Working for long hours nowadays takes more than just your physical presence; it requires your concentration, too. In particular, some types of work will require intense brainpower and focus not previously needed in historical occupations. Here are some ways to engage in deep work.
Take Care of Your Brain
At the core of your deep work is your ever-important brain. This organ has very specific needs:
- Nutrients
- Blood flow
- Sleep
- Social interactions
- Novel experiences
- A positive environment
- Constant breaks
All of these things contribute to brain health and function. It also may interest you to take a CoQ10 supplement to support normal brain function.
Avoid Distractions
The world has plenty of time drains waiting for you, should you become distracted from your work. From the notifications on your smartphone to the call of cat videos on YouTube, you can find distractions in every corner of your life. Do your best to avoid distractions that can soak up your valuable time.
Here are some ways to reduce the impact of distractions in your work life:
Put Away Your Smartphone
Your smartphone may be the number one distraction in the increasingly digital world. Notifications, chat messages, and video games are all ready to suck in your attention. Put away your smartphone where you cannot see it, such as in another room or in a dark drawer.
Step Away From TV and Streams
The boob tube offers hours of endless entertainment by just staring at the television screen. Unfortunately, this detracts from your work life and should be minimized.
Refrain From Socializing
Social settings are great when it’s time to get away from the job, but socializing during work hours can be the biggest draw on your time. Laughing with family members, roommates, or coworkers can seem harmless, but those hours add up, and before you know it, the entire day has passed you by.
Block Out Noise
External noises can make you jump out of your seat, feeling rather annoyed, or break your concentration. Optimally, you could find a place free from harsh noises that may distract you from your work. Realistically, it’s better to put on a pair of noise-canceling headphones and play your favorite music that can help elicit your productive side.
Eat a Full Meal
It can be difficult to concentrate on your tasks with a rumbling stomach wearing you down. A fully satiated appetite will not feel the urge to distract you, especially if you’re going to be in the vicinity of restaurants or coffee shops that have the tendency to emit fragrant aromas.
Clear Out Your Desk Area
Make deep work a priority by removing anything that can distract you away from your desk area. Give yourself plenty of arm and leg room so you can feel less claustrophobic.
Put Away the Toys
Your favorite toys are very good at taking you away from your duties. Keep your toys away from your professional area to maximize your potential for completing assignments.
The above tips will help you keep distractions to a minimum.
Work in Blocks of Time
When you block out your time for specific tasks, you allow yourself to get into full work mode where you can exercise your productive muscles. Blocking out your time frees you from other obligations and gives you the chance to complete the work within a defined time limit.
Work on One Thing at a Time
Deep work is all about getting deep into the work in front of you, not dealing with the mundane tasks surrounding you. Zero in on the most important thing on your to-do list for the day and knock it out in one sitting.
Develop Efficient Habits
You can make your life easier by developing habits that add to your ability to do deep work. Try to automate recurring tasks such as picking out your clothes, the type of breakfast you eat, or your morning ritual.
Deep work is increasingly important in today’s intense work environment. Take advantage of the tips above to get the most work done in your life.