How about trying exploring new ways to get into your focus zone? I’ve brainstormed all the ways that help me.
Maybe some of them are new to you, are you have your own tried and true ways to sink intoa thought fest.
I would make a suggestion that there are other factors that have to be in place for these factors to work. For example, turning off your phone or putting on silent to avoid getting interrupted.
If you are on alert or expecting a phone call, your brain will always have one ear listening. Sinking into the focus zone will become impossible. Put a sign up if necessary, or work in a location that people don’t know you, and clear clutter from your desk.
1. Hum!
When I have to shove myself into the focus zone fast, I resort to humming. Omg, this helps me so much! If you’ve never thought to try this, you might be surprised at how effective it is!
2. Play Focus-Enhancing Music
Drop into the focus zone fast with the right music or sounds. I created an entire article with music/sound suggestions.
Music types include classical music, mellow music, or instrumental music with no distracting lyrics. Or use special sounds created for focusing, like binaural beats, a sound machine, white noise, fan running.
3. Choose the Right Food/Medication
Going for fun food, wine/drink, coffee (your own personal charcuterie board) can make an unpleasant task more fun. Just thinking about it gets me pumped for my project.
There are many teas that calm and sooth, creating the focus moods. Choose from Camomile tea promotes relaxation and sleep, lavender tea has a soothing aroma and stress-reducing effects, peppermint tea can ease tension, lemon balm reduces anxiety and promotes calm, ashwagandha tea reduces stress.
There are certain herbal supplements that can take the brain down a notch. I call them “chill pills”. This is a separate conversation from your ongoing medication (you will have to check with your doctor if they can be taken at the same time).
One product you can buy easily from a natural foods store or on Amazon is Stress-Relax Chewable Suntheanine L-Theanine I use it occassionaly to calm my mind down a bit, like when those ruminating thoughts come!
Some people choose a caffeine drink to sharpen their focus. That was the very first trick I learned about decades ago. I’ve been drinking coffee ever since! Treating yourself to a special coffee from your favorite coffee shop is a little happy brain break.
4. Pick the Right Environment
Set up a focus room or space that is always ready to hop in and sit down at anytime, signaling to your brain “work is done here!” I acquired a small, upholstered rocker and put it in an extra bedroom. I eagerly look forward to sitting in it in the early morning a.m. when I am planning my day.
Shift your work time to late at night or early in the morning. Knowing that the rest of the world is at rest assures our brain we have the uninterrupted space we need to focus quickly. For me, I get the library silence my brain requires for deep thinking.
Or move to public places your brain likes: libraries, study rooms, or quiet cafes. These can be opportunities to share moments of quiet time with others.
5. Set the Right Conditions
Go for ambience that gives the feel of body doubling like ASMR, quiet talking, people typing, or sounds of paper shuffling. You can find all of these videos on platforms like Youtube.
Wear clothes that make you think better: scarf around neck, tactile sensation, hat on head Maybe you have your favorite writing sweatshirt. The brain wants what the brain wants!
Place one-word or one-sentence messages in your workspace (“Get this done!) to lasso your brain back in, like your own little shift manager.
Deadlines bring out the focus in us – use a timer to create a sense of urgency. Ultimately, these little workspace helpers might be all you need to tell your brain it’s time to focus.
6. Trade One Task for Another
In the world of procrastination, this is called, “the lesser of two evils”. Opting to do the task that is least distasteful first seems to work for me.
Also consider doing a different kind of task first. Calm your mind with an activity such as cleaning your house. You might find it monotonous, and your mind slowly relaxing.
This is the same way with scribbling/doodling to relax your mind to “prep” getting into the focus zone for the real project.
7. Breathing: the 10-Second Focus Trick
A simple breathing technique called Box Breathing can instantly sharpen your focus. Try this:
- Inhale deeply for 4 seconds
- Hold your breath for 4 seconds
- Exhale slowly for 4 seconds
- Hold again for 4 seconds
Repeat this cycle a few times, and you’ll feel your brain snap into focus.
8. Move, Stand Up and Stretch, Take a Break
A quick walk or light exercise boosts dopamine and oxygen levels, priming your brain for focus. Opt for a walk in nature to really boost your focus-readiness.
Sitting for long periods slows circulation, reducing oxygen to the brain. A quick stretch can re-energize you instantly.
Or follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds to prevent digital eye strain and mental fatigue.
9. Smell Peppermint or Rosemary
Certain scents, like peppermint and rosemary, are known to enhance cognitive function and wake up the brain.
Shop for essential oils for focus and concentration. Just pop off the lid and take a brief sniff.
If this doesn’t appeal to you, grab a container of Play-Dough. Peeling off the lid and anticipating that favorite smell from childhood can do many exciting things for the brain. Play Dough stimulates the brain, primarily by strengthening neural pathways and improving sensory awareness.
10. Shock your system
Splash cold water on your face. If you have ruminating thoughts triggered by RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria) try lemon juice on the tongue to disrupt those thoughts.
Cold water activates the vagus nerve, which wakes up your brain and improves concentration.
Conclusion
There you have it! There are plenty of strategies you can do now to focus faster! Good luck with that project!
