5 Simple Ways to Fix Lack of Focus

What do you do when you can’t seem to get a handle on the day?  Do you scream, retreat or worse?

Life can be messy, we get it.  Even when everything should go right, sometimes obstacles get in our way.  It’s even more challenging when those obstacles are in our head--causing you to lose focus.  

If you are having problems retaining focus, here are 3 simple ways you can take action:

1. Hydrate & Eat

Hunger and thirst can easily distract you from your goal.  It seems simple, but ask yourself if you have ever ignored your stomach growling to ‘finish’ a task.  Although, you aren’t finishing anything, you’re only making it harder for you to focus!  Take a break and recharge!

Healthy Snack Options:

• Almond butter & banana.  Almond butter is a great source of protein and bananas contain potassium and antioxidants.  This snack will satisfy your hunger to help your get back on track.  
• Berries / fruits. The natural sugar in fruit will give you an energy boost while taking care of your hunger.  
• Water!  Neglecting your water intake can actually make you feel drowsy throughout the day. Keep a large water bottle by your desk and keep filling it up! 

2. Ring a Bell

You don’t have to ring an actual bell, but often a distinct noise or sound can help you press the reset button in your head.  If you find your mind starting to wander:

•  Tap the table 
•  Snap your fingers
•  Ring a bell
•  Play fast paced music

Try sounding this audio reset button 2 to 5 times in a row.   It will help you declutter your thoughts in a snap!  

3. Move & Stretch

We often experience lack of focus when our energy levels are low.  The best way to combat this phenomenon  is to get your blood circulating.  Take 30 seconds to 1 minute to move your arms, neck, legs and to stretch your back.

Here are 3 quick & easy stretches for you to try:

Neck Stretch

Take your right hand and grab the top of the left-side of your head.  Very gently, guide your head towards your right shoulder.

Neck & Chest Stretch

Support your neck with both of your hands (pointing to your elbows to the sky).  Gently lift your head upwards and expand your chest, while squeezing your back muscles.

Palm Press

Interlock your fingers and turn your hands until your palms are facing out.  You can stretch forward, to the side, or straight up.  You’ll feel this stretch in your arms and your shoulders.

4. Get More Sleep

Did you know that lack of sleep can have a similar effect on brain function as being intoxicated?  It’s true!  When you don’t rest your brain, it results in foggy decision making and lack of focus.  Try getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night.  

If your are finding it hard to settle down in the evening, create a night time ritual for yourself.  Perform the same actions each night before it’s time to go to bed.  For example, pick your clothes for the next day, wash your face, put your PJ’s on and go lay down.  Over time, this will trigger your body that it’s time to get to start winding down when you start picking out clothes for the following day.  

5. Clean Up

Our environment affects our reality and our mental state of mind!  If your workspace or general environment is messy and unorganized, then most likely, your thoughts will be also.  

Take a break and get organized!  As you begin clearing out the clutter, you will begin to feel an enhanced peace of mind and focus.  

Here’s a quick tip to avoid the guesswork:  

Create a junk drawer or cabinet.  This is your one space that can be unorganized.  If you have items that you don’t quite know what to do with, throw them into your junk drawer!  The great thing about drawers (and cabinets) are that they can be closed--keeping them out of view and preventing them from cluttering your space.

When life gets a bit chaotic use this tips to help you snap out of it.  And, if you are experiencing lack of focus due to stress, then don’t forget to breathe.  There are only so many hours in a day.  You should strive to maximize each day, but when you simply can’t do it all, be kind to yourself and celebrate what you were able to accomplish.