What are your suggestions for when you just can't focus at work?

I can't bring myself to focus on this PowerPoint right now. If studying, I would need a change of pace - new location, walk, gym, coffee- something.

What do you do when having trouble focusing at work?

47 Comments
 
"Voodz"

Drink so much caffeine that you start doing things automatically (but do not reach the point where even jumping around does not feel sufficient, of course).

This is the one.
 

I know 2 good tips: 1) If you have been working for a while and can't take it anymore, stand up and do some stretching, a bit a squating, or walk around. Little physical activity will help your brain "rewire" from what you just were doing. As they say in my country, relaxing is not doing nothing, it's change of activity. 2) If you can't bring yourself to start any work, promise yourself to work for 10 minutes. Usually you will forget about it and continue with the work, if it is remotely useful or interesting to you.

good luck

 

I'd just start talking with someone on a topic that is not work related. After 5 or 10 minutes, I have no problems starting my work again

 

Go to the bathroom, load up a skin flick and rub one out. I mean jerking off feels good, but getting "paid" to beat your meat is the American Dream. Thats just my .02

I hope this is better than the last batch of shit you gave me. Produced more wood than Ron Jeremy. I don't want you to yell, "Reco!" anymore. Know what you should yell? "Timber!" Yeah, Mr. Fuckin' wood.
 

Solid post. A few variations for me:

1.) I prefer to sip on pre workout. Say what you will about workout supplements, but this really keeps me alert for working/studying. Coffee is a very close second.

2.) I prefer not to munch of food while working. I hate making a mess at my desk or laptop space.

3.) Dip or snus.

4.) Frank Sinatra has been a great study buddy.

Listen, here's the thing. If you can't spot the sucker in the first half hour at the table, then you are the sucker.
 

If it's a lot of reading that needs to get done, print that shit out and go sit in an armchair or some shit. Multiple browser tabs are a blessing and a curse...

 

Just quit being a pussy and do it. Seriously. Just do your fucking work. You don't need a pill or a magical schedule.

heister: Look at all these wannabe richies hating on an expensive salad. https://arthuxtable.com/
 

30 minutes+ of moderate exercise every day. Doesn't have to be extreme, just enough to break a sweat.

Better diet. Less sugar, more fruits and vegetables. Definitely don't drink soda.

Get laid.

"You stop being an asshole when it sucks to be you." -IlliniProgrammer "Your grammar made me wish I'd been aborted." -happypantsmcgee
 
yesbrainer

No Adderall (or anything similar) in Europe... Would love to try it once though. Any alternative?

I know, i've always wanted i bit of that action. May try Modafinil (Provigil) from @matrick

but to the OP, you have to invoke your competitive side when doing things you don't like. you have to try to beat the book, understand that difficult concept, make it look easy, show it who's boss. Charlie Sheen would be proud.

"After you work on Wall Street it’s a choice, would you rather work at McDonalds or on the sell-side? I would choose McDonalds over the sell-side.” - David Tepper
 

I've never done drugs, and I'm not sure it's a good idea. However, point number 1 from Dedline is key. It changed my life and I wish I had done it when I was a student. Just leave the house. Go to a library or somewhere where you can't not work. Pack food and water. And stay for at least 5-8 hours a day.

You are probably associating your house/room with relaxation/lazyness/procrastination. Just get out of there. It worked for me when I needed to keep my finance skills sharp for interviews between jobs: I was angry at myself because I couldn't put myself to work, until I just went to the library. It's like your mind takes on a whole different personality. Association with places is talked about in psychology, so not just self-help mumbo jumbo. You will feel much better there. More peace, less guilt. If you don't do this, then you deserve to fail. Best of Luck

 

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