Ever wondered how you could increase your focus so much you could bend a spoon with a thought like the scene from the movie – Matrix? That is definitely impossible now. However, we can give you 10 ways to increase your focus at work.

Why do we lose focus?

In this age of technology and mobile devices, we are bombarded with all sorts of input (text, audio, graphics and inner thoughts). I still remember when my parents called me the boy with “3-minute heat”, I would lose my focus on my task at hand and leave it aside for something else.

You may have also experienced having your friend pull your attention back when someone attractive passes by or when an incident happens around the corner.

However, if you are unlike me, you may have experienced having your friend pull your attention back when someone attractive passes by; or when an incident happens around the corner instead. “Eyes On Me, bro!

How do we get laser focused?

There are many ways to increase focus, from the reasonable to the totally outrageous. Here we have our dear Mr. B, focused on the results and unamused by the method.

Let’s take a look at the 10 better ways to increase focus.

1. Break task into smaller chunks

By doing this, you are forcing yourself to focus in short bursts, allowing tasks to be completed before you lose focus.

2. Short breaks

Sliding short breaks between tasks is also a way to redirect your focus on something else less tense. Allowing your brain to slow down, reset and prepare for whatever that comes next.

If you are unsure how long you have to focus before getting a break, try the Pomodoro Technique. It works very well for me, and I think it will for you too.
Basically, you set everything aside for a Pomodoro (25 minutes) and put your entire focus into a task. At the end of the Pomodoro, you reward yourself with a short break and start your next Pomodoro when ready.

3. Coffee

Grab some coffee before diving into a demanding task. What we all know about coffee improving focus has been proven by French physiologist Astrid Nehlig, a good coffee will give you the kick you need to make you less prone to distractions. This increased focus is especially helpful to tackle those mentally demanding tasks.

4. Meditation

Meditation training helps people to concentrate better, remember more of their work details, and stay energised and experience less negative moods. These were suggested by researchers from the University of Washington when a study was conducted to determine the effects of meditation training on the multitasking behaviour of knowledge workers.

5. Exercise/stretching

Many studies have been done to bridge the gap between exercise and improved focus, one such study was done on a group of Dutch schoolchildren. The study showed that a 20-minute aerobics style exercise between lessons increased the ability to focus on tasks. 20-minutes for the office people might be a tad too long. However, I think a quick 5-10 minute exercise will work just as well.

6. Clean out work space to reduce distractions

A messy, cluttered desk makes me feel stressed and tense. When I feel that I’m losing focus at work, I’ll take a break to clear my desk, and will feel calm and relaxed when it’s time to get back to work.

Cleaning out your workspace clutter will leave less to distract you. Files kept in cabinets or drawers. Mobile phones should be on silent and put away. If clients do contact you on your mobile, have them on a priority list so that the phone rings when they call.

7. Music

Voices of people speaking and background noises are huge distractions for me. For this, instrumental music is always my first choice. Nonetheless, there are days when they don’t work and I find that white noise – a steady, non-distracting sound like ocean waves or falling rain to be the best.

Spotify provides a wide selection of instrumental music and white noise. But if the ads break your focus, there are always these great alternatives, coffitivity.com and brain.fm.

8. Create a list

Keeping and organising a list of tasks by priority helps keeps your mind focused on the high priority work, preventing you from digressing.

These tools will definitely fit the job: Trello, Wunderlist or Apple Reminders if you prefer stock apps.

9. Alternate between high and low attention task

Alternating between high and low attention task gives your mind a break in between.

For example, spending hours crunching numbers on company taxes is very intense, and will strain your eyes and brain; switching gears to a low attention task such as organising files or printing documents will help give you the break your mind needs.

10. Modafinil

Academics having problems with processing information during lectures, find themselves buying Modafinil to boost their focus. Hence, providing the assistance they need to learn and remember better.

Why is it important to focus?

It helps us process information better, remember those information and all at a faster pace. By concentrating on the task at hand, be it reading, watching a documentary, listening to a podcast, or just a casual conversation with a friend.

In work, it helps reduce mistakes, communicate better and be alert to pick up tiny changes to people we work with, for example their mood in a discussion.

There is no reason to go with all of the 10 ways mentioned above to improve your focus immediately. Instead, pick one that can be easily incorporated to your work life and progressively work your way through the list.