To do the best job that you can, you’ll want to devote your full concentration to every task. To improve your concentration at work, maintain a clean and orderly work area. Clear your mind by listening to music or meditating. Jump into the more difficult tasks first, leaving the easy ones for later in the day. Stay motivated by remembering why you are passionate about your work and why it deserves your full effort.
EditSteps
EditCreating the Right Environment
- Keep your work area clean. Spend the last 15 minutes of each day organizing your work space. Stack or file any miscellaneous papers. Throw away trash. Clear out the extra open windows on your computer. You can even set out the next day’s work, if you know what it will be. This will help you to start each day fresh with a welcoming space.[1]
- If you feel the unstoppable urge to clean mid-day, then give yourself a maximum of five minutes to tidy everything up. Don’t let these breaks become a distraction.[2]
- Decorate with fresh flowers and plants. Place a small plant on your desk or a larger one on the ground. Look for a plant that requires little light, unless you have a large office window. The plants will help to provide fresh air, which can help your mind to stay clear. It may also encourage you to open up your windows, which will have the benefit of exposing you to healthy sunlight as well.[3]
- Adding plants to your office environment has been shown to increase productivity upwards of 35%.
- Keep the temperature mild. The ideal temperature for a work environment is 71 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). If you cannot maintain that exactly, try to keep the thermostat between 68-77 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is too high, you could overheat or become sluggish. If the temperature is too low, you may jitter or feel ill.[4]
- Surround yourself with good memories. Add some photos of a recent trip that you’ve taken. Include a few snapshots of close family or friends in happy poses. Don’t overcrowd your space, and try to rotate items around every few months. You can also add a few candles or other small items that have positive meaning for you.[5]
- Listen to some music. Keep a pair of headphones at your desk and put them on for breaks. Listen to music that you are familiar with, but also try new music styles as well. Try to remove all work-related thoughts from your mind, take a few deep breaths, and just feel the music. Then, once your break is finished, dive back into work.[6]
- If your office is loud, you can also use headphones to cancel out all of the noise. Simply put them on and then resume your work.
- No matter what genre, it is important that you like the music that you are listening to. Your fondness for the music can directly impact how it helps or hinders your productivity. So, choose what you like![7]
- Turn off your phone. When you arrive at work, place your phone within a close drawer. Or, turn it off and place it screen down on your desk. Make a point to only check your phone on breaks. Use another device as a timer or clock. If your office phone is a distraction, see if you can place it on silent as well. Check your messages at particular times and respond to them then.[8]
- Lock your computer. If you are working on a task that doesn’t require the computer, go ahead and turn off the monitor. Only turn it back on when you need to use it. When you are on your computer, limit distractions by placing limits on web browsers and social media sites.[9]
- You may also want to turn off email notification settings as well. Email can be very distracting and it is difficult to resist the urge to constantly check and respond.
- Work alongside organized people. This may not always be possible but, if you can, try to surround yourself with people who share your ambitions and work ethic. They can push you when you feel lazy. They can kick back with you when you are relaxing. It will also help you to feel like a member of a team.[10]
EditMastering Time Management
- Start with the tough tasks. You will most likely have the most energy at the start of your work day, so jump right into those jobs that require additional concentration. Focus on tasks that are new to you or need a high level of creativity. Leave the mindless or basic work until the end of the day or when you feel as if you are lagging.[11]
- Work on a single task at a time. Many people suggest multitasking, but jumping from item to item can actually drain your energies faster. Instead, choose a particular task and concentrate on finishing it to full satisfaction. “Single tasking” will also help you to set reasonable goals and resume work despite interruptions.[12]
- Break down information into smaller bits. If you have a large task that needs attention, spend some time thinking about how that task could be segmented into a series of smaller projects. Then, create an order of tasks, a to-do list of actions for the day. This also works if you must memorize large amounts of information--just break it down.[13]
- Set your own deadlines. It is likely that your boss or employer will create deadlines for you. But, to avoid procrastination, look over your work and create your own deadlines for each project. This will give you ample time for each task with time added in for breaks. You can also add in extra time if you are worried a particular project might be problematic.[14]
- For example, if your boss sets a deadline of Thursday, you may set a personal deadline of Wednesday. This gives you an extra day to work with in case any issues arise.
- Take set breaks. Watch the clock and take breaks of five minutes for every twenty-five minutes of concentrated work. You can make a bathroom run, walk around the office, grab a quick snack, or even just stand and stretch. Having these set break times will keep your off-time under control, while also giving you something to look forward to.[15]
- Some people find it useful to keep a kitchen timer or even an hour glass at their desk to keep track of time. If you miss your break, make sure to extend the next one.[16]
- Develop a calendar system. Keep track of all of your commitments in one place, whether it be on a paper calendar or on your phone. Log your phone calls, appointments, and meetings, including the amount of time spent or required. Look over your entire day each morning, so you know what to expect.[17]
- You may also want to consider not attending certain meetings, if that is possible. Carefully consider whether or not the meeting will be productive and worth your time.[18]
- Give yourself time to recharge. Make sure to spend time relaxing in your free time outside of work. Participate in a hobby that you enjoy or spend time with friends. Go out to a restaurant that you enjoy. Get together with family and friends. Investing in yourself can lead to improved concentration at work.[19]
EditChanneling Your Energy
- Discover when you work best. Every person has a few “magic hours,” or hours when they work the best. For a week, keep a chart where you write down your energy level from 1-10 each and every hour. Then, look over these numbers to see where your peaks of energy and productivity lie. Spend these moments on your most challenging tasks.[20]
- Engage multiple senses. Break up your work so that you spend time speaking, writing, and hearing. If you are in a meeting, take a pad of paper for notes. You can also record meetings and then play back the recordings for reference. If you need a break, read some of your paperwork aloud.[21]
- Even doodling can improve cognition and concentration. It keeps you more awake and prevents you from completely disengaging due to boredom.[22]
- Be interested in your work. Think about what exactly fascinates or excites you about your current tasks. This may require a bit of digging on your part, but there is likely at least something that piques your interest. Whenever you feel bogged down, recall this reason to keep going and focus on it.[23]
- For example, if you are doing a job that could help someone, you might repeat, “I am helping others.”
- Meditate. Sit at your desk. Close your eyes and take a series of deep breaths. Focus on a thought that makes you happy, such as relaxing on a beach or reading a good book. Keep that thought front and center and banish any work worries. Repeat this practice for just 10-20 minutes total each day. This is a great way to use those five minute breaks.[24]
- Office meditation has been shown to boost concentration and to lessen signs of depression and anxiety.[25]
- Maintain healthy habits. Eat balanced, healthy meals. Exercise regularly and take good care of your body. Avoid smoking and drinking. All of these activities will increase your endorphin levels, assisting in boosted productivity. Getting enough sleep can also improve your energy level and concentration at work.[26]
- Be careful turning to caffeine to boost productivity. It may increase your pace, but could lead to jitters and dehydration as well.
- Try to get up and move around throughout your work day. For example, instead of sitting in your chair all day, try to do some work standing up. Or, perhaps catch a quick work-out over your lunch break.[27]
EditTips
- You could try adding various scents to your workspace as well. Mint, for example, has been shown to improve concentration. Even chewing mint gum might help.[28]
- Give yourself a reward when you reach one of your work goals. This can help you to keep going during especially difficult or long tasks.[29]
EditWarnings
- If you feel as if you simply can’t concentrate at work, you might want to talk with a counselor or doctor.[30]
EditSources and Citations
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