How can I keep focused at work?
Radical Approaches to Boost Workplace Focus
Did you know that the UK economy loses £150bn a year to distraction?! Crazy right?!
Clearly our traditional ways of dealing with these challenges aren’t working. Here are seven some different strategies, grounded in practicality yet divergent from the norm, to help you sharpen your focus and productivity:
Stimulant detox: Ditch the coffee. Counterintuitive yes but seriously, trust us on this. Getting rid of stimulants like caffeine helps you work in harmony with your brain’s natural focus rhythms allowing for better recovery during sleep. After about three weeks you’ll either be embracing your grumpy persona or loving how focus has become more treacle like compared to channeling a splashy fire-hydrant.
Mindful Breaks: Instead of traditional coffee breaks, incorporate brief mindfulness sessions. Take a moment to breathe deeply and center yourself, allowing for mental refreshment and renewed focus.
Nature Integration: Bring elements of nature into your workspace with potted plants or natural light. Research shows that exposure to greenery can reduce stress and improve cognitive function, boosting focus.
Personalised Rituals: Develop personalised rituals or routines to signal the start and end of focused work periods. Whether it's lighting a candle, sipping herbal tea, or a quick stretch, these rituals can help transition your mindset for optimal concentration.
Creative Visualisation: Practice visualisation exercises to clarify your goals and visualise success. Spend a few minutes each day picturing yourself achieving your objectives, which can increase motivation and focus.
Multisensory Environment: Curate your workspace with elements that engage multiple senses. Experiment with background music or ambient noise, ergonomic furniture, and soothing scents to create an environment conducive to concentration.
Reflective Journaling: Set aside time at the end of each day to reflect on your accomplishments and challenges. Journaling can help you process thoughts, identify patterns, and maintain clarity, ultimately enhancing focus for the next day's tasks.
Collaborative Accountability: Partner with a colleague or join a focus group to hold each other accountable for staying on task. Regular check-ins and shared goals can provide motivation and structure, leading to increased focus and productivity.
By incorporating these mainstream-friendly strategies into your daily routine, you can cultivate a focused and productive mindset, making significant strides toward achieving your professional goals.
