Is your desk filled with half-completed tasks? Do you find yourself bouncing from one thing to the next, finishing very little during your day? It’s hard to stay focused in a world that asks so much of people and has a plethora of distractions. However, some steps could help you complete your to-do list with fewer interruptions. If you’re struggling to stay on target, consider implementing the following six measures.
1. Create a Daily List or Agenda
Lists aren’t new, but they are often tossed to the side. People think they don’t need something to guide them throughout the day. However, this decision to forgo the list could lead to numerous issues, including low productivity.
Grab a piece of paper, hop on your email or pick up a sticky note. Do it each morning or the night before. At the top, write down the top one or two musts that you have to accomplish by the end of the next day. Then, add on other things, noting them as a lower priority.
2. Fuel the Body
What you eat impacts how you feel. If you’re dining on processed foods and sugar, you’re likely to feel more crashes, creating headaches and brain fog. Clean, healthy meals provide nourishment. Don’t forget the healthy fats. The brain uses them to work well. Eat a diet rich in omegas, such as fish, eggs and chia seeds. If that doesn’t suit your dining habits, consider supporting your system with a fish oil supplement.
3. Learn To Alleviate Tension and Stress
Too much tension in the neck is uncomfortable, and this pain could make it harder to concentrate on your work and tasks. Spend time stretching and working with medical professionals to keep your muscles relaxed. Try yoga throughout the week, see a chiropractor and practice sitting with good posture.
4. Get Enough Rest
When the body doesn’t get enough sleep, the mind struggles to function well, often feeling foggier. It’s hard to stay focused when the brain isn’t at a suitable capacity. A good night’s rest the evening before, resets the system, so you’re likely to have a clear head the following day.
If you struggle to sleep, then change some habits. Initiate a routine, picking a set time to head to bed. Stick to it nightly, getting your body used to shutting down. In addition, establish the right environment. Lower the temperature and turn off the lights. Place electronics away at least an hour before slumber and do something quietly to detox from the day.
5. Reduce Distractions
Many people like to juggle things, thinking that multitasking saves the day. This habit could turn into a negative when you’re overstimulating the brain. With so much going on, it’s hard to concentrate on just one thing. Learn to reduce the noise and visual stimuli around you, enjoying the satisfaction of completing something.
Also, if you find yourself cruising the internet during working hours, consider adding software to your computer that blocks those sites temporarily. Shut it down when you need to concentrate. Turn it on when you have free time.
6. Play Board Games
When you open up a game during your downtime or play one on the phone, you’re encouraging your brain to use critical thinking habits and learn to hone in on one thing. Enjoy logic puzzles or dabble at a word game.
Losing focus is frustrating. So, fight back by adopting habits that strengthen this skill. Devote time each day to organize yourself and keep on track. Minimize distractions, turn off other electronics and stay away from the internet during work hours. In addition, feed your body well, focusing on getting nutrients and healthy fats. Finally, ensure you’re feeling well and that the aches and tension don’t disturb your concentration.
