Do you lose focus every time you try to finish tasks? Does the idea of sitting at your desk and getting things done fill you with dread? Maybe every time you feel like you are gaining momentum, a nasty headache strikes, forcing you to take an arbitrary break. Well, what you are experiencing is very common and almost guaranteed to be benign.
As we grow older, we lose our natural ability to concentrate. Even if you were extremely productive in your teens, you might lose that creative streak in your twenties. Luckily, with some lifestyle changes, you can easily fix this problem in no time. If you need some guidance on how to do so, give the next few hacks a try.
Establish a plan
The easiest way to stay focused is to create a solid plan of what you want to achieve. To make it simple, start by curating a checklist of all the daily tasks you have to get done and keep the list somewhere you can easily see to remind yourself of what you should do next. Once you get used to this system, you can crank it up a notch by establishing a long-term plan including all the goals you want to achieve before the end of the week or month.
It might be hard to stick to your objectives at first, but having this visual reminder offers a great way of keeping you motivated and focused. If you are not into standard-looking checklists, you can make yours look more creative by adding photos and colours and printing it out.
Cut back on social media
Although social media platforms have become the holy grail when it comes to keeping in touch with loved ones, it has its drawbacks. In fact, social media may be one of the biggest culprits behind your lack of productivity and focus. A new report reveals people spend an average of around 2.5 hours daily scrolling through their news feed, watching YouTube clips, and using messaging apps.
Not only does this inhibit you from finishing your tasks quicker, but it also affects your ability to focus, especially if you are one of those people who like to check their FB or Twitter every few minutes. Additionally, even if you do not check your phone, you may still get notifications that disrupt your workflow. Try to limit the time you spend on these websites. Better yet, keep your phone on ‘do not disturb’ when working to avoid dealing with such distractions.
Follow a healthy diet
You might be surprised to discover that your diet can be the reason behind your problem. Put simply, a healthy body equals a healthy mind. Thus, if your diet consists of fatty dishes and fast food or contains excessive amounts of sugar, it can make you feel drowsy and less able to concentrate on what you are doing. By switching these types of food with healthier alternatives like fruits, veggies, and nuts, you will feel an immediate improvement.
The wellness experts at https://fcer.org recommend you incorporate supplements into your diet for extra benefits. Fish oil, in particular, is known for its memory-enhancing effect. However, before you start taking any supplements, check first with your doctor to make sure that they are safe to use.
Exercise
Following a healthy diet is only one side of the equation. If you truly want to enhance your productivity and stay focused longer, consider working out at least three times a week. There are many ways exercise can help you become more productive. First off, it helps your brain release endorphins, helping you feel relaxed and at ease.
It also increases your stamina, enabling you to work for longer hours without losing focus or feeling tired. Fortunately, you do not have to endure super long workout sessions to unlock the benefits of exercising. By just taking a 10-minute morning jog, you will feel more refreshed and ready to work.
Take frequent breaks
Sometimes, losing focus is your brain’s way of signalling it needs a break. Although some people advocate longer work sessions, working for three hours straight is not healthy. To give your body and brain a chance to recharge, you should follow the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working for 25 minutes before taking a 5-minute break. After you finish four 25-minute intervals, you are allowed to take a longer 15-minute break. This technique is guaranteed to help you remain energetic and focused.
Poor focus is a universal problem that many students and employees suffer from. As you can deduce, this issue usually stems from certain poor lifestyle choices and habits. By spotting and changing such habits, you can regain control of your life and become more productive. However, if the problem persists despite following our tips, it might be a sign of a more serious medical problem like ADHD. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
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Image credit: Freepik
Peter Wallace has been an advocate for mental health awareness for years. He holds a master’s degree in counselling from the University of Edinburgh.
