I’m a productivity junkie. I love to find ways to work smarter, not harder, and get more done in less time. I’m also a big believer in the power of focus.
If you can concentrate on one task, and give it your full attention, you can get it done much faster than if you stop and start the task, check your email, answer the phone, and try to multitask. But focusing on one task is easier said than done, right?
I’ve found a few “productivity hacks” that help me boost my focus. They’re a bit unconventional, but they work for me, and I hope they work for you too.
1. Wear headphones, even if you don’t listen to anything
Wearing headphones can be a great way to signal to your brain that it’s time to focus. You don’t even have to listen to music or white noise—simply wearing headphones can help block out distractions and keep you in the zone.
If you do want to listen to something, try classical music or even a productivity playlist on your favorite streaming app. These types of music have been shown to improve focus and cognitive function.
If you work in an office, chances are you’re surrounded by the sounds of your coworkers. If you’re a remote worker, I bet you’ve heard at least one person say “I could never work from home — I’d get so distracted!” with the sounds of dogs barking or kids playing in the background.
Whatever your work environment may be, there’s a good chance you’re working with some sort of background noise. And while it may seem counterintuitive to add more noise to the mix, sometimes adding a little music to your workday can actually help you focus.
There have been countless studies on the effects of music on productivity, but the bottom line is that it really depends on the person. Some people are more sensitive to background noise, while others find that music can help them focus better.
If you’re not sure where you stand, try adding some background noise to your workday and see how it goes. You can experiment with different types of music, white noise, or even ambient sounds until you find what works best for you.
2. Work in a coffee shop or a public place
If you’re a remote worker, you may find it challenging to focus on your work when you’re at home. You may be tempted to do household chores, turn on the TV, or do any number of things that aren’t work.
One way to avoid that is to work in a coffee shop or other public place. The ambient noise in a coffee shop can help you focus on your work, and the change of scenery can be refreshing. Plus, you’ll be surrounded by other people who are working, which can help keep you on track. Another idea is to use remote work tools.
3. Use the Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. The technique uses a timer to break work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks.
After four intervals, or “Pomodoros,” a longer break of 15-30 minutes is taken. The technique is based on the idea that frequent breaks can improve mental agility and focus.
The Pomodoro Technique is a great way to break up your day and keep you focused on one thing at a time. It’s also a great way to help you manage your time and stay on track with your goals.
4. Write a “To-Don’t” list
Most people are familiar with the concept of a to-do list, but what about a to-don’t list?
A to-don’t list is a list of tasks and activities that you want to avoid doing that day. This could be anything from avoiding time-wasting activities, like scrolling through social media, to tasks that you simply don’t have time to do that day.
A to-don’t list is a great way to help you set boundaries for your time and energy, and it can help you avoid getting overwhelmed by your to-do list.
5. Use a standing desk
Sitting for long periods of time can have serious health consequences, including an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
In addition to the health risks, sitting for long periods of time can also negatively impact your productivity. If you find yourself getting sleepy or losing focus in the middle of the day, it could be because you’ve been sitting for too long.
One way to combat this is by using a standing desk. Standing desks allow you to work while standing up, which can help you stay more alert and focused.
If you don’t have a standing desk, you can still get the benefits of standing up by taking regular breaks to stand and stretch. Try setting a timer to remind yourself to stand up and move around at least once an hour.
6. Take a cold shower
This is a tough one, but it’s a guaranteed way to wake you up and make you feel energized and ready to take on the day. When you take a cold shower, your body goes into a state of shock and all of your systems start to work harder to keep you warm.
It’s not a comfortable feeling, but you’ll definitely feel awake and alert after just a few minutes of cold water. If you’re not ready to jump in a freezing cold shower, try turning the water to as cold as you can stand it at the end of your shower. Even just a few seconds of cold water can help you wake up and feel more alert.
7. Work out before you start your day
This is one of the most effective ways to boost your focus.
According to a study by the British Journal of Sports Medicine, when researchers analyzed 19 studies on the subject, they found that exercising before work could boost your focus by 79%.
When you work out, your body releases endorphins, which can help you feel happier and more alert.
In addition, exercise can help you wake up, reduce stress, and improve your mood.
8. Take a power nap
Napping isn’t just for kids — or for the weekend. In fact, some of the world’s most successful people are known to be nappers.
A short nap can help to reduce stress, increase alertness, and improve cognitive performance. And it’s not just about the amount of sleep you get at night — napping can help you to make up for lost sleep and get the energy you need to power through the rest of your day.
The key to a good nap is to keep it short. A 20-minute nap will help you to stay in the lightest stage of non-REM sleep, which will leave you feeling refreshed and energized. A longer nap, however, can lead to sleep inertia, which is the groggy, disoriented feeling you get when you wake up from a deep sleep.
Conclusion
The key to being productive is to make your time work for you. If you’re like me, you might need to do things a bit differently to get the most out of your day.
