Stay Focused

Tips for Staying Focused at Work

After the holidays (or even a particularly fun weekend) it can be hard to get back into the swing of things at the office. Feeling sluggish or distracted the first day back at work is a common trait among weekend warriors. To stay focused, the obvious answer is a big cup of coffee, but there are many other ways to perk up. So, here are a few tips to combat any case of the Mondays and increase productivity.

To stay focused, sunshine is your friend

If you’re lucky enough to have a desk next to a window, or even your own office, it’s easy to start the morning with the shades closed or lights low. Instead, you should embrace the Vitamin D and let the sunshine wake you up for the day. While it may be uncomfortable at first, you will likely be in a better mood and less groggy for those mid-morning meetings.

Take a break

While it may seem counter-intuitive to take time away from your work, you will feel refreshed and energized if you take a couple small breaks throughout the day. It’s also important to take breaks from looking at a screen, so you are helping your eyes and brain rest during the breaks as well. A morning walk in the fresh air for 10 minutes or so can give your brain an extra boost of oxygen. In the afternoon, you can do a couple of desk exercises or walk across the office for a quick snack.

Always keep a supply of desk snacks

Low blood sugar is not your friend, especially at work. It’s important to keep some snacks on hand so you don’t fall into an energy slump or worse- become hangry. The best desk snacks are full of protein and nutrients so you stay satiated longer. I suggest nuts, granola bars, beef jerky, apple slices with peanut butter, carrots with hummus, and of course a little dark chocolate.

Start with the smaller tasks and work up to the big ones.

Sometimes if you need to get your brain back into the groove of things, it’s easier to start with the more straightforward tasks such as answering emails, cleaning your desk and returning phone calls. Then once you’re warmed up you can tackle the more difficult tasks.

Stay focused by staying hydrated.

While caffeine is your friend for perking you up, you need water to keep your mind clear and alert. Using a water bottle with a (reusable!) straw promotes water consumption because it is much more mindless to take a sip of water instead of unscrewing your lid every time.

Listen to music or podcasts.

Some workplaces/jobs may not allow for this, but if you are able to put on headphones it can be a great way to pump yourself up for the day. If you have a particular podcast that you enjoy then it can be something to look forward to each morning while you sip coffee and reply to emails.

As we move into 2020, I encourage you to try these tips to continue growing towards the best version of yourself. Staying focused and alert at work doesn’t have to be hard, you just need to implement these tips! Let us know if there’s anything else that works for you so we can share it with everyone.

~hoytorg