Improve focus to get things done effectively
As far as I’ve heard last, there wasn’t a single soul I spoke to who didn’t wish to focus better in everyday chores. As a developer myself, I struggled with keeping focusing as I had gotten used to the habit of being glued to the computer for hours and ended up with chronic stress. When this kinda routine didn’t prove effective, I got demotivated and cursed my ability to program. This habit got so worse that it led to anxiety and stress disorders.
Coming from India, I always heard my teachers, parents, relatives, neighbors- like the entire world tried telling me to start meditating ever since childhood. But as most kids I took their advice for granted and doubted its effectiveness. I believe I was skeptical but I didn’t last long enough for it to work.
Understanding the Brain
Brain is the only organ which consumes 10 times more energy in weight than any other part of human body. Context switching drains a lot of energy to constantly load and reload information every time one switches to a new task. Every distraction could be expensive if one loses focus from the old task even for a split second. To focus better the brain needs to be in a relaxed state of mind. More often you would’ve heard developers mention that they don’t want to switch tasks for the same reason.
To understand how to have undivided focus and get the task done efficiently, one needs to understand how the brain processes information. The easiest way to process information or access memory is to first store the information in small chunks and revise the content every now and then. Therefore, next time when you access that information it can be easily traced back by the brain and this state is what is called the ‘Focus mode’.
The state of focus when you are capable of multitasking like listening to music or a podcast and cook or workout that doesn’t require absolute focus is called the ‘Diffuse mode’. In the ‘Diffuse mode’ the thoughts drift away to another or hit a dead end and mostly unable to trace their path back.
The productive way suggested by neurologists to get things done effectively is to be able to work in the Focus and Diffuse mode intermittently. There are a few techniques I read and tried to follow to improve focus for a couple of years now. Focusing just like any other skill can be improved and gets better with time.
Pomodoro Technique
Pomodoro is one of the most recommended technique and has proven highly beneficial especially among creatives. Pomodoro suggests every time you have to accomplish a heavy computing or a brain draining task break them down to periods of 25 to 45 minutes based on how intensive they are. Take breaks between focused periods say from 5 to 15 minutes. During these breaks do not do anything brain intense activity so you can switch off and hit the Diffuse mode to rest.
Meditation
Though meditation is the new talk of the town in the West, it has proven effective for ages to improve focus. Definitely unfathomable how a simple chore of sitting in silence can be intimidating. I find the best time to sit in silence is when I wake up though meditating multiple times a day for even a few minutes could prove quite beneficial.Take a Nap
During sleep our brains get rid of the unwanted memory and stores some important ones that have emotions attached to it in the long term. It also washes away the toxins during the sleep hours so one can wake up fresh. A quick nap at 4pm in the nap room or on the couch at work can recharge your brains immediately for new challenges. This is one of the methods creatives and scientists used to have new ideas and be productive. A well rested and happy brain is the one capable of utmost focus. So, if you find someone sitting on your shoulders leave the room and find a spot that is away from distractions.
Exercise
Going for a quick run or hitting the gym is the best use of a break if you are de-energized by the end of the day. A quick burst workout is quite effective as it floods the blood streams with happy hormones which are required to enable better concentration.
If hitting the gym is not an option for you sitting in your chair and doing some breathing exercises, also called as ‘Pranayamas’ can immediately have a similar effect. You will be surprised how breathing deeply and in different ways can flush your brain with good hormones and let’s you de-stress instantly.
Find a place to focus
As much as it is underestimated when you set a time and a place to get a task done it’s easier to focus. The purpose of going to a cafe and finishing a piece of work provides an intent to focus on completing the task without distractions. Not only that, new environments help you look at things with new perspectives and can help accomplish a task more effectively.
Do you think you have any tips I have left out? Leave a comment.
