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Wednesday, July 31, 2024

How to Beat Distraction

Do you find it hard to keep your focus on the task at hand?

We all have off-days—especially when we’re tired—where we find it difficult to keep our mind on our tasks. But some of us struggle with our attention spans more than others.

This not only impacts productivity but safety as well. Staying focused in safety-sensitive areas (such as busy construction sites or on the road) is key to preventing accidents. And keeping on-task is vital in healthcare environments, where small mistakes can lead to big problems (e.g., a patient getting the wrong medication).

10 Tips to Keep You on the Ball at Work

  1. Turn off notifications on your phone for nonwork-related apps.
  2. Only check your socials and personal texts during breaks.
  3. Create a to-do list if you know you have multiple tasks to complete.
  4. Clarify expectations—make sure you know which tasks are most important, so you don’t get hung up on less-important ones.
  5. Stay hydrated and satiated. Thirst and hunger can be very distracting, and it’s hard to concentrate with low blood sugar.
  6. Take your breaks. This will improve your focus and productivity.
  7. Exercise, particularly outside. Improved fitness usually equals improved memory and attention. Even if it’s only a short walk on your break, you will come back reenergized.
  8. Prioritize getting a good night’s sleep. It’s tough to focus when you’re trying not to doze off into your morning coffee.
  9. Stick to a routine. This will help you avoid distraction and prevent you from forgetting things.
  10. Avoid distractions. Are there certain areas (or people) at work that distract you? As much as possible, limit your time spent there.

Source: psychcentral.com