Modern life is full of distractions. Our lives are constantly being interrupted by notifications, computer screens and social networks, and it is easy to whittle away the hours procrastinating.
Staying focused at work isn’t easy; all of us get distracted or feel uninspired at some point during the working day. I found some good apps to improve your focus> http://pa-prive.com/the-best-apps-to-help-you-boost-concentration/
There are lots of ways to stay productive at work and here are my top tips to help you stay focused while at your desk, ensuring you get all your work done on time.
Click through to also find out how to improve concentration.
Eat a good breakfast.
Start each day with a healthy breakfast, and by healthy I mean porridge, oats, wholemeal toast, eggs, fruit and yogurt. Try to opt for some low-GI choices to ensure you provide your body with slow-release energy to keep you going until lunchtime. Studies found that eating breakfast can improve attention and concentration too. If you skip this meal it will just leave you tired and without energy for the whole day. It is one of the most important meals during the day.
Have water and healthful snacks close by.
The downside of being productive for me is that I forget to eat. To avoid this, I keep a bottle of water and select a few snacks and fruits at the start of the workday.
Lack of direction, not lack of time, is the problem. We all have twenty-four hour days.– Zig Ziglar
Get a routine.
Having a really clear routine allows me to be more efficient.
Start Early
A lot of people swear by this and I am beginning to hone my skills or rather habit on this too. I recommend this, when you start your day early you get to clear out a lot of things before everyone starts to come in and disturbances starts. It’s a good time to clear e-mails, make coffee and read the online newspaper.
Prioritise Tasks
You can improve your focus by tackling the big jobs first and leaving the small stuff till later. Make a list of what tasks are the most important. Your “A List” might include anything with a deadline of today or tomorrow. The “B List” would consist of projects needing to be completed next week, while the “C List” catches loose ends like checking your email.
Work in 60-90-minute blocks.
As we work, our alertness drops off, increasing the lure of distractions. Set a timer and take a break at the end of each cycle. Listen to music for a few minutes, take a short walk, or go for lunch or…
Apply time boxing.
Instead of working at something till it is done, try working on it for a limited period, say 30 mins.
Keep meeting agendas short.
and ask your attendees to remain standing. This immediately communicates your desire for a fast, focused discussion.
Find The Right Music.
As for me there is no way that I can push through an entire work day of coding or designing without the appropriate music to keep me motivated.
To dream by night is to escape your life. To dream by day is to make it happen.– Stephen Richards
Work Offline.
60% of disruptions at work come from email, social networks and mobile phones. For tasks that don’t involve the Internet, try using old-fashioned paper and pen — perfect for brainstorming! Put your phone on silent and only check email occasionally (try once every hour). Limit time on social media too, you will always find time for this after office hours.
Leave Work at Work.
While this may not be possible for everyone, keeping your work life separate from your life at home is one way to stay more focused during the workday.
Reward yourself.
Make sure you plan into your day something that’s enjoyable, something you look forward to doing.
What are your tips for staying focused during the day?
