Do you have trouble concentrating at work? Are you easily distracted? Learn about ways to focus and improve your concentration.
Concentration problems happen to most of us. We can be easily distracted by notifications on the phone, a colleague from the desk next to us, noise, or even our own thoughts. How can you remedy this and effectively focus your attention when you need to?
Before you start work, determine which tasks are most important to complete, which are best to start with, and what you can leave for later. Being aware of the number of tasks ahead of you and which ones require special attention will help you motivate yourself to focus on the most important ones.
Multitasking is the buzzword of the 21st century, but the truth is that few people are actually able to effectively focus on several tasks at once, especially if they require full attention and intellectual engagement. Preparing dinner, talking on the phone and watching TV series at the same time does not equal working on several demanding tasks in computer programs. So, especially for tasks that require your full attention, focus on just one.
Getting too tired is not good for concentration and efficiency at work. Our brain is not able to work efficiently for long hours on an intellectually demanding task. If you deny yourself rest by force, you lose efficiency. Therefore, to ensure good concentration and productivity, invest in short, regular breaks. Remember, however, that if you work at a computer, taking a break means moving away from it. Constantly staring at the screen is not a rest for your brain.
Sure, you may not be able to control a colleague at work who happens to come to you with a question and thus effectively distract you. However, factors such as your phone displaying social media notifications every now and then distract you just as easily and much more often. Therefore, when working on an important task, turn off sounds, vibrations and put your phone somewhere where it will not attract your attention.
Likewise with websites that you may visit at work for short breaks – turn them off while you’re doing important tasks.
For our brain to function efficiently, it needs rest. We are talking about full recovery, which each of us needs after an exhausting day to start the next one with full strength and energy. That is why it is so important to get a good night’s sleep. Sleepless nights, oversleeping and sleeping over the weekend is a ready recipe for problems with concentration. The vast majority of us need at least 7 hours of sleep per night to function efficiently.
Being in a poor physical condition, it is more difficult to focus on intellectual tasks. Therefore, proper nutrition is as important as sleep. Regular meals, not overeating, and eating nutritious foods that actually nourish your body all contribute to your overall physical, as well as mental, condition.
For example, consuming too much sugar can first make it difficult for us to concentrate and then cause a sudden drop in energy. So at work, take special care to eat healthy, wholesome meals.
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