Maximizing Your Concentration

Asana Recovery Weekly Team Update September 5, 2023

Training Tools

Maximizing Your Concentration

Everyone has a different “ideal” when it comes to being most productive. Some people like music or background noise while they concentrate on a task, while others may find noise distracting. Some people like working on a single task from start to finish. Yet others like toggling back and forth between projects and don’t have trouble keeping track of what they need to do next.

In a world with constant input and sensory stimulation, maintaining focus and concentration can be a challenge for many employees. However, the ability to concentrate is crucial for maximizing productivity and performing at your highest level.

Identify What Works for You

Perhaps you already learned strategies, during high school and college, that help you stay on-task and focused. If you haven’t pinpointed certain things that help you concentrate - or if your old fall-backs are no longer helpful - take some time to explore what works and what doesn’t work for you. Here are some things you might want to consider:

• Are you distracted by sensory stimuli - bright lights, noisy environments, physical sensations?

• Do you like to work “slow and steady” like the tortoise in The Tortoise and the Hare? Or, are you motivated by the urgency of a deadline and speed quickly through a project?

• Do you like to have a task completed before you can move on to the next? Or, do you like being able to bounce between tasks? And, are you able to finish required tasks regardless of what way you approach them?

• If you find yourself doing sub-par work or not delivering on your responsibilities, can you identify what thing(s) led to your poor performance?

These kinds of questions - and adopting an attitude of curiosity about how our brains work - can help us identify ways to maximize our own unique style of concentration. While most of us are not 100% in control of our work environment, we can use tools and techniques to match our needs, such as noise-canceling headphones, scheduling our days to maximize productive times, and planning for big deadlines according to our optimal functioning.

Tips for Improved Concentration

Regardless of your personal work style, there are things you can do to maximize your concentration and set yourself up for success

1. Create a Distraction-Free Zone

Cluttered workspaces and constant interruptions can significantly hamper concentration. Clear your desk of unnecessary items and organize your workspace to create a clean and minimalistic environment. Additionally, inform your colleagues about your need for uninterrupted time to minimize interruptions and distractions.

2. Prioritize and Plan Your Tasks

One of the main reasons for a lack of concentration is feeling overwhelmed by a never-ending to-do list. Prioritize your tasks by importance and urgency, and break them down into manageable chunks. By having a clear plan, you can focus on one task at a time, reducing mental clutter and increasing concentration.

3. Utilize Time Blocking Techniques

Time blocking involves setting specific time slots for different tasks or activities throughout the day. Allocate dedicated time for focused work without any distractions, such as checking emails or attending meetings. By structuring your day in this way, you can train your brain to focus during those predetermined time blocks, ultimately improving concentration and productivity. Ideally, schedule the most demanding tasks for when your brain performs best.

4. Take Regular Breaks

Contrary to popular belief, taking breaks can actually improve concentration. Research suggests that our brains have limited attention spans, and taking short breaks can help rejuvenate and re-energize them. Engage in activities like stretching, walking, or deep breathing exercises during your breaks to refresh your mind and improve overall focus.

5. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation techniques have been proven to enhance concentration and reduce stress. Allocate a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness, focusing on your breath or a specific object. This practice will train your mind to remain present and improve your ability to concentrate for more extended periods.

6. Minimize Digital Distractions

In today's digital age, constant notifications, social media, and other online distractions can be detrimental to concentration. To overcome this, turn off non-essential notifications on your devices, or use applications that block specific websites or apps during work hours. Designate certain times for checking emails or engaging with social media to avoid constant interruptions.

7. Optimize Your Physical Health

A healthy body supports a healthy mind. Ensure you're getting enough sleep, practicing regular exercise, and maintaining a balanced diet. Poor physical health can lead to fatigue, lack of focus, and reduced concentration. By prioritizing your health, you'll equip yourself with the energy and mental clarity needed to stay focused at work.

Concentration is a skill that can be honed and improved with practice and the right strategies. By addressing environmental sources of distraction and implementing practical tips, you can boost productivity and maximize your concentration.

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Trivia

Question: What candy bar has the slogan "Give me a break, give me a break. Break me off a piece of that…"?

Contact HR with your response for the chance to win a gift card!

Answer to last week’s trivia: Approximately 75% of the human brain is composed of water.

Last week’s winner: Krystal S.