From colleagues chatting nearby to constant notifications on your phone, staying focused on the task at hand can be hard.
The deadline is approaching, but all you can hear is your colleagues talking in the next cubicle. It’s distracting, isn’t it? Whether you are working at home, in coffee shops or in the office, we encounter many distractions that make it nearly impossible to get work done. We get distracted every 11 minutes, and then it takes about 45 minutes to get back to our original work. At the end of the day, we realize that we have actually got no work done even after sitting in front of our laptops the whole day.
Losing focus is common. It happens hundreds or even thousands of times every day, but there are simple ways you can fight back against these disruptions and keep your productivity level high! Here, we have compiled some easy hacks that will help keep distractions at bay:
A to-do list is your savior
You know what they say; failing to plan is planning to fail. A to-do list helps you keep track of your tasks and focus on executing them one by one. But not just any to-do list will do—it has to be specific, realistic and achievable. This means that you shouldn’t try to cram too many things into one day, and you should be realistic about what you can accomplish. There are many great to-do list apps out there that can help you keep track of what needs to be done and when. Pick one that you like and use it to its full potential.
Take a break
It may seem counterintuitive, but studies have shown that taking regular breaks can actually help improve your focus and productivity. Set a timer on your phone or download break reminder apps to make sure you step away from your work for a while. There are several great ones available online, and they can help you stay on task by reminding you to take breaks at regular intervals. You can use this time to grab a coffee, take a walk or just step outside for some fresh air.
Turn off the notifications on your phone
This is one of the most basic things you can do to stay focused at work. When you have your phone on silent mode or do not disturb mode, you will be less likely to get distracted by notifications. According to a report, the average office worker spends 56 minutes on non-work activities on their smartphone. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to claim that smartphones drain your vitality and kill productivity. If you find yourself constantly checking your phone or browsing the internet, set a timer for yourself and only allow yourself to use your phone or browse the internet for a certain amount of time each day. You can do this in a few ways, such as setting up app timers on your phone or using productivity tracking apps.
Get your mailbox organized
Email is another activity that may be both unpleasant and distracting. Each day, you receive many emails, both professional and personal. Having a separate email address for work and personal use can help you avoid this mess. Set filters according to your preferences, then schedule a time to check and respond to your emails. This way, you can avoid the constant urge to check your mailbox every few minutes. Apart from that, a mailbox declutter app can help you get organized and keep your inbox under control.
Eat healthy and stay hydrated
You are what you eat! If you want to be productive, you need to fuel your body with the right foods. Eating healthy will give you energy you need to power through your workday. Staying hydrated is also important. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your mind and body sharp. There are lots of great apps out there that can help you track your water intake and make sure you’re drinking enough throughout the day.
Getting rid of distractions in the workplace can be difficult, maybe impossible. But with just some simple modifications to your work and lifestyle, you can more easily achieve your goals for the day without losing your focus.
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