10 ways to help stay focused at work

Tendency to procrastinate rather than getting that to-do list done? We’ve all been there. Time to stop those distractions once and for all (well, for most of the time anyway), especially when research from Well lab revealed that three quarters of UK workers say they ‘often’ or ‘very often’ lose focus. Here, they fill us in on some of the more unusual tricks that could help you stay focused on the task at hand. 

1 Dare to daydream

Sounds counterproductive, we know, but some scientists believe allowing a specific time for daydreaming’s good for our health – and helps us pay attention when needed. “Ironically, a lack of time to daydream may even hamper our capacity to pay attention when we need to,” says Professor Mary-Helen Immordino-Yang from the University of Southern California.

2 Have a laugh

Our brains are naturally drawn towards fun activities, and some scientific studies have shown that by allowing ourselves to have fun, we can potentially concentrate better for longer. In one report, those who were shown a funny video then asked to do an activity tried harder and were focused on the task for longer, than those that simply sat straight down to work. 

3 Play the right music

That’s right; tune in to the beat – just make sure it’s the right kind. Certain music provides non-invasive noise and evokes pleasurable feelings, which temper our subconscious ability to get distracted. A surprising choice? Video game music! Rhythmic and designed to keep us in the game for as long as possible, its sole purpose is to stay in the background but also keep us in the zone.

4 Stop scrolling

An obvious one, but most people ignore the fact that it’s almost impossible to concentrate with constant pings and dings from those hard-to-resist apps. Having said that, there are apps you can use to pop them on mute. Another tip is to not install social media or chat-based apps on your desktop, removing email notifications in favour of giving yourself an allocated time to go and check them.

5 Get physical

Certain exercises like walking or jogging are known to aid concentration. However, because the effect only lasts about an hour, scheduling regular opportunities during the day could benefit you more. Studies have also shown that just five minutes of intense activity can also impact obesity levels and BMI. It all adds up to being more productive, with a healthier body and a healthier, more focussed mind. 

6 Remember to breathe

OK, so breathing’s something we all do without even thinking about it, but the truth is most of us don’t fully utilise the power of our breath. That’s where slow, deliberate breathing exercises come in, improving our ability to focus as a result. As your lungs take in more fresh air, your blood oxygen levels rise, then, as your blood pressure rises, more oxygen reaches your brain, enhancing your ability to concentrate.

7 Get your coat

Back during lockdown – as well as jumping up and down to Joe Wickes in front of the TV, and those well-deserved claps for the NHS from your front door – much was made of the psychological effects of getting dressed over working in your PJs. There’s science behind the theory that what you wear affects performance – one study even found wearing a lab coat like a doctor helped people to focus better!

8 Concentrate on colours

According to the colour theory, beige and grey can create feelings of depression, whereas red demands attention. So it’s important to think about the colour or shade you choose to wear or even surround yourself with, be it working from home or in the office. What’ve we discovered? The best colours to aid concentration are green and blue.

9 Find your focal point

It’s widely accepted that people find it easier to concentrate at different points in the day – which type you are, is known as your chronotype, and is something we’re born with. It’s mainly genetic, albeit it could alter slightly at different points in our development. And, now that workplaces are a lot more flexible, you can be a morning person or a night owl; at least to a certain extent.

10 Take the right supplement

There are many health supplements thought to aid concentration and provide balance and harmony to both body and mind. Some CBD products are reported to support concentration thanks to a unique combination of terpenes and herbal extracts such as maca root and ashwagandha, which are thought to calm the mind and limit distraction from external sources. Go on, think about what works for you.

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