.
Listen to Background Music
Listening to music while you work may help your concentration & instrumental tracks or ambient sounds are great for drowning out background noise. Best of all, they create a calm environment! Just watch out for songs with lyrics—they might grab your attention & distract you from your work. Instead, some people find that soft piano music or lo-fi beats work well since there’s enough sound to keep your mind on your work yet also not so much that you lose your concentration.
Limit Background Noise
Similarly, too much noise around you really messes with your focus so if you’re in a loud area, try using noise-canceling headphones. You could even use simple earplugs to block out distractions and make your workspace as quiet as possible. In doing so, you’ll zero in on your work without being interrupted by conversations or traffic sounds. It may also be useful to tell other people that you’re trying to concentrate because then they’ll try to keep the noise levels to a minimum & allow you to focus on the work at hand.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us on MSN.
Establish a Routine
Setting up a regular daily routine helps you stay focused because when you have set times for work, meals, exercise & relaxation, your mind knows what’s coming. It’ll prepare itself accordingly! For example, if you start work at 9AM every day, your brain gets used to being alert at that time. Such consistency makes concentrating easier without you even thinking about it.
Use Physical Objects to Aid Focus
Holding onto something small might also help you concentrate, whether that’s stress balls or fidget spinners. Even just twirling a pen gives your hands something to do—and keeps your mind from wandering. In fact, it’s especially useful during long meetings or study sessions. Of course, make sure your fidgeting doesn’t distract people around you by choosing something quiet & unobtrusive.
Work in Natural Light or Adjust Lighting
Lighting also affects your concentration and natural light is best for it. If you’re able to, set up your desk near a window because sunlight improves your mood & energy levels, helping you focus better. If that’s not possible, try using lamps with full-spectrum bulbs that imitate daylight. A well-lit workspace reduces eye fatigue so you stay more alert throughout the day.
Surround Yourself with Plants
You should also bring plants into your workspace as succulents & peace lilies make your desk more inviting. Better yet, they improve air quality and add a little nature to your work area, which is great for your mood. Taking a minute to water or tend to your plant will also give you a quick mental break. It’s hard to stress out when you have so much greenery around!
Chew Gum
While it might sound odd, chewing gum can help you concentrate because it increases blood flow to the brain, which improves your alertness & attention. So whenever you’re struggling to focus, try popping a piece of sugar-free gum! Of course, you’ll need to chew quietly—especially if you’re around other people.
Use Positive Affirmations
Kicking off your day with positive affirmations helps with your focus. Try telling yourself things like “I can concentrate well today” or “I’m ready to tackle my tasks” because it improves your confidence & sets a positive tone. Repeating these statements reinforces a can-do mindset that’ll keep you engaged, no matter how strange it might feel at first. Give it a try!
Reward Yourself After Tasks
Giving yourself a little reward after finishing a task also helps with your motivation. You should plan to enjoy a favorite snack or take a short walk once you’ve completed something on your to-do list because knowing there’s a treat waiting makes it easier to stay focused. You’ll push through your work in no time! Just be careful that the reward doesn’t turn into a distraction—set a time limit if needed.
Switch Tasks to Boost Energy
When your focus starts slipping, switching to a different task might re-energize you since changing gears gives your mind a break from the same old thing. As such, it may rekindle your interest. Being flexible helps prevent burnout & keeps your mind engaged so make the most of the times when you’re feeling productive.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us on MSN.
