5 Ways to Get Your Work Focus Back

Over the last year or so, people have either worked from home or in a hybrid model. This may have caused many people to lose some of the focus and productivity they had when they were at their office. With the California reopening, many people may find it hard to recapture their focus when transitioning back into an office work environment.

Focus, just like a muscle in the body, can weaken or be developed over time. Because many people may not have had the same focus remotely, they might have experienced some “focus atrophy”, Employee focus may need to be reconditioned to bring it back to the level it was before the pandemic. So, what do you do to get your focus back when returning back to the office?

Here are 5 ways to help build focus and recondition your mind:

1. Relax. Make sure you sit in a comfortable position and breathe deeply. Letting your body calm down helps you concentrate.
2. Positive Focus. Leave the bad attitude or “Wishing I was at home” thoughts at the door. Keep a positive focus and understand what is important and/or a priority for you at work.
3. Block Time. When reconditioning your mind to focus, it helps by setting blocks of time when you can concentrate on a single task or multiple tasks that are similar. This might entail hanging a do not disturb sign on your door or turning off email to avoid interruptions.
4. Unplug. Many people have been saturated with news and social media during the past year. Take time to log out of email and unplug from social media to give yourself enhanced focus. This could be 30 minutes before work or during set block times when you want your mind to be the sharpest.
5. Take Breaks. Get up and grab a cup of coffee or walk around the building to recharge. People who take short breaks perform better by giving their minds a chance to re-energize and regain focus.

The mind works like a muscle and needs to be conditioned to stay sharp and at peak performance. Using these 5 steps will enhance your muscle memory to keep you productive and focused as you transition back to an office work environment.