focus productivity

FOCUS TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY 

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Practice Single-Tasking 

Did you know that multi-tasking is a myth and that it actually slows us down when getting things done?  Science says that multitasking — the art of doing multiple things at once — is nearly impossible. When you multitask, your brain switches between each task very rapidly to the point that you feel as though you are doing tasks simultaneously.  However, each time you switch gears you have to take time to stop one task and start another.  This time we spend starting and stopping tasks adds up, making us less efficient.   

Our brains are designed to focus on one thing at a time! 

How to Focus on a Single Task 

Focus on one task at a time by using the Pomodoro Technique.   

  1. Choose a task that you would like to get done. 
  2. Set a timer for 25 minutes 
  3. Work on the chosen task for 25 minutes.  If you think of other things you need to do, jot them down on a piece of paper and return to your task. 
  4. When the timer goes off, set your timer for a 5-minute break.  You could make some tea, listen to a favorite song, or stretch!   
  5. After 5 minutes, it’s time to start another “Pomodoro”, aka another 25-minute focus session. 
  6. After 4 Pomodoros, take a longer break.   

Block Out Distractions 

Many times, our phones and computers can be very distracting. Technology is designed to keep us hooked!  Fortunately, there is an app for that.   

  • Freedom- Blocks both websites and apps on all your devices simultaneously. 
  • Cold Turkey Blocker- This one doesn’t allow you the cheat the website blocking by switching browsers. 
  • Forest- For the nature lover in you!  When you use the app to set a focus timer, you plant a tree.  The tree will grow while you work, but if you leave the app before the timer goes off it will die. 

Reference 

Charron, S., & Koechlin, E. (2010, April 16). Divided Representation of Concurrent Goals in the Human Frontal Lobes. Retrieved from https://science.sciencemag.org/content/328/5976/360 

Cold Turkey Blocker. (n.d.). Retrieved December 17, 2020, from https://getcoldturkey.com/ 

Do more and have fun with time management. (n.d.). Retrieved December 17, 2020, from https://francescocirillo.com/

Freedom.to. (n.d.). Internet, App and Website Blocker. Retrieved December 17, 2020, from https://freedom.to/ 

Stay focused, be present. (n.d.). Retrieved December 17, 2020, from https://www.forestapp.cc/