Have you started losing an inordinate amount of time from life distracting you from what you need to get done? You don’t have to just learn to live with that scattered feeling. Courtesy of Entrepreneur, here are some solid strategies for not allowing yourself to be overwhelmed by office distractions.

Block Out the Noise

A simple thing you can do is block distractions physically. Close your office door, go work in a more private part of the building if you can, or even just wear headphones.

Set Main Goals

You might have so much you need to get done that you don’t even know where to start. Instead of doing a little of everything, break it down into a few specific tasks you want to get done each day.

Make Deadlines

Sometimes not having a deadline creates too little pressure and you procrastinate. Even if you don’t have an official deadline, try making one for yourself on your assignments to ensure you make progress.

Look for a Challenge

It could be that you are facing office distractions simply because your work is too simple for you. It could help you career-wise and in regards to staying on task if you sought out something that required more focus.

Set a Timer

Everyone needs mental breaks during the day, but it might help to structure them. You can set a timer for a half-hour where you are to focus totally on your assignment, then take two minutes to relax before starting a new timer.

Don’t Let Your Mind Wander

You can likely recognize that certain trains of thought distract you more than others. If you know that a mental path is unproductive or upsetting, do not allow yourself to indulge in it. Rather than ruminate, start doing something that requires your full attention.

Relax

Maybe you are so distracted because you are just constantly feeling overwhelmed and not taking care of yourself. Check to see if you are getting enough sleep, if you are neglecting proper meals or other stressors that will hurt your ability to focus.

The first step to reclaiming your time is recognizing where it is not being utilized well, and what you can do to change that.

For more detail on how to utilize any of these methods, you can read more from Entrepreneur by clicking here.

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The University offers over 200 accredited and career-relevant degree and certificate programs in flexible online and hybrid formats designed to accommodate adults of all ages who work full- or part-time or juggle demanding career, family, and personal schedules.

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Here are other ways to “distract-proof” your mind.