How to Improve Focus: 10 Proven Ways to Stay Focused

Our attention spans appear to be on the decline in this digital age. We all need to focus to complete the tasks, learn new knowledge, or accomplish a goal. However, many people find that they cannot maintain their attention span long enough, resulting in low productivity, distraction, and fatigue. Fortunately, the ability to stay focused can be improved. This article will show you how to improve focus through a series of methods to achieve greater efficiency and achievement.

How long can brain being focus?

According to the study, the average human attention span has dropped from 12.25 seconds in 2000 to 8.25 seconds. Data from the 4th World Internet Conference also shows that people now check their smartphones at least 150 times a day, and every 6.5 minutes on average. In general, adults can focus longer than children. An adult's average focus time is about 25-30 minutes. After staying focused for about 25 minutes, focus decline. However, the amount of time we can focus depends on a lot of things and there’re some useful tips to make the focus time last longer. Read on to look at how to increase focus.

How to improve focus? 10 simple ways to boost your productivity

1. Manage your attention

In fact, up to 40 percent of all our behavior is habit, without decision-making and much attention. Such as brushing teeth and washing face everyday. Our brain automatically guides this type of behavior. It is called automatic mode. Our attention is actually limited. It decreases with use. Automated mode can help us keep up with work and life without consuming too much energy and attention. However, for those important and difficult tasks, we must actively manage our attention. The more we focus, the more productive and creative we will be. For better attention management, you can schedule those important tasks that require more attention at the time when you have high level of attention, such as early morning.

2. Develop positive mental attitude

When we are in negative emotions such as sadness, anxiety, anger, etc., it is difficult to focus on the working. So we have to develop positive mental attitude. Here’re some tips:

• Remember that you are capable and powerful.
• Surround yourself with positive people.
• Focus on long term instead of short term.
• Stop complaining.

3. Reduce distractions

To improve focus, get rid of distractions is necessary.

• Choose a quiet workplace: it’s better to have a private workplace and keep undisturbed. If you don't have, try earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones to reduce outside noise.
• Turn off notifications: turn off all notifications across your devices while working to reduce distractions and improve focus. If necessary, you can also set to only receive important notifications.
• Keep your work area tidy: keeping your work area clean and organized can reduce distractions. Keep unnecessary files and items away from the work area.
• Block social media websites: social media and other entertainment sites can easily distract you. How to focus better? Try to avoid visiting these sites while you're working to minimize distractions. If you can’t control yourself, use website blocker tool to block them.
• Set working hours: during the working hours, avoid receiving calls and emails so that you can focus on your work. If you must answer a phone call or reply to an email, you can set a specific time period to handle them.
• Tell your colleagues and families: If a colleague keep interrupting you during working time, tell him that you are working and need a quiet working environment.

4. Set difficult but achievable goals

Set a realistic long-term goal and then divide it into smaller and specific goals. The difficulty of the goal should be difficult but achievable. Because a too-easy goal requires no concentration, a slightly difficult goal will make us work harder to reach it and improve focus.

5. Focus on one task at a time

Sophie Leroy, a professor at the University of Minnesota, proposed a concept called attention residue. He pointed out that when you switch from an unfinished task A to task B, since task A has not yet been completed, there will be part of your attention still on task A. Thereby you may have trouble focusing on task B. Multitasking will impair your focus. So focus on one task at a time and do them one by one.

6. Pomodoro technique time management

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that helps people more focused, motivated and productive at work. It divides work into intervals. Focus on the working task for 25 minutes. You are not allowed to do anything unrelated to the task during this period. When the time is up, take a break for 5-10 minutes. Start a new Pomodoro until the work is done. You can take a longer break after 4 Pomodoros.

Feel confused or cumbersome about this method? Try Cisdem Focus-a productivity tool to help you improve focus.

Free Download

It’s a great looking, easy to use and powerful Pomodoro timer. Allow you to customize the length of work and break periods. According to study, 25 minutes is the perfect length of time that may help you stay focused without distraction. However, if you feel that it’s not suitable for you, you can set it longer or shorter.

It also enables you to block distracting websites and apps during the focus time. Click the small menu icon on the top right corner. Select Show Statistics. This tool displays the statistics for you to view how much time you launch apps, websites every day, week and month, etc. Then pick out those distract you most and put them to Blocklist.

7. Get more sleep

Sleep helps our brain repair, restore and reenergize. A sleep-deprived person cannot focus well. It’s recommended that an adult should get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day also can help you reinforces your circadian rhythm and focus better.

8. Keep your body clock in sync

Synchronizing the biological clock with our schedule can improve our focus. Expert said that working is most effective between 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm, when our biological clock supports us to stay awake and focused. If we work or study at inappropriate time, our body may be in a state of fatigue or discomfort, which will seriously affect our focus and decrease productivity.

9. Have a healthy diet

To improve focus, having a healthy diet is also necessary. A healthy diet provides nutrients and energy you need to help maintain body functions. It can also help prevent many health problems such as obesity and diabetes, which will affect focus and concentration while working and learning.

10. Do proper exercise

Exercise helps with blood circulation and provides more oxygen to the brain, thereby improving the brain efficiency and focus. Proper exercise can also help us release stress, anxiety and fatigue. Walking or jogging, swimming, climbing hills or stairs, playing tennis or basketball are all effective exercises. It’s recommended to exercise in the morning before work to make your brain focus better.

Conclusion

Focus is an important factor in increasing productivity. However, many people cannot sustain focus for various reasons. This article describes some proven ways on how to improve focus. With consistent practice and patience, you can train your brain to focus better and achieve your goals more easily and efficiently.