5 Tips to Stay Focused at Work

By Maggie Glynn

You may find yourself easily distracted while trying to get work done. Maybe you're prone to procrastination, maybe you fall into more of the overcommitting category, or maybe you're just stuck in a rut. Read these tips to help you regain control and increase productivity in your work life. 

1. Stick to One Task at a Time
While you may be tempted to multitask, especially since this could give your peers the impression that you are always crazy busy, it's actually much more efficient to focus on one thing at a time. This way, you give your undivided attention to one goal, and do everything in your power to complete this task without getting sidetracked by something related to something else on your agenda. 

2. Make a List
Whether it be a daily schedule or a weekly to-do list, writing out what you want to get done and what you need to get done can be extremely beneficial to your work ethic. You will feel a sense of accomplishment once you cross something off your list, whether you physically do it with a pen or simply make a mental note that your task is complete. This also provides an easy way to make sure you're not forgetting anything. Check your list before your work day ends. This also allows you to make a mental separation between your work day ending and your personal life at home beginning. 

3. Take Breaks
While it may seem counterintuitive to stop working in order to work more efficiently, breaks are actually necessary to ensure productivity. It allows your brain to rest and reset before refocusing on whatever you were working on prior to your break. You can go for a walk, get some food or maybe watch a few short videos online. Make sure it doesn't last much longer than 15 to 20 minutes, however, because then it will turn into procrastination. 

4. Stay Healthy
Even if your work is all intellectual and requires no physical effort at all, it is vital to keep your body healthy. Make sure to be getting plenty of sleep, drinking plenty of water, exercising at least three times a week and eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet. This way, your mind can focus on your work instead of how hungry you are, how tired you feel or how out of shape you feel. ​

5. Keep Your Space Organized 
Whether you're working from home or at an office, make sure the area you do your work in is always relatively clean and organized. As the saying goes, a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind. If you are stuck looking at the mess surrounding you each day, this may be detrimental to your productivity as you may focus on the dread of having to clean instead of whatever work you are supposed to be doing. Try to set aside a few minutes each day to straighten up your space. 

Need some help organizing? Download our free guide to help you achieve a smarter home office! ​