In our current do it all, multi-tasking society, it’s not easy to stay on task. Even when you’re trying your hardest to get something done, emails are popping up, your phone in dinging, and the TV is giving you more news than you can possibly digest. So how do you stay focused and accomplish the important tasks? Here are a few ways to make things happen, despite what is going on around you.
1. Set a timer for 10-30 minutes. Setting a timer not only allows you to understand how long you are 
going to sit down and work for, it allows you to maintain focus and even find a little competitiveness in your tasks. Just as you wouldn’t get on a treadmill without having a goal, don’t work without a goal. If you’re still focused and productive after the timer goes off, you can reset it. However, meeting small goals is a great way to maintain motivation. I love the Time Timer because it gives you a visual representation of your remaining time in addition to the traditional countdown.
2. Reward yourself. Whenever the timer goes off or you reach a mini goal, give yourself a reward. It might be a few minutes browsing social media or it could be a cup of coffee. Just changing your scenery, moving your body and letting your mind rest can make getting back to the task at hand easier and more tolerable.
3. Move it. Stretching and moving your body are not only good for your body, they improve blood flow to your brain. Just a few minutes every hour moving around can combat stiffness, eye fatigue and competitive muscle strains.
4. Clear the clutter. If you’re sitting a desk with piles of papers or working on a room that is filled with stuff, it’s impossible to focus. If possible, work in a space that’s clear from clutter. I find stuff builds up on my desk as the day goes on. Spending five minutes every hour putting things away gets me moving AND it clears the stuff away.
Pro tip: Use lemon essential oils to boost productivity. You can also play music, light a candle or open a window…whatever works for you!
