Working from home has been a game changer for many, revealing an unexpected bonus: fewer distractions.
According to a FlexJobs poll, 68% of remote workers reported being more productive thanks to fewer interruptions compared to an office setting.
But what if you could experience the same laser focus without needing to overhaul your entire lifestyle? Imagine cutting through distractions with ease – no drastic changes required.
These modern rules will show you exactly how to master your environment, banish distractions, and stay focused – whether you’re battling the allure of social media, noisy environments, or the constant ping of notifications.
It’s time to regain control of your attention and get more done than ever before.
From chatty coworkers to never-ending social media notifications, distractions lurk everywhere.
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But with a simple strategy, you can stay in command of your day and keep your mind sharp! Here’s how you can turn distractions into fuel for focus.
Try these tips:
- Schedule message checks. The average American checks their phone more than 4 times each hour.
Pay more attention to the ones you’re with. Turn off notifications and view your messages at a few designated times. - Set specific limits. You know how you sometimes mean to play one game, and then it’s suddenly past your bedtime?
Decide in advance to spend a half hour online or watch one TV program. - Adjust the temperature. Stop fiddling with the thermostat.
OSHA recommends a room temperature between 68- and 76-degrees Fahrenheit for maximum productivity.
You might also want to wear comfortable clothing and noise canceling headphones. - Clear away clutter. It’s harder to focus when you have coffee cups and clothing scattered around.
Organize your home and office. Give away objects you rarely use or store them out of sight. - Install apps. There’s technology that can help you to restrict your time online.
For example, Moment tracks your activities and compares them to the average user, and AppBlock removes access to websites and apps you want to avoid. - Go offline. Turn off your devices at certain times of day, including mealtimes and the hours before bed.
Go outdoors to work in your garden, visit a local Crossfit Box or hike. Play with your kids and invite your friends over. - Watch the road. Distracted driving endangers others and yourself. Pull over if you feel drowsy or want to send a text.
Dealing with Internal Distractions
If you’re like the average adult, your mind is wandering for almost 47% of each waking hour.
That figure comes from a Harvard study that also found that such prolonged daydreaming could be making you unhappy.
These strategies can help keep you focused:
- Accept reality. Recognizing that some interruptions are unavoidable can make them less disruptive.
Take a deep breath and visualize something pleasant. Work on the things you can control. - Forget multitasking. Switching your attention back and forth damages your brain and increases anxiety. Do one thing at a time.
- Sleep well. Your mind and body need 7 to 8 hours of restorative sleep each night.
Otherwise, your powers of concentration weaken, as well as your memory and judgment. Stick to a regular bedtime and use a fan to block out noise. - Act more intentionally throughout the day. Keep your mind on the present. Slow down and take breaks before you feel fatigued.
- See your doctor. You may need medical care if you experience persistent brain fog or your inability to concentrate is interfering with your life. Your doctor can run tests to evaluate your symptoms and develop a treatment plan.
Today’s world is filled with distractions, but you can learn to manage them.
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Focusing your attention on the things that matter to you reduces stress and helps you to reach your goals.
