We all seek to do more with less. That’s why you’re probably reading this article right now. We multitask, make ourselves available wayyyy past our ‘normal’ working hours, and probably take on a lot more than our fair share of work in order to exceed expectations and get more done in less amount of time.
You’re in luck.
A few simple changes can help you get more work done in less time.
Source: 7 Scientifically Proven Ways to Lengthen Your Attention Span | Inc.com
Click on the article above (I know, I know… I shouldn’t be sending you to another site to get information, but when the info is good, its good. Why reinvent the wheel?) and check out the detailed 7 tips to lengthen your attention span. Here’s the summary, and my own .02 cents for each:
1. Exercise Every Day
There are physical and emotional benefits for exercising everyday. Even if you’re unable to ‘hit the gym’ daily, there are numerous activities you can adopt to fuel your attention span. I personally walk around the office building during lunch while listening to a Podcast or music. I can also use this time to pray, or think about my upcoming activities, to-do lists, etc.
2. Set a Break Time Reminder
Has this happened to you? You clock in, check a few emails or tankers, and before you know it you’ve been sitting for 4 hours nonstop. If this sounds familiar, you too may be in dangerous grounds. Trust me when I tell you that the earth will NOT stop spinning if you take 5-10 minutes every so often to get up, stretch, and perhaps walk around the cubicle/office/building. Scheduling time can help you remember to take a mental break.
Need ideas?
- Download an activity app with break time reminders
- Set a 1 hour count down timer
- Set a reminder on outlook
I have an activity tracker on my smartphone that reminds me to stand up and walk around every hour. Heading to meetings kind of works, and “lucky” for me, I attend a few meetings each day.
3. Turn Off the Obvious Distractions
Interruptions suck. They decrease your effectiveness and take you away from doing some good work. Consider putting your phone on airplane mode, placing it on a drawer, and turning off notifications on your laptop/computer. Working on a specific task? Close/Quit your email program until the task is completed. Noisy coworkers? Inquire about telecommuting opportunities at your company and complete the project/work at home. As long as you don’t have any additional distractions at home.
4. Drink Black Tea
I’m a coffee guy but “a 2010 study published in Appetite reports that theanine, an amino acid exclusive to tea, can give you laser light focus.”
Theanine, which increases calmness and relaxation, interacts with caffeine to synchronize the brain activity related to attentional processing. Additionally, tea provides more consistent alertness throughout the day compared to coffee, even when matched for caffeine content.
Enough said.
5. Meditate
Not much of a religious person? How about meditating on your 5-10 break?
A 2010 study published in Psychological Science found that short-term meditation training-3 to 6 months-provided lasting benefits.
I don’t typically meditate during working hours, but I make time to pray or think during my lunchtime walks. I find that this time helps me get my steps in (I’m a fitbit user and enjoy the Workweek Challenges) and think about things outside of work.
6. Enjoy the Outdoors
Even if you work in New York City, take a stroll before work, during lunch or after the 9-5. Studies suggest viewing trees, grass and plants can give your attention span a boost.
Haven’t “made it” to the corner office with a view of Central Park? Add plants to your office. Apparently “plants have been shown to boost productivity--as well as office morale.”
Your turn, what tips, suggestions or advice do you have to share? Comment below!