Healthy Living

4 Everyday Issues That Can Affect Focus and Performance

turned on Focus signage

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There are plenty of examples of focus being the key to success, yet achieving – and maintaining – your focus is easier said than done. Often, it is not a single issue that affects your focus, and whether you’re at work, exercising, or even trying to relax and catch up on your favorite TV show, it can have a severe impact on your life. Here are some everyday issues that will affect your focus and performance. 

A Cluttered Workspace 

A cluttered workspace means you are unable to truly focus on the task at hand, and this is especially true when working from home surrounded by distractions, whether it’s other people, dirty dishes, or the TV that you told yourself is only background noise. Decluttering your workspace will allow you to focus solely on what is in front of you, and this allows you to complete your tasks without interruption. While it might seem like a lot to do, tidying up can clear your mind. You won’t worry about needing to do it later – and then putting it off – and you will enjoy a calmer, more productive space.

Taking On Too Much At Once 

Another common problem is trying to do too much at once. This relates to work, especially if you are a freelancer or even if you struggle to say no to your manager’s work requests. Rather than focus on one thing, there are multiple projects you need to finish, and this can affect your mental health as you worry that you won’t be able to meet deadlines. While you have good intentions when accepting client work, you end up disappointing them if you do not deliver the projects on time. This affects your reputation and could damage your career. 

A Lack of Sleep 

Going to bed and waking up early may make you feel like you get more done each day, but this will affect your performance and focus eventually. While some successful people pride themselves on getting four hours of sleep, this is not for everyone, and it can severely impact your work and activities. It’s not something that you will notice immediately, but the lack of sleep can impact your wellbeing. You will wake up each day feeling groggy, meaning it takes longer to get going. Even if you overcome your tiredness with strong coffee, the lack of sleep will catch up with you. 

Poor Posture 

If you spend all day at a desk, you need to make sure you sit correctly to reduce pressure on your neck, shoulders, and back. Slumping in your chair can impact your focus and even cause migraines and other issues that make it impossible to focus. You can overcome this by investing in comfortable office furniture such as adjustable desks, chairs with back support, and monitor stands. You can also speak to Chiropractors to treat severe posture problems, allowing you to feel more relaxed and efficient at your desk. 

Seeing Clearly 

Many issues can affect your focus which will have a direct impact on your performance. If you can recognize which common problems are the cause, you can take steps towards changing them, enabling you to stay on task and ensure you reach your potential, whether in your professional or personal life. 

Karla Urwitz
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