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?
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I'd say similar to what you just pointed out. Get outside for some fresh air. If you're feeling sluggish make sure to walk around and get some water/coffee in you. The new location might be hard if you're sitting at a desk, but definitely get up and move around.
Is this urgent and is there anything else you can work on? Other than that, just take a break and come back to it later.
Actually that task had no deadline but I just finished an emergency task just now and that helped
...
What I do is go to the washroom and splash some cold water on my face. It really helps (for me).
If you have the chance, I would go for a small 3 minute light jog outside. Lightens up the entire mood.
Don't open your web browser.
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).
I usually write down some kind of a plan or to do list. Since you are losing focus, i guess you are focusing on something else rather than work. So plan the activities and stick to the schedule.
Sounds like you need some motivation. Well, you're in luck! Here's a nice motivational speech from the greatest actor who ever lived:
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
Listen to a podcast, if its truly boring work you should be able to do both at the same time
The cold water splashed on face trick works well for me, quick sudden boost of energy and wake up call. But as most others said, just getting up and getting a breath of fresh air does wonders.
Plug in some tunes.
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
Stop using a computer and write down your thoughts on paper for the Powerpoint.
Tea.
Leveraged Sellout got this one right.
Take pre-workout. N.O. Xplode will do the trick.
Look up something called the Pomodoro technique. It works well.
I usually just go to the nearest convenience store to buy potato chips and the likes.
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
Adderall
Natural ways to get in 'The Zone' & GTD (Originally Posted: 10/11/2013)
when i say 'the zone', i mean that period of 2-3 hours of flow above you're normal level where you REALLY bust out work with ease. no interruptions, no bullshit, just GTD time.
What are some tips you have for natural ways to get in the zone sans stimulants?
Lately i've been trying: 1) Something to sip on: Big mugs of green tea (yes it has caffeine but a quarter of the dose, though i hardly feel the effects of the caffein), plus water bottle.
2) Something to munch on: Cashews, sunflower seeds, rice cakes, trail mix, etc etc
3) Something to drown out external stimuli: Loud house/trance music from some DJs i follow on soundcloud, all non related applications/websites. Haven't gotten to the point where I need one of those programs to block my time on something non-related but could come in handy eventually.
4) No interruptions: Minimal bathroom breaks, nothing scheduled on calendar. Phone on silent. I'll still get interrupted by a coworker (i think letting ppl know ahead of time "hey guys i'm into workslay mode leave me f alone" is a little too douchey but i'm sure guys do it in some form or another)
5) Sticking with it: a) A timer w/ short intervals. This has been key, I put it at 90 minutes then 30 minutes after that and keep hitting snooze, usually pretty easy to get to 2.5-3hrs w/out a break.
b) promising something to someone by a certain hour - whether it's a project, instructions they need, etc - I'm big on sticking to commitments I make to someone so even though i want to check my fantasy team or take a walk around or get some air this keeps me motivated to stay on track.
Pre-reqs - not sleep deprived, not already overworked (can typically only do one, maybe two of these per day. Thre if something really has to get done,
Please add your thoughts, I'm always looking for ways to improve.
anyone who responds with a "you're a pussy, i'm always in the zone" - i hope you get hit by a long distance interstate freight train. the point of my post is to talk about increased levels from your base work level, not your base.
good read related to all this: http://blogs.hbr.org/2012/03/how-to-get-into-your-zone/
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.
I usually rub some oil on my tank top and change my tires to help me... get in the zone, da daaa da, autozone.
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...
discipline...even when you feel like it sucks and you're not working as quickly/efficiently as you can at your peak, you just do it
Can't concentrate for shit! (Originally Posted: 05/01/2014)
Got my final in two weeks - can't seem to get my head down and concentrate for prolonged periods. Anyone got any suggestions for study tips / schedule? Looking at 8 hours a day minimum really but really struggling to focus!
Adderall is a hell of a drug.
Adderall was more important to me during finals week than food and water
Just quit being a pussy and do it. Seriously. Just do your fucking work. You don't need a pill or a magical schedule.
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.
Get off of the internet.
Good music and a pair of noise cancelling headphones.
No Adderall (or anything similar) in Europe... Would love to try it once though. Any alternative?
cocaine?
Try Modafinil (Provigil)
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.
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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