The average human has an eight-second attention span, which is even less than the attention span of a goldfish. In fact, you became distracted twice while reading this first paragraph. One reason why our attention span is so low is due to the digital connectedness and the fact that we have brains constantly seeking what is new and exciting.

Welcome back; did you look out the window, check your Facebook status or chat with the guy at the neighboring workstation? You see, we get distracted all of the time because there are so many things that distract us. It’s instinctual you know, man was not made to be stuck at a desk all day doing silly tasks. We have an instinct where we need to focus on what is moving around us, it is a skill that has kept us alive for thousands of years.

Basically, when we are trying desperately to focus on reading that report or writing that email, we are fighting our natural instincts to be focused on everything else around us but the computer monitor. Because, you know that monitor poses to threat to you, but whoever is walking by wearing the squeaky shoes could be plotting to kill you.

So just what can you do when you really need to focus on something long enough to get it done? Shred Monkeys, your mobile shredding services in Orlando, offer ways in which you can stay better focused at work.

Unplug for a Bit

If you really need to get that report read or write an email, make sure you are logged out of any websites that will distract you. In addition to freeing yourself from Facebook, you should also nix any other email accounts you might have open and all chats you are in. You can pretty much predict that leaving a chat window open will lead to a distraction when it starts blinking at you.

 

Check the Thermostat

If the environment you are in is too hot, you will be distracted. If the environment you are in is too cold, you will be distracted. In fact, Goldilocks, unless the environment is just right, you won’t be getting much accomplished. Except, of course, maybe a lot of complaining about it being too hot or too cold.

Get Coffee

Coffee not only helps you wake up, but it helps you focus better as well. Don’t take our word for it, there have been studies that show this to be true. One study showed that while the caffeine in coffee does not improve memory performance or learning, it does increase physiological arousal, which makes you less apt to be distracted.

Kick Out the Jams

Too much background music or music that is too loud can be very distracting. But studies have shown that playing music helps you to focus better on your own thoughts. But there is a catch, you must be playing music that you like, even if it is death metal.

Take Breaks

While you are working your way through a task, you will become distracted at some point, it is just inevitable. But rather than succumbing to that distracting, build it into a part of your day. That is, when you feel like a distraction is coming on, take a break. Even several short breaks while performing a short task are better than becoming distracted.

Another great way you can keep yourself from becoming distracted is by making a phone call when you start to stare off into space. In fact, as you are becoming distracted right now, stop and give Shred Monkeys a call and set up an appointment for them to come and shred those documents.