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The question “how to maintain focus at work” has been on the minds of many people over the years. This is because as many individuals struggle with being able to focus at work, they also find it hard to maintain the kind of concentration that is required in order to do their jobs well and earn the money that they deserve. If you have ever wondered how you can keep your focus at work, then it’s time to take action.

Evaluate Your Stress Levels

First, you need to realize that not all jobs require the same level of concentration. If you are having trouble concentrating at work, then it may be due to the type of job that you are performing, the amount of information that you are absorbing on a daily basis, or even the amount of time you spend working. It is important to not be too hard on yourself and remember to try your best. Adding more stress is only going to make it more and more difficult to maintain focus.

Take a Quick Walk

One of the easiest ways to eliminate distractions in the office is to take a break from time to time. When you’re sitting in the office all day, staring at a computer, it can be easy to hit a wall and feel overwhelmed or like your tasks are too heavy. It might even be tempting to work even harder when you’re at home or in the middle of the night, but doing this is going to lead to more tension and stress in the office. The best way to take a break from time to time is to walk away from the computer for a few minutes, get some fresh air if possible, and take your mind off the task at hand, even for a brief time. Taking a walk is a great way to exercise a different part of your body, especially if you spend the majority of your day sitting at a desk in front of a computer.

Put Your Phone Away

Another thing to consider when trying to figure out how to eliminate distractions is to limit the number of distractions that come up during the course of the workday. Some people might think that it’s okay to leave their cell phones on their desks, but if you’re going to be on the phone for an hour checking e-mail, social media, texting, or even playing games, you’re not going to do your job properly. Make sure that you’re able to set a time limit for yourself when you’re going to be on the phone, and also make sure that your phones and pagers are all turned off when you really need to get things done. Many people have found putting their phones in a drawer or out of sight completely has helped them maintain focus while trying to work.

It’s also a good idea, to be honest with yourself about how much time you actually spend on the internet, shopping online, reading the news, or surfing the web, and make sure that you’re able to schedule a time when it’s ok to do these things and then avoiding them when it is time to get some work done. 

Use the Right Tools

Your environment can be an important part of eliminating distractions while you are working. If you feel comfortable and at ease, it will be easier for you to get more done during your workday. You can use a stand-up desk to change things up after sitting for hours or you can use an exercise ball instead of a traditional office chair to keep you from getting too relaxed. You can also choose another working area, like an empty conference room or quiet lobby area as a change of scenery.

You can set timers for certain programs to make sure you don’t spend too much time on the computer or phone. You should also use things like a wired office headset to take calls hands-free which will allow you to continue typing or working on the computer even when taking phone calls from customers and clients.

As mentioned earlier, eliminating distractions can often be a challenge. Make sure to take it easy on yourself, create to-do lists, set deadlines, and reward yourself for accomplishing your goals. The best way to be as efficient as possible is to make sure you begin your day with as little stress as possible.