Distractions can keep a person from being productive, be it at work, school, or at home. Unfortunately, there are simply too many distractions, and concentration can be a problem. Luckily, there are “hacks” you can follow to keep you from getting behind on your work and stay focused. Here are some tips to consider to keep your mind at work.
Social Media
Apps like Freedom help you focus on the task ahead by keeping you off social media. Install it on your computer, smartphone, or tablet, and it will block distracting sites like Twitter and Facebook, so you can limit the time spent on social media while you’re working.
Environment
The environment we work in has a big impact on your concentration. Many people find that working in a quiet space help improve concentration and keep distractions away. For example, when doing research or school work, head down to the library instead of staying at home. Your home has many of distractions like the bed, computer, or refrigerator. Libraries are meant for studying, so your brain will be conditioned to do so.
Make A List
Make a list of things you want to accomplish during the day to keep you from going astray. If you want to tackle a big task, break it down to smaller jobs to make it more manageable. Reward yourself with some candy or a break every time you check off an assignment from your list to keep you motivated. Breaking down big jobs will keep you moving forward, and before you know it, work is done.
Clean Up
If you choose to work on your desk, make sure that it is free from clutter which can be very distracting. Some people don’t mind working in a messy desk, but crumpled sheets of paper, pieces of office supplies, or unfiled folders can become annoying over time. Somewhere along the road, you might find yourself ignoring work and filing or sorting office supplies. Avoid this trap by organizing and cleaning your desk first before working on it.
White Noise
Some people find it easier to work with white noise in the background. Turn on your stereo and have music playing in the background to keep the silence from being too deafening. Try something soothing like classical music or background noises like waves crashing on the surf. Stay away from anything noisy, because they might be too stimulating and keep you from concentrating on your work.
Supplies Within Reach
Keep food, water, and other supplies within reach so that you won’t need to get up unless it’s important or a bathroom break. Sometimes, the world outside the cubicle or home office can be distracting, and you might have a hard time getting back to concentrating if you leave your desk. People who work at home find that if they have everything they need in their home office, they forget that they are actually at home and get more work done.
Experts say that actions need constant repetition so it becomes a habit. By repeating the above suggestions, we hope that over time you will learn to manage distractions and be more productive.
