New research has revealed we’re only focused 25% of the time. Time to stop watching LOL cat videos and do some work! Easier said than done? We’ve got some expert tips on how to knuckle down.
- TAKE A BREAK
A new study in the Journal of Applied Psychology revealed that the best time to take a breather is mid-morning if you want to be more efficient all day. “Set a reminder to put the kettle on with a colleague or go out and get some fresh air,” advises life coach Sally Ann Law.
- TURN OFF
After YouTube, emails could be the greatest procrastination tool known to man with Loughborough University research indicating the average UK worker checks them 36 times an hour. “Set emails to arrive once every 60 minutes and aim to deal with them in a five-minute window at that point,” suggests the founder of The Real Life Coaching Company, Carole Anne Rice.
- GO GREEN
We all know that getting into the great outdoors can do you good but research from the University of Melbourne has revealed that simulating it, by looking at nature scenes on your computer screen for example, for just 40 seconds can also boost concentration levels. Time to Google that countryside panorama.
- EARLY TO BED
Been a bit of a night owl recently? Research published in the Journal of Applied Psychology shows that for every hour of sleep lost, online procrastination levels of ‘cyberloafing’ increase by 20%. Translation? You’ll be spending a lot more time liking fitspo mantras on Instagram.
- TO DO OR NOT TO DO
“Always write your to-do list for the next day as your last task before you leave,” says Law, “That way you can review how the day went, get clear what’s on the horizon for the next day and then enjoy your evening.” The next morning spend five minutes setting a brief time-frame for how you’ll get those tasks done. Word to the wise: get the hardest tasks done before lunch when your concentration is at its highest.
–
Who are we? We’re Urban Massage – on a mission to make wellness rituals convenient and accessible without compromising on quality. So from just £49 an hour, you can enjoy a range of massages from an expert therapist at a time to suit you. Download the app or go to urbanmassage.com to book 60 minutes of restorative me time.