How to Keep Your Focus While at Work

Amy Taylor July 14, 2015

When working, there are just two things that we need the most: productivity and focus. While they are related, they are not the same. Focus is one of the many factors of productivity. When you are able to thoroughly focus on the task at hand, you end up being more productive and accomplishing your to-do list in no time.

Focus does not only ensure that you are productive, but it also guarantees a good outcome. When you are focusing, the areas of your brain responsible for high-level of thinking, creativity and problem-solving are activated, so you are loaded with great ideas and approaches on the task you are doing.

But it can be tough to find focus when you are dealing with so many distractions around you. So here are some suggestions for you to try.

Learn how to prioritise. It can be hard to focus when you don’t even know which task to accomplish first. It is best to prioritise tasks based on what is most important and urgent. There are things that are indeed important, but don’t require urgency. Meanwhile, there are urgent matters that are not important, so prioritising them can just make you feel overwhelmed, stressed and unproductive. Before you start another work week, plan out your goals and be specific about them. Create a checklist of what needs to be done, and then rank them according to the level of priority.

Minimise distractions. It is too hard to focus at work when your mobile phones beeps each time, or a chat notification keeps flashing on your screen. To create a ‘flow’, do away from distractions. Take measures to minimise distractions and try building on habits that allow you to be more focused and productive.

Make sure you are properly rested. An eight-hour work can sap all your energy. So it is important that you have enough rest and sleep every day. Sleeping is the best way to rest your mind and body. Taking power naps during the day has been scientifically proven to boost focus and performance at work. But apart from having proper sleep, there are other techniques that can help you recharge your batteries. They include yoga, meditation and regular exercise.

Take short breaks. Stuck with a task? Dealing with writer’s block? Pause for now. Taking short breaks helps regain your focus. Opt for a 30-minute nap or take consider clearing clutter from your desk, getting up to prepare coffee, or taking a moment to stretch. Long work days can be exhausting. Perhaps what you can do best is to slow down a bit to get back on track.

Strive for balance. One of the secrets of highly productive people is their ability to keep the balance between their personal life and career. It is not wrong to work a little bit more when you have some goals to achieve. But it isn’t not bad either to pause for a while and let the little child in you play, laugh and forget about the things that keep you busy every day. Always give time for leisure and recreation. Spend time for travel and quality time with friends and loved ones. When there is balance in every aspect of your life, you become more focused and inspired at work.

Invest on your health. You can’t ever fully concentrate at work and give your best when you are physically or mentally ill. So above all things, prioritise your health. Do what it takes to keep your mind and body functioning well. Eat right. Work out. Rest. These are three of the must-dos when it comes to maintaining good health.

Seek professional advice. If your problem with keeping focus is becoming more severe, it is best to talk to a mental health professional. He or she can help you figure out the specific causes of your problem and create a therapy plan that is best suitable for you.

Focus is a critical ingredient to productivity and success at work. By following these tips, you can improve your focus, become less stressed, and more confident on the quality of your work.