Anyone else out there feel like some days working from home are like riding the struggle bus hard? There’s a lot of days where I crush my list and can knock a lot of stuff off my list. And others, it feels like I can’t keep focused on any one thing. Hello, ADHD!  Having been diagnosed when I was young, I know this about myself and have learned a few tips and tricks that help me when my focus is lacking or nonexistent. Here are my top 4 tips for staying focused!

4 Tips for Staying Focused

Play Music or Have Background Noise

So, this one is super personal, as I know some people cannot have noise in the background. I generally do better with some music on or even a comfort tv show playing in the background. It allows me to  zone into what I need to. Otherwise, I’m hearing the dogs move and play, the kids footsteps, the furnace kicking on, and well, it all just distracts me. Light background noise drowns it all out and lets me focus.  I also use it as a way to set “timers” for myself (see the next tip!).

Set Timers

I LOVE timers. I use them for myself and my kids to help complete tasks! For me, sometimes it’s an actual timer on Alexa and other times it’s the end of Friends episode playing in the background. Once I consciously set a timer, I tell myself to focus for that set amount of time. Then, I use these end times to remind myself to get up, stretch, and drink some water.  Sometimes I even sneak in a load of laundry. Getting up and moving even just for a few minutes helps so much! We aren’t meant to just sit for five hours straight! Give your brain (and your eyes) a break.

Organize Yourself

I love my lists! Sometimes though, I found myself spending more time writing out lists than just doing the work. Using Trello to manage client work as well as my own business tasks is life changing!  I also utilize Google – the tasks and keep app are amazing and sync to the google calendar. It is all integrated and I can easily look and see what needs to be done. This also saves  A LOT of paper.  

I used to be a paper planner girlie all the way, but over the last year, I have converted to fully digital, and I have to say, I think everything runs more smoothly.  

Another item I recently purchased that has transformed my organization in both business and life is the Skylight calendar! This thing is worth every penny. This household command center has everything, and the app on my phone allows me to access it everywhere. I always know what blogs are due, when my doctors appointments are, and where the next baseball game is at! The best part, it automatically syncs with my work google calendar so I don’t have to do anything. This has replaced all my old systems and has helped me be more organized and intentional. It has also helped my family always know what’s going on without needing to ask me – now that’s a win-win!

Everyone organizes differently, but finding a system that works for you is imperative.    

Move Your Body

This is my go-to hack when my focus is really not there. I love working out and it is always my “reset button”. I don’t have a set workout time everyday, though it usually happens right before lunch or later in the afternoon around 3, which is typically when I start to lose steam. When I find myself unable to sit still or focus on a task, I know it’s time to move. 

I either head to my basement home gym, or if I’ve already worked out, I get my walking pad out and walk while I work. It is crazy how much movement helps my brain to refocus. I always come back ready to knock out a few more items and finish out my to-do list strong. 

Bonus Tip:

Reward yourself for a job well done! I love treating myself to a few pieces of dark chocolate, one of my homemade, special coffee drinks, or a limoncello La Croix! Knowing I’m getting a small reward motivates me to keep going!    

As a business owner, I need to stay focused to finish all my client tasks. These tips help me on the days where my attention span is 0 and everything is distracting me. However, what helps you might look different. I just know from years of struggling with my focus and often feeling like a failure, I just had to learn what works for me. 

Ready to start outsourcing? Whether it’s blogging or other business tasks like Pinterest management, I’m here to help you take that first step. Let me free up your time so you can focus on what matters most to you! Inquire and book your call today!