Introduction
“Is it possible to unlock 100 percent of the cerebral capacity?” When Morgan Freeman in Lucy (2014) gets asked this question, he is taken aback. Why? Well, we have been on the planet for over 6 million years and yet only use a relatively small percentage of our brain’s potential. You can improve your focus, here are ways to do that.
Don’t get discouraged because the percentage unlocked still makes us the most intelligent being on Earth. Why not leverage that, we ask? Here are the eight most practical ways to improve your focus and productivity. Let’s discuss them in detail!
Prepare a daily/weekly to-do-list
Pen down what you have got to do every day or every week. Believe us; it will change your mindset towards work as now, you will have clarity over tasks you need to accomplish. Indeed, a to-do list can add up quickly because there are so many tasks you might need to complete. We suggest you make a list of tasks that will make the most impact on your life. A written plan of action can help you tackle urgent tasks and keep you focused.
Focus on a S.M.A.R.T. goal
Wondering what a S.M.A.R.T goal is? Well, it stands for a Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely goal that helps you complete the project. We all know how overwhelming some projects can become. So, the idea here is to break down the projects into small manageable tasks that can be completed quickly. This eliminates the risk of losing focus and energy levels.
Get your diet right
Talking about energy levels, one should realize the role diet plays in our endeavor to become more focused in life. We have always read that ‘you become what you eat.’ And it’s 100 percent correct. Your diet has a significant impact on your ability to focus. So, eat more ‘brain foods’ like green leafy vegetables, walnuts, and fish. Stay away from fast food as it is hard for the body to digest and produce energy. Moreover, stay hydrated and have snacks between meals to stay fueled. You can try our plant-based recipes for beginners.
Take breaks between work
Oh, for a brain that worked like the computer! Well, the reality is cruel to our quest for more productivity. The human brain cannot keep working like a machine and needs regular breaks to maintain the quality of work. Helping with that is the Pomodoro technique that recommends a 5-minute break for every 25 minutes of work. You can use a timer or alarm clock to track time. Continue the cycle for four rounds and then start taking longer breaks.
Eliminate distractions immediately
You won’t realize, but things happening around you can affect your focus too! So, eliminate all distractions. You don’t even have to make big changes. Just move to a quieter place to work. Don’t leave the door open, as people might disturb you when you are at the top of your game. Put a ‘Do Not Disturb sign if possible. A smartphone can be a huge distraction as well. So, turn it off or put it on silent. Have things that you might need on your desk. This way, you will not have to leave your chair frequently.
Get that dose of coffee (in moderation)
Okay, let’s set the record straight. Coffee works. But, it will harm your brain health in the long term if you increase your dependency on it. So, drink coffee in moderation. Coffee has caffeine that possesses cognitive-enhancing properties. You can use energy drinks as an alternative to coffee. However, you should be aware of the sugar content in them. We suggest you consult your doctor before taking them in.
Quit addiction to social media
Social media addiction is real and well documented. So, you should stop neglecting its impact on your ability to focus. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and online shopping applications want you on them all the time. To achieve that, they will send you notifications for things that aren’t even relevant to you. When you pick up your phone for every social media notification, the brain learns the pattern and keeps you addicted. Uninstall these applications or install a social media blocker application.
Sleep well, sleep enough
Your lack of sleep will reflect on the quality of work you produce. So, sleep enough. Not just that, pay attention to the quality of sleep you have. ‘Sleep health’ is a real thing and can be managed by introducing a few changes to your life. First, ensure zero interaction with an electronic device one hour before you hit the bed. Second, don’t drink caffeinated beverages after lunch. Thirdly, keep your environment calm, quiet, and relaxed. And lastly, don’t expect your brain to shut down the moment you get to bed. Take your time to wind down. Why not read a book or listen to calming music?
Keep Reading!
In modern-day life, we have several priorities fighting for time. And you cannot afford to lose focus on things that matter the most. The tips mentioned above will have a resounding impact on your ability to focus on work and improve your productivity manifold.
We hope you can introduce them in your lives and leverage the positive impacts. Which tip did you like the most? Let us know in the comments! Loved reading this post? Don’t forget to check out other informative posts on the blog!
Do you have what it takes to focus for long hours? If not, you should give this extensive post a good read. Why? We have shortlisted the eight most practical ways to improve focus and productivity. Read now to get started!
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Your ability to focus can help you achieve the set life goals. Keep reading to introduce yourself to the eight practical ways to increase focus in your life.
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