Staying in focus on the task at hand can be incredibly challenging in a world riddled with a plethora of distractions. If you are someone who finds it difficult to focus at work, you’re not alone. The ability to concentrate on a single task is critical for achieving goals, learning new things and performing well across a wide variety of situations. If you’re on the hunt for ways to improve concentration, clarity and focus, you’ve come to the right place.
Today, we look at 5 distraction-fighting techniques to fire up your capacity to concentrate, so keep on reading to find out more.
1. Consider A Standing Desk.
A standing desk, also known as a stand-up desk, is basically a work desk that allows you to stand up comfortably while you’re attending to your various tasks and responsibilities. New research has shown that utilising a standing desk can help reduce mental fatigue, stimulate the thought process and make one more focused and productive overall. Another great benefit that a standing desk has to offer is better overall posture, and in turn, lower chances of developing back or neck pains. If you’re in search of an affordable, stylish and height adjustable stand-up desk, be sure to check out Stand Desk.
2. Enhance Your Physical Wellbeing.
You probably already know this, but your diet and lifestyle play a major role in your ability to concentrate and perform well. Looking after your well-being, staying active, and eating a wide variety of healthy, concentration-boosting foods can all help toward improving your focus throughout the day. Some examples of concentration-boosting foods include avocados, walnuts, leafy green vegetables and fatty fish. These foods are high in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which are vital for the brain’s cognitive functions. Similarly, regular exercise is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve concentration, motivation, memory, and mood. Look after your body and it, in turn, will look after you!
3. Eliminate Distractions.
Eliminating your space of distractions is something easier said than done. While it may seem glaringly obvious, people often underestimate just how many distractions prevent them from concentrating on the task at hand. Unfortunately, smartphones, notifications, television and music can all play a part in reducing focus levels. If you’re working remotely, distractions in the form of partners, children or a chatty roommate can prove to be challenging.
The most obvious way to combat distractions is to ensure that you turn your notifications off and keep noise, music and television to a minimum. If your distractions come in the form of other people, we encourage seeking a calm location where you know you will be able to work undisturbed. Again, we know that all this is easier said than done, so don’t be too hard on yourself if you aren’t able to completely eliminate distractions. Slow and steady wins the race!
4. Get Your Beauty Sleep.
It is no surprise that not getting enough sleep results in lower alertness, slower thought processes, and reduced concentration. With busy lives and minimal downtime, it can be difficult for many of us to clock in our recommended 8 hours of sleep per night. Our brain is home to billions of neural cells that enable us to make smart decisions, process information, and focus on the task at hand. Unfortunately, sleep deprivation slows that work down, compromising our overall mental performance.
Aside from lowered concentration, lack of sleep can affect your overall health and make you prone to serious medical conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. The solution? Turn that phone or computer off, take a relaxing bath and ensure that you tuck yourself into bed at a decent time. Strive to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night and ensure that you maintain a consistent sleep schedule throughout the week.
5. Take A Short Break.
As counterintuitive as it may seem, taking short breaks throughout the day can be an incredibly helpful way of helping your brain “reboot”. Researchers have found that our brains tend to ignore sources of constant stimulation. As such, periodically taking small breaks by refocusing your attention elsewhere can help to dramatically improve mental concentration and focus. The next time you’re feeling antsy, stuck or unproductive, consider heading outside the office for some fresh air or taking a 10 minute coffee break. We guarantee you’ll come back with a more focused mind to keep your performance high.
Learning how to concentrate is an essential tool for succeeding in your career and life. By building your mental focus, you will find that you are better able to accomplish more and concentrate on the things that bring you success, joy, and satisfaction. We hope that this article has given you some useful insight into how you can go about improving your overall focus and concentration. All the best!
