Women often find themselves juggling a wide range of tasks and responsibilities every day. In many cases, that can pull focus away from the job at hand, making it more difficult for them to advance in their careers. Sound all too familiar? If you’re ready to shift your focus back to work, try these six key tips.
1. Find the Schedule That Works for You
Whether you’re a mom with kids who need to be dropped off every morning and picked up in the afternoon or you have a busy hobby schedule, there are plenty of things that demand your time and energy every day. Finding the right schedule can take some of the pressure off! Take a look at your schedule and figure out what time you need to devote to your job. This is especially important if you’re working from home or freelancing, which can leave you struggling to focus on work due to all the other demands around you.
2. Use Focused Blocks of Time
The Pomodoro Technique breaks down your workday into focused blocks of time–usually twenty-five minutes focused on your task, followed by a five-minute break. After four work segments, or generally after around two hours, take a longer break. This simple strategy can help your brain focus and keep you moving.
3. Get the Optimal Amount of Sleep
Pay attention to your body and your specific needs. While most adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night, keep in mind that you could be on the outside of that range–and it’s important to schedule your sleep accordingly! Make sure you’re getting adequate rest at night so that your brain is prepared to face whatever you might throw at it through the day. If you’re not getting enough sleep at night, think about replacing your mattress or pillow so you can receive enough rest.
4. Break Down Your To-Do List
Write out a list of all the things that you have to accomplish. Then, break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. When you have large, challenging items on your list, it can be difficult to block out the time you need to take them on. When you break them down into smaller segments, however, they can feel much more manageable.
5. Keep a Paper and Pen Handy
Speaking of to-do lists, learn to keep a pen and paper handy so that you can jot down future things that you need to take care of when they occur to you. Simply writing them down can help take some of the pressure off and make it easier for you to remember them.
6. Schedule Tough Work Items Earlier in the Day
Most people find that it’s easier to tackle tough work items early in the day, when they have more energy and focus Not only that, taking care of those tough items early can provide you with a sense of accomplishment that makes it easier to dive in and tackle the next thing.
Staying focused at work is tough, especially as a busy woman with a lot on your mind. By incorporating these strategies, however, you’ll find that you’re much better prepared to take on whatever may come your way.