There are a lot of benefits to concentrating on work. When people are able to really concentrate on their work, they can get it done more quickly and accurately. They tend to be more creative and efficient. And getting things done can be a great stress reliever. It feels wonderful to be able to cross things off of your “to do” list.

But it can sometimes be hard to focus on work. This is especially true when there are a lot of distractions competing for your attention. Those distractions could be things like getting constant emails, being pulled in too many directions, or worrying about the things going on in your personal life.

So how can you get better at shutting out distractions and concentrating on work? Here are a few suggestions:

  • Exercise – Try to find some time during the day to exercise. You could devote a chunk of time to it before you start working in the morning, or exercise for short periods of time (5 to 10 minutes) throughout the day. Exercise will help to improve your mood and kick start your brain. It should make it easier for you to focus on the work you need to be doing.
  • Create small, manageable goals – It’s easy to get overwhelmed (and distracted) if you try to tackle too many things at once. So before you start working, create a small list of manageable goals that you’d like to accomplish that day. And then tackle the most important items first. Having a clear, realistic list will help to keep you focused and productive.
  • Try to remove distractions – Before you start working on an important task, consider turning off your email notifications and putting your cell phone in a closed desk drawer. You should also try to avoid other things that tend to capture and hold your attention (like social media). With those distractions gone, you’ll find it much easier to focus on the task at hand and get your work done.
  • Organize your workspace – If your workspace is cluttered, it can make it harder for you to stay focused. So take the time to file things away, and neaten things up. You’ll find it easier to quickly find what you’re looking for and stay on task.
  • Take regular breaks – You need to take breaks during your workday order to feel rejuvenated, energized, and engaged. It’s good and healthy for you to step away from your computer now and then. Taking short breaks throughout the day will help to keep you focused on your work.
  • Try to get enough sleep – If you’re not getting enough sleep, you’ll find it hard to concentrate. Most experts believe that adults need between seven to nine hours of sleep to function at their best.
  • Give yourself a reward – When you get a difficult task done, you should reward yourself in some small way. Knowing that you have a reward waiting for you will give you the incentive to hunker down and focus on the task at hand.

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8 ways to improve focus and concentration at work. (2018, March 9). Retrieved from: https://www.mbopartners.com/blog/how-manage-small-business/how-to-improve-concentration-and-focus-at-work/

Patel, N. (2016, August 12). 7 brain hacks to improve your focus at work. Forbes. Retrieved from:  https://www.forbes.com/sites/neilpatel/2016/08/12/7-brain-hacks-to-improve-your-focus-at-work/?sh=32277ef659a8