Improving concentration can help you succeed at work and school and become a happier and organized person.
If you want to become more focused, you need to learn how to avoid distractions and clearly develop a concrete strategy of action. To make it easier for you, you can follow the tips below.
Write a to-do list
If you want to become more focused, make a to-do list every day so you can check off what you've accomplished so far. Such a list will help you specify how to achieve your goals. Write down at least three tasks you need to complete today; three tasks to complete tomorrow and three tasks to complete next week. Start by doing the things that need to be done today. The satisfaction of a job well done will help you get started on other tasks. Every time you complete a task on your list, give yourself a little break.
Set your priorities
Remember that the most difficult and creative and most time-consuming tasks should be done in the morning, when you are overflowing with energy and inspiration. Leave the easy tasks (scheduling meetings, filling out paperwork, cleaning the office) for lunch, when you feel most tired. Don't put off the hardest task for the evening. Time tasks, by setting adequate goals. You can't spend 20 minutes on something that will take an hour, otherwise you'll be frustrated by not completing the assigned tasks. If you completed the task earlier, take a short break.
Organize your workspace
Workspace organization is the key to concentration. Focusing is much easier if you know where your things are in your office. The organization of the workspace will save a lot of time and motivate you to complete the tasks. Remove everything that is not related to work from your workspace. An exception may be the photos on the desk. Everything else should be work related.
Put your cell phone away if you have to work hard
You can check it every hour, but you can't keep your phone on the desk or you'll have an overwhelming urge to look at it all the time.
Incorporate breaks into your work schedule
Breaks matter a lot, as does getting work done. If your schedule alternates periods of maximum activity with short breaks, you will be more focused than if you spent the whole day working without breaks. Take 10-20 minute breaks every hour. This time can be used to make a phone call, reply to a message from a friend, or have a cup of tea. Look at vacations as a reward for work. One of the breaks can be used for exercise, a 15-minute walk or running up five flights of stairs. This will help you feel refreshed and energized.
Work on staying focused
Each of us may start with a certain level of concentration, but most of us are certain that it should improve over time. To improve your attention span, give yourself a specific amount of time, such as half an hour, to complete a specific task. When that time is up, see how much longer you can work without being distracted from the task at hand. It doesn't matter if it's 5 minutes or another half hour. If you repeat this experiment, you will see that you can concentrate on one task for much longer than you thought. Continue training your attention in this way until you feel the need to stop. Try to focus more the next day.
Meditate
Meditation helps you not only to relax, but also to improve your ability to concentrate step by step, but on the condition that you meditate for 10-20 minutes every day. When you meditate, you focus on clearing your mind and on your physical state and breathing. These skills can be easily applied when you need to put bad thoughts out of your head and concentrate on work. You can meditate both in the morning and before going to bed.
Read books
Reading is a great way to focus. Try to read for half an hour without a break. Train your attention span by reading for an hour or two, taking only short breaks. If you are able to concentrate on whatever book is in front of you, be it a romance novel or a biography, you will also be able to concentrate on your work. Reading in the morning is a great way to wake up your brain from sleep. Reading before bed is a great way to fall asleep. Make it a goal to read for half an hour a day.
Fewer tasks
Many people find that multitasking is a great way to achieve a goal faster and complete two or three tasks at a time. Remember that this harms the ability to concentrate. When you multitask, you think you've accomplished more, but in reality you haven't given your full attention and desire to any of them and you've ruined your focus. Work on doing just one task at a time and you'll see your pace quicken.
Analyze
Have you ever had a day like this where you've been "working" and then wonder why the results aren't great? If this has happened to you, you need to analyze your mistakes before starting another unconvincing day. Before starting work, you should write down everything that worked and did not work during the work or school day to make sure that everything will work out in the future.
Prepare well for work
It doesn't matter if you're going to the library or the office for an 8-hour day, you need to prepare well for the work ahead, so that the day starts off with a positive attitude. You need to find motivation to complete all the tasks.
Try to anticipate your needs
If you want to be as productive and focused as possible, you need to anticipate your needs before taking action:
- Get a good night's sleep. Get up and go to bed at the same time, so that you wake up feeling refreshed and rested, not overworked and tired;
- Eat healthy food for breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so you need to eat enough to get the energy you need to get the job done;
- Take time to recharge. 15-20 minutes of walking, light cardio, squats or abdominal exercises will improve heart muscle tone without tiring you out;
- Control your caffeine intake. Coffee in the morning helps shake things up, but try not to drink more than one cup a day or you'll feel overwhelmed by lunchtime;
- Stock up on healthy snacks like nuts, apples, bananas and carrots. This will help you stimulate your body and you will not run to the nearest store;
- Drink more water. Carry a bottle of water with you wherever you go to stay hydrated;
- Wear several layers of clothing. If the room you work in is too hot or cold, you should be ready to remove a few things or vice versa, put on a scarf or sweater. You can't compromise your concentration if you're sweating or shivering cold and can't help it.
Have a look at:
- How to be emotionally healthy.
