3 Tips for Improving Focus

I challenge you to read through this post without being distracted by something. Do you think you can?

Distraction is not a new problem. People will always have days when they need to make themselves focus on one task to get it done.

There are ways to train yourself to focus better. For some, it might be as simple as making up their mind to do it. Others might need all the help they can get.

Here are 3 tips for improving focus, and what you can do to train it.

MEDITATION

Studies have shown that meditation helps you train your brain to think on one task for longer periods of time. When you meditate, you think about only one thing. That one thing may be your breathing or something else but the idea is that you focus on only that. If you get distracted you come back to the same thought. Here is an exercise you can do:

• Focus on your breathing.
• Notice when your mind has wandered to something else.
• Stop thinking about what distracted you.
• Bring your focus back to your breathing and try to keep it there.

Repeatedly doing this will help you train your brain to focus on one thing at a time. Studies show that meditation can help not only with focus, but it can also help you with your IQ and creativity! All the more reason to give it a try.

WORK WITH A FRIEND

It might help you to have someone to keep you on your toes as far as focusing is concerned. Studies have shown that students who study together, study more. This can be applied to the work place too. You might try it a couple different ways.

1. Have someone who will work alongside you and you can encourage each other to focus.
2. Have someone who will take breaks with you at a predetermined time.

If you know that the first one won't work for you because you like to chat while you work, try the second one. That way you both know that there's a break coming. This gives you extra motivation to focus on your work.

NO MORE DISTRACTIONS

If all else fails, just lock down the distractions. I know it's hard to stay off of social media when it's all right there at your fingertips. Perhaps you can schedule some social media breaks. Work for a certain amount of time or to a certain point, then take a break! Just be sure to come back to your work.

You can try out one or more of these suggestions but remember to find something that works for you!