Tactics to Improve Focus During a Long Work Week
Forty-plus hour workweeks can be draining. Maintaining focus can be difficult and lead to a loss of productivity. An article by Glassdoor offered five strategies that you can use to improve your focus, even when mental fatigue sets in.
- Take breaks regularly. Working 8,10, or even 12 hours can take a toll on you. Be sure to take the initiative to take breaks regularly—even short ones. Go for a 5-minute walk. Get a breath of fresh air.
- Don’t be afraid to take a nap. You don’t need a siesta to revive yourself. All it takes is 15 minutes. A quick 15-minute nap can help to get you focused and improve your productivity.
- Treat your mind and body right. It’s hard to focus when you’re unhealthy. Eat a healthy diet and stay in good physical condition. Energy drinks and caffeine pills can give short-term boosts but they are not advised for long-term use. Staying healthy can help to improve mental clarity and focus.
- Avoid distractions. The best way to stay focused is to avoid distractions. Consider what distracts you the most when trying to work. If there is a particular website that occupies a lot of your time, don’t visit this site when you’re on the clock. If text messages distract you, turn off your phone.
- Prioritize your tasks. Create a to-do list to keep you focused. Place the most important tasks first. Checking off items on a to-do list can be motivating and provide a sense of accomplishment. It encourages you to continue pushing forward through the list.