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Let’s pretend you’ve already taken your phone into another room, turned off notifications, and are alone with your work. But what if it doesn’t help? You either look out the window, or decide to make coffee… In general, how to finish what you started?
Oh, this multitasking.
This quality is undoubtedly appreciated in employees today. Sometimes it is even a requirement in some jobs. And yet our brain is not made for it. Switching attention only drains it of energy and stimulates the release of cortisol and adrenaline. And, alas, we start to get it wrong more often.
Imagine turning on a program on your computer. And then another one. And then another one. What happens? Right, it goes slower, because the machine just overheats. And that’s what happens to us. So it’s best to do one thing at a time. It will make it much easier for the brain.
Or maybe it's about procrastination.
Yes, yes, it’s when you have a lot to do, but instead of hard work, you prefer to do the cleaning, drink the tenth cup of tea and watch the last (well, now for sure!) series of the TV series. In that case it is better to listen to yourself: why is it so difficult to get down to business?
Maybe you do not quite understand how to solve the problem? Or are you under pressure from the volume? In that case, break something big and incomprehensible into smaller parts. And write a plan!
The easiest way to illustrate this is by reading a book. The thought of having to read, for example, twenty voluminous works in the near future is very intimidating. But if you read 20-30 pages a day, it doesn’t look so scary. This example is just a metaphor; a similar trick works with any endeavor they say, “I don’t even know where to start.”
Physical Activity
A walk or jog in nature is something your brain will thank you for. And not just because physical activity improves cognitive function (although that too).
Scientists have found that even simple contemplation of nature reduces stress levels and brings back concentration. So, in one experiment, participants were asked to look at photos of high-rise buildings or a blooming meadow for 40 seconds during a break from work. Those who looked at skyscrapers lost concentration: it dropped by 8%. And nature contemplators got better at focusing on tasks, as much as 6%! And these are just pictures, but what would happen in a real park?
25 to 10.
The brain can’t concentrate for too long. That’s why, by the way, schools try to do lessons no longer than 45 minutes. But you can start practicing even with 25 minutes: put away all the gadgets, work, and when the time is up, take a break. You’ll be surprised how much more efficient you’ll become. Your head will have time to rest, which means it will be much easier to complete tasks. Then the concentration time can be increased.
Background music
Playlists for work…work! Calm music has a therapeutic effect on the brain. But turning on your favorite tracks is a bad idea: bright emotions are distracting. The volume should be minimal, otherwise the melody will draw attention to itself. It is better if the music is monotonous, but moderately rhythmic.
If you have read the article to the end, it’s already a success. By the way, reading texts also develops concentration!
