Distractions

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Distractions come in all shapes, sizes and sounds. External distractions include things like noise, people talking, TV, music, phone alerts, and anything else that diverts your attention from the task at hand. Internal distractions like hunger, fatigue, illness, stress, worries, other concentrations as much as external distractions. Distractions are everywhere. And with the always-on technologies of today they take a heavy toll on productivity...

Distractions are not just frustrating; they can be exhausting. By the time you get back to where you were, your ability to stay focused goes down even further as you have even less energy to continue.

Distraction-management techniques:

One of the most effective technique in managing distractions is to switch off all communication devices during any thinking work. Your brain prefers to focus on things right in front of you. Blocking out external distractions altogether, especially if you get a lot of them, seems to be one of the best strategies for improving mental performance.

Other tips:

• Evaluate your study or working location
• Identify your distractions whether they are external or internal
• Schedule your break periods
• Put away obvious distractions
• Use rewards to motivate yourself.