Life can be busy, juggling our social lives, family lives and careers means some serious multitasking. Work-life balance perfection is the dream for most ladies, but work is something that just never seems to be done. Some days you need to cut out all distractions to really get to grips with your work and get the bulk of it done. Below are a few tips for you to keep focused and drive away daily distractions:
Set working times
Setting out specific working times is a great way to keep your day on track. Try four blocks of two hours working, with four fifteen minute breaks during them to make up your eight hours. You’ll have to be strict and make sure you work within those times but the ‘free time’ allows you to do what you want or go for a quick walk. Try creating a list for the day and dividing them out throughout the day to keep you on track.
Turn off email
Within your two-hour work blocks turn off your email for 90 minutes , saving 15 minutes to check email if anything comes in before your break. Email is a complete killer for concentration, urgent requests (that usually aren’t urgent), a friend asking about lunch plans or anything can draw your attention away from the task at hand. Turn it off and you will feel liberated.
Positive planning
Create a plan for the day where you give yourself realistic manageable goals and then give yourself positive vibes for each one you complete. Positive thinking opens your mind to new ideas, reduces anxiety and increases performance for the day. Setting yourself these goals will also keep you accountable and on track to achieve all you need to on that day.
Stress management
Isn’t it said that exercise is the most underused antidepressant? Studies prove that regular exercise works for reducing stress. Take 20 minutes at lunchtime for a walk and see how much of a difference it makes. Stress is a focus killer; your brain cannot cope with focusing on a task in hand if you are feeling overwhelmed.
Listen to music
Music is proven to improve productivity; listening to background music stimulates the part of our brain that controls motor actions, emotions, and creativity. It will cheer you up, calm you down and focus your mind all at once – what else produces such productive behaviours? Also, wearing headphones will deter colleagues from coming to distract you if they think you are on a conference call.
How do you focus at work? Let me know your secrets to a truly productive day.
