3 Simple Focus Boosters To Keep You Sharp

Getting and staying focused when you know you should be working on a task isn’t always easy. With practice it becomes easier to do, but anyone can benefit from these simple tips that will boost your focus and keep you sharp for longer stretches of time. Give them a try and see if you find them as helpful as I do.

Write A To-Do List

When you have a clear objective, broken down into steps you need to do one at a time, it becomes much easier to focus. You know exactly what you need to focus on and when that’s done you don’t waste any time figuring out what comes next. You simply move on to the next item on your list.

Before you sit down to get your focused work done, spend a few minutes figuring out exactly what it is you need to get accomplished. Even better, do it the afternoon or night before, so you are up and running first thing in the morning. Then before you call it a day, while everything about the project is still fresh on your mind, make out tomorrow’s list.

Set A Timer

Nothing helps you focus better than a tight deadline. You can use the Pomodoro technique to work under short deadlines using nothing more than a kitchen timer. You’ll be surprised how much it will help you focus and get more done in less time.

Grab a kitchen timer, or use an app on your phone. Decide what task you want to work on and set a timer for 25 minutes. Work fast and furious until that timer goes off. Take a 5 minute break and start another 25 minute work sessions. After three to four of these sessions take a longer break, get up, and move around.

Crank Up Some Tunes

If you find that your mind keeps wandering, or if you are working in a distracting or noisy environment, consider plugging in some headphones and listening to some music to help you focus. It can drown out the noise around you and help you keep your mind on the job you’re doing.

There is specific music out there that helps you focus, work, or study. Do a quick search on YouTube and try a few different ones. Classical or instrumental music in general also works well for a lot of people.

In the end it comes down to personal preference though. Listen to the type of music that gets you going and helps you stay focused.

Gives these strategies for staying focused a try and find out what works best for you. You want something that motivates you and makes you push harder, concentrate for longer periods of time, and help you produce your best work.

Tools To Keep You Focused Throughout The Day

Staying focused throughout the day can be hard. There are some things you can do and some tools you can utilize that will make it easier to concentrate and get things done. Here are five tools that will keep you focused throughout your busy day.

Deadlines

Work will expand to fill the time you allot it. Because of that it’s important to set deadlines. Figure out how long it should take you to do a particular task, or even an entire project and come up with some deadlines for yourself.

Exercise

It may be weird at first glance to think of exercise as a tool to help you focus, but it can make a big difference. Not only does it give you a bit of a mental break and is just overall healthy and good for you, a little bit of exercising throughout your workday also gets the blood flowing, makes you breath harder, and as a result, gets more oxygen into your system.

The next time you feel stuck, or unproductive, get up and move around. Do a few sit-ups, or take a quick walk on your lunch break. You’ll be pleasantly surprised how much of a difference it can make.

Clean Food and Plenty Of Water

What you eat is just as important. Eat a healthy diet and fuel your body with good, clean food. Don’t overdo it at lunch. You don’t want your body to be so busy digesting that big plate of pasta that you feel like you need an afternoon nap. Eat a healthy breakfast, keep it light at lunch time, and then enjoy your dinner.

Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration can cause headaches and keep you unfocused for hours on end.

Rest and Sleep

Last but not least, make sure you get plenty of sleep and enough rest and relaxation. You can’t stay 100% focused all the time. Give your brain a rest, do something relaxing you enjoy doing and of course get a good 8 hours of sleep at night. This will help you stay focused when it’s time to buckle down and get work done in a sustainable way.