The office can be a hectic environment. With so much going on around us, it can be impossible to focus on the task at hand. Whether you require silence to be able to get the job done or just want to improve your workflow, there are a number of steps you can take to develop a sense of laser-like focus that will benefit you in your professional and personal life. Continue reading to find out how we recommend you tackle the issue.
Split your tasks up into smaller manageable chunks
Working on a large project can be overwhelming. It can be discouraging to look back on your progress so far and realise you are miles behind and unlikely to meet any of your proposed deadlines. This can lead to a loss of motivation and make you far less likely to ever complete the project you are working on. Does this sound like you? Do not worry, there is a solution. By splitting up your workload into a series of microtasks, you can improve your concentration and boost your productivity. This allows you to dedicate time to each individual task and increase your chances of you finally making your way towards the final finish line. When we complete tasks that have demanded our attention for a prolonged period of time, our brain releases happy chemicals in the form of dopamine. Dopamine has been proven to relieve stress and improve focus.
Try flexible working practices
If you are at your wit’s end, you may benefit from a change of environment. The office can be home to a number of interruptions and distractions that are not present at home. Aside from sharpening your focus, working from home as opposed to the office can provide a number of health benefits. It can lead to a better work-life balance by giving employees the opportunity to structure their working practices around their personal lives. It can also lead to an improved quality of life by enhancing sleep quality and increasing physical activity levels. You may also benefit from reducing your working hours and switching from full-time to part-time work. With less time taken up by work and work-related stresses, you can free up time for hobbies and interests that you enjoy. This can lead to greater mental health and an improved sense of focus over time. To streamline your ability to work from home and access your Mac remotely, visit setapp.com.
Get rid of any distractions
When it comes to maintaining focus, eliminating any distractions should be the first item on your checklist. Start by switching off or silencing your smartphone and blocking social media from your computer or laptop. Our devices are by far the biggest threat to our focus at work and social media can be a slippery slope. It may only take a couple of seconds to check your notifications, but this can lead to you checking your entire library of apps one by one. Before you know it, hours have passed. Don’t be tempted to check your smartphone each time you hear it ping. It may also benefit you to close the nearest window or move to a quieter section of the office. A few minor changes can make a huge difference.
Get more organised
It can be impossible to focus when your mind is distracted or prone to wandering. By organising other aspects of your life, you can enhance your focus and get the job done. This may seem like a mammoth task at first but by approaching it one step at a time, you can gradually learn to live a simpler, stress-free life. Start by making a plan with detailed checklists of how and when you want to organise certain aspects of your life. Make an effort to complete the most time-consuming tasks first before making your way down the list one day at a time. By creating a timeframe for each job, you can determine which ones are most important and which ones can wait a little longer. It may also be worth waiting until the office is quieter before tackling the most pressing jobs.
Use headphones
Eliminating background noise stemming from everyday commotions and disturbances can seem like an impossible task sometimes. Headphones can allow you to block out any distractions and focus on what really matters. You can use headphones as an alternative for earplugs or to listen to music. Which one you prefer is a matter of personal preference. Headphones differ in price depending on how effective they are at blocking out external noise. Some headphones are also designed to limit maximum volume levels to protect your hearing. With such a wide range of headphones available on the global market today, you are guaranteed to find a set to suit your individual budget and lifestyle.
Avoid multitasking
Multitasking can allow you to get more work done in less time, but it can also overwhelm you. If you are easily distracted, focus on one task at a time. This can boost your morale and surge your productivity over time. This can eventually lead to a greater sense of concentration and focus while you are at work. By juggling too many jobs at any given time, you are much more likely to make a silly mistake that can cost you or your company time and money in the long run. By repeating this cycle time and time again, it can start to have an impact on your attention to detail and your boss may start to notice that you are struggling to focus on the task at hand.
Trying to shut off from the outside world and focus on work-related projects can seem like an impossible task. With so many distractions at the office as well as at home, it can be difficult to know how to block them out and get stuck in. By following these handy tips, you can learn to overcome these problems and boost your productivity levels today.
