Recommendations for better focus at work

There are activities - such as when you bet as a hobby - during which you completely forget the time. So you don't look at the clock or think about problems in the future or mistakes from the past. You live 100% in the now and focus entirely on what you are doing. That's why an exciting day with friends always goes by faster than a boring day in the office. This state of flow can also be achieved during work by focusing 100% on the actual task. The following tips can help.

Binaural beats or music

Binaural beats are melodies or sounds that help the brain focus. This creates a relaxed working atmosphere, and switching on the beat signals to the brain that it's time to start working. You can find a good selection of such sounds on Spotify or YouTube. Calm classical music or a specific sound, such as raindrops or the sound of the sea, is also helpful for concentration.

Minimize distractions

In most cases, the cell phone is the number one focus killer, which is why it is best not to be in the same room at work. If the cell phone is essential for work or availability is expected, you can switch off all unimportant notifications. Another distraction is the work device itself. A cluttered desktop, multiple open tabs, searching for passwords, and searching for documents or web pages can take a lot of focus and time. For maximum simplicity, you should create a workflow that allows you to work quickly, easily, and in a focused manner. Here are a few ideas:

• A clear one for folders and documents in Google Drive, which can be reached with a few clicks and does not have to search for documents.

• A tidy desktop (preferably done every evening).

• A password list with all the passwords for the most important tools.

• All tools are available as bookmarks with one click.

• Directly close unnecessary tabs in the browser for more focus.

• Turn off all programs that receive messages.

• Do not check emails in between (enough 1-2 times a day).

Tip: Of course it can happen that you have to do some research while working and get information from YouTube. In order not to be distracted here, you can install plugins that block further suggestions on YouTube and advertising (adblockers) on other sites.

A pleasant working environment

- Working from the home office

Keeping your home office tidy is just as important as keeping your laptop tidy. In the very best case, you have a separate room that you can set up as a study and don't do anything else in there. In addition to the tax deductibility, you are much more focused on your own study, as you deliberately only use this room for work. So the brain knows that nothing else happens in this room other than focused work. But even without a separate room, you can get a lot out of your workplace.

• A clean environment creates a better sense of well-being.

• Items that are used regularly (paper, hole punches, etc.) should be within reach but ideally out of sight.

• The room should have plenty of warm, natural light.

• Noise from outside should not enter the workplace.

• Plants or art promote relaxation and creativity.

Find your inner rhythm

At what times you work is, of course, up to you. However, it is the case that we are much more focused in the morning than in the afternoon. On the one hand, this is because our brain has received very little input and most people have other things to do than call or text. Wouldn't it also be a nice feeling if you had already completed the most important tasks of the day by 11:00 a.m.? It often happens that unforeseen things get in the way of an afternoon and you can't get your work done.

There are, of course, countless opinions and ways of organizing your day in order to be as productive as possible. Especially if you still have a main job, you should test for yourself what suits you best. For example, whether you work a bit in the morning hours before you go to the office or only in the evening after work.

But in the end, nothing helps if you don't feel comfortable with it. Why would you compulsively get up at 6:00 am when you've had a bad night's sleep and will only be tired all day? There is also no point in adapting your morning routine to that of a successful person if you have to force yourself into this routine over a longer period of time.

A major factor influencing wake time and productivity throughout the day is the quality of our sleep. The good thing is that you can significantly improve this with a few small routines in order to start the day fitter and earlier, e.g.:

• The rhythm is important. If possible, get up and go to bed at the same time every day (including weekends).

• It is best not to eat anything for 3–4 hours before going to bed. A cup of tea about two hours before going to sleep, on the other hand, provides relaxation.

• Sounds and lights from outside should be shielded as much as possible.

• Before going to bed, you should only be exposed to warm light, and it is best to switch screens to night mode.

Conclusion: Working from home

Working from home has many advantages, but also a lot that is unfamiliar. Suddenly you find yourself at work in the place where you usually spend your free time. However, a clear structure with fixed routines and an optimized workplace will make work easier, and you will be able to use your time much better.

In many professions, you have the opportunity to apply for a remote position and be able to work from anywhere in the world. This is basically a great alternative for anyone who wants to travel and work as quickly as possible or simply save themselves the trip to the office.

If you are looking for something new or want to set up your own business, you can do this from home without any problems. The many possibilities of the Internet offer the chance to build up a company and earn even more in the long term than in an employee relationship. All you need is some time away from your main job, a laptop, and a good internet connection.