With all our distractions from myriad devices, it’s a wonder we get any work done at all, even with the best of intentions. You log on, fully intending to focus on the report that’s due tomorrow, but just before you open the document an irresistible headline snags your attention (there’s a reason they call it “clickbait.”) Suddenly, fifteen minutes have evaporated and your mind is fuzzy.
Entrepreneur Steve Streit understands this challenge. When Streit’s feeling overwhelmed, he carves out a block of time to plow through his Inbox. He says, “Nothing cheers me up more than getting stuff done.” By the same token, if he needs to focus on a specific project but feels distracted, rather than force focus, he simply steps away from the project for a bit, and returns to it when he feels refreshed.
Here are six proven tips to help regain your focus at work:
- Set clear boundaries
People discuss the importance of creating boundaries with family members. It’s equally critical at work. How can you get anything done if your colleagues are constantly texting you, or stopping by the office for a “quick chat”? Make it clear when you are and are not available. It could be as simple as putting a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your office door. You can even make it humorous: “Do Not Disturb Except in Case of Fire.” Put your devices on airplane mode and turn off social media and email alerts. There, now. Get to work.
- Acclimate at your own pace
Perhaps this level of focus is intimidating. If you have difficulty focusing, treat it like learning to meditate: best taken in small doses. If spending an uninterrupted hour on your task seems daunting, set a goal (or a timer) for ten minutes. Take a break, have a glass of water, and congratulate yourself on your focus. Then slowly increase the time you spend on one task. Who knows, you may even decide meditation is enjoyable after this primer.
- Be of one mind
Yes, it’s the age of multitasking, but multitasking is the enemy of focus for most people. Choose just a single task to focus on—unless, the task itself is reducing overwhelm, in which case you’ll want to plow through as many emails and other items as quickly as possible. If it’s a project that requires your full attention, give it your whole brain.
- Stand and s-t-r-e-t-c-h
Taking regular breaks is highly beneficial for productivity, and will improve your focus, say experts. Stand up and move your body, gaze out the window, have another drink of water (staying hydrated is also crucial for mental acuity). In fact, research shows that regularly scheduled breaks can actually make you more creative!
- Get Sufficient Zs
One of the most basic causes of an inability to focus is fatigue. Many people are chronically sleep deprived, which affects memory, concentration, and mood. It also causes us to guzzle too much coffee, which will make an already overtired person jittery. Tip: keep all devices out of the bedroom (yes, this includes the big screen TV), and turn them off at least an hour before bedtime, as the blue light from smartphones, tablets, laptops and televisions interferes with melatonin production, which is essential for quality sleep.
- Spend time in Nature
Whether you walk the dog or simply sit under a tree, aim to spend some time in nature, minus your devices, every day. Those 15 minutes spent diving down a clickbait rabbit hole, spent communing with nature instead, will sharpen your focus for the entire day.
