Have you ever had trouble concentrating on one task when there are other, more distracting tasks around? For example, maybe you’re working at your computer and need to concentrate on an assignment, but there’s music playing in the background and you have the television on in another room. Instead of getting the work done, you end up surfing the web or sending out social media updates and letting your mind wander from what you were supposed to be doing. If so, read this article for some tips on how to block out background noise and concentrate.
Use Music
Listening to music can be a great way of blocking out background noise. Try listening to classical music or any type of music that helps you focus on the task at hand. Consider turning off your cell phone so that it does not disturb you. Use ear plugs: Ear plugs are another tool for getting rid of distracting sounds around you. Consider wearing them if there is too much noise going on, such as in a crowded place or if someone nearby is talking loudly. Use office supplies: Using office supplies like pens, highlighters, whiteboards, markers, scissors, etc., will help keep your hands busy while your mind is focused elsewhere.
Focus on a Particular Task
It’s hard to concentrate on a task when there are other things going on in the background. To avoid this problem, try focusing your attention on one thing at a time and shutting out everything else. For instance, if you are trying to read a textbook for an exam, focus solely on reading without thinking about anything else.
Take Note of Your Surroundings
Before you can learn how to block out background noise, it’s important to first take note of your surroundings. What do you see? What do you smell? Are you near any loud noises or people? Do these things impact the way you think, feel, or act in any way? If so, then they may be affecting the quality of your work. One easy way to remedy this is by sitting in a quieter area, or by turning off any distracting sounds. Another helpful tip is ear plugs! While some people find them too uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time, others find that wearing them for short periods helps them focus on their work much better.
Try Not To Multitask
One of the most common strategies for staying focused on a task is to try not to multitask. Multitasking can be done in different ways, but one of the most common is dividing your attention between two or more tasks. Research has shown that multitasking can lead to poor performance on all tasks, a decline in productivity, increased stress levels, and an increased risk for accidents. It’s better if you work on one task at a time- preferably your priority task- until it is completed.
