Do you feel like your attention span just isn’t as good as it used to be and as a result, are looking for ways to improve your focus?

The fact is you are not the only one. With the rise of technology, the human attention span is dwindling and fast. However, you don’t have to become another statistic. Keep on reading to find out the 7 easy ways to improve your focus.

 

1 – SET A TIME LIMIT ON THE ACTIVITY

There is a time management technique called the Pomodoro Technique. The idea is to use a timer so that you work for 25 minutes and then have a 5-minute break.

Now maybe right now the thought of working for 25 minutes straight is difficult. If so, set a time that is reasonable for you and then push yourself to make it longer over time.

The key thing is setting the timer allows you to know you are meant to be focusing on a certain task for the time set and once that is done you are free to do what you please.

 

 

2 – WRITE DOWN WHY COMPLETING YOUR TASK IS IMPORTANT

Another way to improve your focus is to remind yourself of the importance of what you are doing. It is easy for tasks to get added to a never-ending to-do list that you try and get through but really you have lost touch with why you doing the things on your list.

This technique can be used in conjunction with tip 1. Choose a task you need to focus on. Decide a suitable time limit and then before you start the task write down why completing this task is important to you. Then get going!

 

3 – REMOVE DISTRACTIONS (ESPECIALLY DIGITAL DISTRACTIONS)

One of the reasons why humans’ attention span has decreased has been due to the right in technology. Now there are so many more distractions. You can have notifications on your phone, computer or laptop for everything: emails, social media, reminders etc. Now whilst it can be useful to ensure you don’t miss anything they are constantly interrupting you which isn’t good for your focus.

One of the major distractions in the workplace is email notifications. Unless you absolutely need them then turn them off. In most cases, it isn’t essential. Even if you turn off your notifications and check them between every task it will mean you will have some solid concentration-time and that will make you perform better in the long-run. Even if you don’t get back to someone’s email straight away.

Outside of work, go through your mobile and work out what notifications do you need and when you are doing something that requires your focus turn your phone onto aeroplane mode or if you can’t trust yourself move it into a different room altogether.

 

4 – EAT AND DRINK WELL (AND REGULARLY)

It is really hard to focus if you are hungry or thirsty. Pay attention to what you are eating and drinking. Try and ensure that you are doing both at regular intervals. Try not to rely on caffeine or sugar to keep you going.

 

 

5 – MEDITATE

Meditating is one of the ultimate ways to train your brain to focus. If you think it is hard to focus your attention on something then it is even harder to focus on ‘nothing’. If you are new to meditating then I would definitely recommend you try a guided meditation or use a meditation app. Start by trying to meditate for just 5 minutes a day.

A great way to develop the habit of meditation is by including it in your morning routine. If you don’t already have a morning routine read Why successful people have a morning routine and how to create your own.

 

6 – GET ENOUGH SLEEP

This is similar to the idea of eating and drinking well. You have to treat your body well in order to focus at the best of your abilities. If you are tired it is going to be easier for your brain to want to wonder. It might concentrate on how tired it is or it might start thinking of other things that are easier than the task at hand.

 

7 – CREATE THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT

Ensuring your body is in the right state is key to improve your focus, but the environment you are in also plays an important role in your ability to focus. There are a few things to consider: sound, light and temperature

• Do you have enough light?
• Is the temperature at the optimum temperature for you to focus?
• Are their noises distracting you? Would you benefit from listening to music or white noise?

Creating the right environment for focusing will take a bit of experimentation, but I urge you to try different things and pay attention to the implications it has on your ability to focus.

 

THERE YOU HAVE IT. NOW YOU KNOW 7 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR FOCUS.

 

Most of the recommended things to try are simple, but they do require you to make an effort. Improving your focus isn’t going to happen without you putting in the work, but my being able to focus for longer you’ll achieve more in the long run so stick with it.

 

I would love to know in the comments below of the 7 ways to improve your focus listed above what are you going to try first?