For instance, your list might include: drowsiness, social media addiction, lack of organization, and constant interruptions. Once you have your list, try to eliminate the culprits. For example, try to get more sleep, eliminate your social media bookmarks, and come up with an organization system. Not all of these culprits will be fixable, but eliminating some of them should help. Write down everything you do in an hour so you can see how efficiently you’re using your time. Continue tracking your activities for a week so you can see what’s causing the most distraction. [2] X Expert Source Rahti Gorfien, PCCLife Coach Expert Interview. 17 December 2019.
Alternatively, some people find it more difficult to work alone in a silent environment. In this case, consider working in a café or library, where you’ll have some background noise.
If music helps you work, you can also listen to it with headphones to help tune out distractions. Just make sure that your soundtrack is motivating rather than distracting. For example, many people find that instrumentals are better than songs with lyrics since the words can divert your attention away from the task at hand.
If your workspace gets cluttered, come up with an organizational system to keep it clear. For instance, you could create a filing system for papers and keep a tray for incoming work on your desk.
If you can, put your phone on silent mode. If you have to keep it on, set aside 1 to 2 phone-free hours each day during which you can focus on your tasks. Consider getting an app like Freedom, Anti Social, Cold Turkey, SelfControl, and Track Time. It blocks you from using the internet or visiting specific sites for set amounts of time. [8] X Research source If you need the internet for what you’re doing, limit potential distractions by blocking websites that are the biggest distractions for you, like Twitter or Facebook.
If you can, put your phone on silent mode. If you have to keep it on, set aside 1 to 2 phone-free hours each day during which you can focus on your tasks. Consider getting an app like Freedom, Anti Social, Cold Turkey, SelfControl, and Track Time. It blocks you from using the internet or visiting specific sites for set amounts of time. [8] X Research source If you need the internet for what you’re doing, limit potential distractions by blocking websites that are the biggest distractions for you, like Twitter or Facebook.
If your work requires you to regularly check your email, schedule 1 to 2 hours each day for checking your email; don’t look at it during other times. If you can, it’s also a good idea to turn off your message alerts. A clear and well-organized inbox will be easier to manage and less distracting. Delete unnecessary emails and archive the important ones into clearly labeled folders.
If your work requires you to regularly check your email, schedule 1 to 2 hours each day for checking your email; don’t look at it during other times. If you can, it’s also a good idea to turn off your message alerts. A clear and well-organized inbox will be easier to manage and less distracting. Delete unnecessary emails and archive the important ones into clearly labeled folders.
Create signals for when you’re approachable and not. For instance, if you have an office, tell people that they are free to stop in when the door is open but not when the door is closed. Encourage people to stay away from your workspace by removing additional chairs or by standing up whenever someone interrupts you.
If your to-do list isn’t accomplishable in the time allotted, select the most important or high-priority tasks to focus on.
For instance, if you’re planning an event, list all the individual tasks involved, from booking a venue to sending an invitation to arranging speakers. Prioritize them according to their time-sensitivity, and tackle one thing at a time. This approach will help you see that you’re making progress against a big goal while feeling the satisfaction of being able to check things off your list as accomplished.
For instance, if you’re sharpest in the morning or have the fewest emails to attend to, do your hardest work then. Save the emails and other correspondences for the end of the day.
If you’ve got an ongoing project, dedicate a set amount of time to it each day. For example, you could work on it for the first 2 hours of your day, then do other things.
The average person should drink about 8 cups (1. 9 L) water per day. Carry a liter-sized water bottle throughout the day and refill it once.
For instance, if you’re going to be working on something for many hours, take a 10-minute break each hour to give yourself a chance to reactivate your concentration. It also helps to move around during your breaks to help recharge your body.
Set a sleep schedule to keep yourself on track. Going to bed and getting up at the same time each day will establish a healthy cycle that your body can depend on. [21] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If you have trouble getting to sleep, establish a relaxing ritual to ease yourself into it. For instance, you may spend time in dim light meditating, reading, or listening to relaxing music before bed. [22] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Avoid things that will disrupt your sleep, like eating or drinking within 3 hours of your bedtime. It’s also best to sleep in total darkness and keep your devices away from your bed.
To practice simple meditation, relax and sit still while you focus on your breath. Inhale deeply through your nose, and exhale slowly out of your mouth. With each exhalation, imagine that you are expelling stress and tension from your body. Meditating for as little as 5-15 minutes a day can make a difference. Take a few minutes at the end of your work to reflect on what you’ve accomplished. List the things that you’d like to focus on the next day. This can help you leave your work behind so that you’re better able to give your full concentration to it during your next work session.
