7 Tips for Boosting Your Concentration in the Workplace
Originally published here
Let’s get more productive
Concentration is the ability to focus on a task, activity, or idea. Concentrating can be challenging as your attention span is often limited, and you may find yourself easily distracted by external stimuli. Many of us have been conditioned from childhood not to pay attention in school or work situations because we were told that being bored was necessary for learning. Concentration has become a lost art form!
In this article, we will explore how you can increase your concentration skills at home and in the workplace so that you’re able to maintain a high level of focus throughout your day-to-day life.
1. Concentration is like a muscle that you can build
It’s like any other muscle; you need to exercise it to build it. Concentration is not something that can be gained by sitting in your office with the blinds closed all day long. Concentrating takes practice, and if you’re not intent on practicing it, you will not see any results anytime soon.
Using mental exercises like focusing on one task at a time or breaking down complex tasks into manageable chunks will help develop concentration.
Try concentrating on what’s more important. It might sound too obvious, but when faced with multiple projects, our mind tends to get overwhelmed, and we start working on everything at once because it gives us some sense of accomplishment when finished. Whereas prioritizing eliminates the feeling of being overwhelmed while also helping to get finished quicker because you have fewer things to do. Concentration needs to be trained for you to get better results.
When I have several tasks to complete and a looming deadline, I tackle smaller tasks first.
2. Get organized
Look around your desk. Is it organized without papers and random items? If the answer is no, you could be hindering your ability to concentrate and get your work done. A cluttered desk might keep you from finding important documents when time is of the essence. One of my pet peeves…. I hate wires. These cords and cables make my desk look like a hot mess. Yet I still have all the electronics that need to be plugged in, so what can I do? It costs more, but you should consider getting keyboards, mice, printers, speakers, phone chargers, and other devices that have wireless components.
3. Take breaks
The human body was not meant to sit in one position at a desk working away. As you get deeper into your workday, it’s important to take breaks and walk around or stretch. You will feel refreshed when you return to work and more focused on what you need to accomplish during your day. I know it costs a bit and can get annoying, but I got a Samsung Galaxy Watch to remind me when to take a break. I find that break time is when I get most of my ideas for new blog posts.
4. Eliminate distractions
Do you get bombarded with desktop notifications? How about your phone? These distractions can be detrimental to your workflow. Many people find it helpful to keep their phone silent or even turn it off instead of ignoring the notifications with the constant red light flashing. Or they can use tools like Focus Booster, which blocks distracting websites for a set amount of time that you specify.
Any distraction, whether an email notification or a coworker who just has to share something with you, can take away from your focus and progress on your work. Don’t forget that you can set boundaries and train those around you not to distract you. Focus on eliminating every source of distraction so you can get work done.
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5. Stay positive
This is something that most of us miss. Being optimistic about the work at hand will make things seem better, but it’ll also boost your mental focus. When you’re feeling positive, your mind is open and clear. Focus on the goal you have insight into, not the obstacles that may come along. On the other hand, if you’re feeling pessimistic, that will only make things worse. Focus on the positive. Remember to breathe deeply, as that can help with those feelings of negativity.
6. Use technology to your advantage
A few key tools can help you eliminate distractions and stay on task when it comes to concentration. One tool that can be extremely helpful is a website blocker. This type of tool allows you to block certain websites or even the entire internet for a set time, so you can’t be tempted to surf the web when you should be working.
Another helpful tool is an app that tracks your time and productivity. This type of app can help you see where you’re spending the most time and identify which tasks are taking longer than they should. Many of these applications also include features that allow you to establish goals and timers, ensuring that you stay on track and productive throughout the day.
7. Try supplements
First, I am not a medical doctor, so please consult with your doctor first. Second, I am not advocating that you try your friend’s ADHD prescription pills.
I have tried Alpha Brain and Qualia. I cannot speak for how well they work for others, but I can share my experience.
I found that both supplements helped me focus better. I was able to get more work done in a shorter period.
I also felt calmer and less anxious when taking these supplements.
If you are looking for an edge to help you boost your concentration, then I recommend trying out some natural supplements.
Many different techniques can help boost your concentration in the workplace. From using tools to trying supplements, there is something for everyone. If you are struggling to focus at work, I recommend trying out some of these tips. You may find that one or two things work really well for you and help you get more done in a shorter period.
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