Do you ever have one of those days when you just can’t seem to focus? It’s as if even the most basic of tasks takes a monumental amount of time and effort to complete. Finding your focus means being able to complete those tasks without procrastinating and to maintain your attention and effort even in the midst of distractions.
There are a myriad of reasons that we lose focus. You may find it hard to focus because the task at hand isn’t all that interesting to you, because it’s overwhelmingly difficult, or because it feels as if you’ve got 101 things behind it on your to-do list.
Whatever the reason, a lack of focus can affect not only your work output and productivity but also your memory, reasoning abilities, problem solving skills and even decision making capabilities.
Basically, not being able to properly focus negatively affects all aspects of your critical thinking skills. The thing is, losing focus happens to all of us.
In this article we’ll go over 8 of the top healthy habits you can employ to help you improve your focus and increase productivity.
Find Your Focus with These 8 Tips
It is both common and natural to find yourself struggling to stay focused now and again. Clear the clutter and distractions from your days and take the time to do whatever re-energizes you and supports the health of your body, mind and emotions.
No matter the reason behind your lack of concentration, you can use one or a combination of the tips listed below to help you be present, engaged in your work and increase your productivity.
Step Away
I know it sounds counterintuitive to step away from a project in order to get it done, but hear me out! Sometimes finding your focus means allowing yourself to reset, clear your head, and come back to the task at hand with a fresh perspective.
Fully step away both mentally and physically by getting up, going for a walk, doing some stretches, turning on some music, practice some deep breathing - anything that you enjoy and that allows you to give your brain a much-needed break and reset.
Get Organized
A great practice for promoting productivity and focus is to get yourself organized! Whether it’s your desk, your filing cabinet, or even your planner and calendar, set aside some time to get organized.
You’ll not only alleviate unnecessary stress, but you’ll clear your mind and feel calmer and less anxious in your workspace.
Minimize Distractions
At the risk of being too obvious, in order to focus you must reduce the amount of distractions in your workspace. You know the main ones: social media, incoming text messages, e-mail, the kids, the dog, your hunger pangs, etc.
Close out the tabs on your computer that you don’t need right now, put your phone on airplane mode, get the kids set up with something entertaining and get to work. Chances are you know what triggers you to become distracted, so set yourself up for success by taking care of them before they even become an issue.
Include Tools that Help you Focus
Let’s talk about what we can add to increase your ability to focus. What are the things you need on hand to truly focus and get into work-flow? Having a water bottle within reach is always a good one, as is a pen and notepad for quick, easy note-taking.
Get cold easily? Have your sweater on hand! Feeling just the opposite? Have a desk-fan ready to cool off. Others turn to aromatherapy for help focusing. Try an uplifting, energizing essential oil blend for your diffuser to help you stay on task.
Choose the Right Time to get to Work
Most of us already know what time of day is our most productive. Some of us are morning people, others find the most motivation to get work done once the sun goes down.
Whichever of the two camps you belong to, maximize your potential by scheduling out the work that requires the most focus during the times you feel at your most creative and attentive.
Talk to Yourself
And by talk to yourself I mean use some positive reinforcement and constructive self-talk to help bring your mind back into focus. You know the phrase, “what you focus on becomes reality”?
Well, it’s true. If you are spending time focusing on how you can’t focus, all you’re doing is attracting more distractions and more procrastination to the task at hand. Some thoughts to help you find or maintain a more positive outlook: “I can do this.” “I’m capable of overcoming this challenge.” “I enjoy what I do and I’m great at doing it.” “I can’t wait to see how this turns out.”
Self-Care for Increasing Productivity
Chances are you’ve already heard about the many and varied benefits of self-care. But did you know that taking the time for self-care can actually increase your productivity? A good Self-Care practice can not only energize you but also help you make time for the things that really matter .
Taking time for yourself in the midst of a busy day or week, can actually help you to see things more clearly, ramp up your creativity and render you more productive when you get back to it.
Sleep
Finally, you can maximize your productivity (among a myriad of other brain-boosting benefits) by getting enough quality sleep each night. Make it a priority to get to bed at the same time each night and start readying your body for a good night’s sleep by powering down devices at least an hour before bedtime.
You’ll be rewarded with better concentration, communication, focus and, you guessed it- productivity.