It can be really hard to concentrate and focus on work sometimes. And with this pandemic, especially if you are working from home, it can be even more challenging. In case you are struggling to focus on work, here are four tips that will help you get back on track. Take frequent breaks Breaks are important because your prefrontal cortex needs a break. The PFC is the part of the brain that keeps one focused on his or her goals and allows you to keep thinking logically, says Anitha Sendakize a Clinical Psychologist. Sendakize says that “if you are not taking breaks at work for yourself, at least do it for your PFC. Taking breaks gives a renewed physical strength and keeps one focused on his or her goals and tasks hence productivity, they also increase motivation.” Reward yourself She adds that self-applause can help with regaining focus. It reminds you of the small stones you add to your foundation. If you are having trouble staying motivated, use a reward to help you focus on work- appreciating the little milestones that you make each and every day. For example, you can promise yourself that you can have a cup of your favourite coffee as soon as you finish a given task. To stay inspired, you can also give yourself something to look forward to at the end of the day. Some examples could include rewarding yourself with your favourite podcast or movie night. Get yourself outdoors If you can take one of your breaks outdoors, getting outside does wonders for your motivation levels. Even a quick walk around the streets can be enough to remove unnecessary items from your mind. Declutter your office This will help you focus on work, but it is also good for your mental and physical health. There is a direct link between cortisol, the primary stress hormone and clutter. Try organising documents into a folder and remove any unneeded files, says Yvette Mutoni an employee at Kora Coaching. Manage your energy To manage your energy is crucial for maximum productivity. We all have different internal capabilities, some of us are more active during the day while others are early birds, says Ramadhan Kazintwali, an account manager at Academic Bridge. He says that “focus on what you can control and arrange your activities to take advantage of natural high and low energy times.” He concludes that your ability to focus on work is like a muscle, the more you exercise the better it gets.
