Boost your concentration: 5 tips for better focus

Every employee sometimes suffers from decreased concentration while working. There can be several reasons for this. You may be tired or stressed, or you may be chaotic or forgetful by nature. Whatever the reason for your concentration problems, there is hope! With these five tips, you'll soon find your focus.

1. The power of sound and music

Noise can cause a lot of distractions. A busy office environment where a colleague is on the phone on one side and thinking out loud on the other obviously doesn't work well for your focus. Wherever you are, whether you work at home or in a busy office, putting on the right music does wonders for your concentration.

It is important to choose the right music. Today, fortunately, there is a lot of choice, so at least choose the music you enjoy the most:

• Classical music: It has been proven to improve your productivity and mood. So a little Mozart can't hurt! Playlist tip: Classical baroque
• Ambient music: This music lacks a repeating rhythm and a catchy chorus to grab our attention. Playlist tip: Ambient relaxation
• Lo-fi music: This genre is becoming increasingly popular. With its slow tempo and mellow atmosphere, it provides the ultimate focus. Playlist tip: Lofi cafe

2. Focus on one task

Many people who suffer from decreased concentration will often jump from one task to another while working. This way, of course, you never get anything done and this works poorly for your productivity. To avoid this, it is smart to write down your tasks at the beginning of your day and finish them one by one. Do you have a task with a tight deadline? Then let your colleagues know that you don't want to be disturbed for a while.

Tip: Do you have a lot of trouble maintaining focus with your tasks? Then the e-learning "Time Management" on our online learning platform might be for you.

 

3. Bring nature into your home

Yes really, plants are good for your ability to concentrate, especially during a tiring task. What is the explanation for this? Looking at nature has a restorative effect, allowing your attention muscle to recharge. In addition, it also reducing stress. It is good to take a daily walk in nature if you have the opportunity. But, by facing nature while working, you can even benefit from this concentration factor all day long. So, bring plants to your work environment or provide pictures or wallpaper on the wall of a natural environment.

4. Go from a night owl to a sleeper

You've probably heard many times that the importance of good rest is crucial, and it's not said lightly. In fact, the time you spend sleeping is essential for your concentration. Are you having trouble getting a good night's sleep? Then these tips are for you:

• Create a set evening ritual and go to bed at a set time as much as possible.
• Do not drink caffeinated beverages after lunch. So in addition to coffee, no cola either.
• Avoid screen use at least an hour before sleep. So instead of Netflixing or scrolling on your phone, go read a book.

Tip: Several sleep apps can also help you with your sleep. Want to know what these apps can do for you? Follow the e-learning "Sleep apps" on our online learning platform.

 

5. Limit distractions

We talked earlier about distraction from noises around you, but alongside this there are many other distractions. Your phone is a good example of this, and we're mainly talking about social media. Turn off your notifications during work hours through your phone settings. Agree with yourself that you will only reach for your phone when you have a purpose for doing so, such as calling a colleague. No, getting bored is not a goal in this case!

Do you want your employees to be able to work on reducing stress and improving their time management and sleep rhythms? On the online learning platform of SkillsTown you will find more than 500 online trainings that are easily accessible to all your employees! Curious about the possibilities? Then plan a a free demo in.