We’ve all been there. Your computer screen is turning into a giant blur. The sounds around you are fading. Your thoughts are drifting into the Adriatic.
Staying focused is hard. It’s truly a struggle and takes different strategies for every individual. Fortunately, procrastination is a weak enemy, easily defeated with a few handy tricks. These five tips on how to stay focused at work will get you back on track.
Organize Your Tasks By Time
You’ve probably heard this a million times, but that’s because it’s one of the most important strategies. Plan your day out first thing. Determine the time expectation for completing each task and follow your plan accordingly.
Break Up Your Day
Literally break up your day with 3-5 minute breaks. If you get through your small and easy tasks, take a break then come back to make headway in a larger task. Half-way through your large task, take another break. By giving yourself a moment to walk around and rest your brain, the monotony will feel less and less.
Create A Distraction-Free Environment: Clean Up!
By simply cleaning up your workspace, your organization will skyrocket. You’ll have easy access to materials and your desk will be visually pleasing to you and fellow coworkers. For bonus points, clean up a shared office area such as the kitchen or lobby. Note only will you get a free break, but your office will be appreciative. This subtly increases the pleasure of coming into work – some coworkers may even return the favor and bring you in a coffee!
Fight Stress With Creativity
Everyone stresses at work, even those who absolutely love their jobs fall prey to stress. It’s simply natural of working hard and diligently. There are many ways to ease stress with relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or even focusing on a visually pleasing image. My favorite technique is to beat stress with creativity. We can only do this by thinking outside of the box. Try to visualize your stressful task as an exciting challenge that can only be completed with heroic and valiant efforts. One of my co-workers pretends they are a super-hero, so whatever suits you!
Turn Your Phone Off
Or at least meet me halfway and put it on silent. Everyone has a smartphone, which is essentially a mini personal computer. Smartphones are one of top distractions in offices, schools, and cars! If you’re one of those people who texts and drives, it’s likely you text and work. Don’t have your boss call up Wymoo International and higher a PI to track you down. Put your phone away. Even better, when you first come into work, try forgetting you even own a phone. At the end of the day, you’ll realize just how productive you can be.
Good luck at work and stay focused! If you have any questions or extra tips, post a comment below!
Cheers!
Jesse Aaron is a professional blogger with a passion for homebrewing. He writes on a variety of topics on his blog, Mashbout. Follow Jesse on Google Plus.
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