How Your Environment Shapes Your Productivity
From a cluttered desk to a noisy background, it can sometimes feel impossible to stay focused and productive. The good news is it's not always your fault, and there are easy ways to fix it. If you’ve been struggling to get things done, it might be time to take a closer look at your workspace and how you can make it support your focus—not derail it. Here are 10 ways your environment can hurt your concentration and 10 changes that help make it easier to stay on task.
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1. Cluttered Desk
If you have too many items surrounding your workspace, you're more likely to get distracted and be less productive. Your focus may constantly drift, or you might feel the need to tidy up or reorganize your desk. When too many things are competing for your attention, you're not as likely to get things done.
2. Background Noise
Whether it's your family or roommates chatting in the back, or the constant din of other customers at a coffee shop, outside chatter can make it difficult to concentrate on your tasks at hand. Plus, all the extra noise will only stress your brain out further.
3. Distracting Devices
Have your phone nearby? Good luck getting anything done. When you have distracting devices within arm's reach, you're more likely to, well, reach for them whenever your focus drifts. Suddenly, a five-minute break becomes a 20-minute disruption in your workflow, and you'll find it harder to get back on track.
4. Uncomfortable Seating
If you're sitting in a not-so-comfortable chair, you're more likely to lose focus and be less productive. Why? Simply because physical discomfort can be distracting, and will make you spend more time squirming in your seat than actually working.
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5. Temperature Swings
If you're working in a room that's too warm or cold, you'll also feel less focused and be less productive. Research shows that your brain works best at temperatures around 70–72°F (21–22°C). Anything outside that range will leave you uncomfortable and distracted.
6. Constant Interruptions
Just like background noise and distracting devices, constant interruptions can also derail your focus and productivity. Maybe your phone won't stop pinging with notifications; maybe a friend pops in to say hi. Whatever it is, once something breaks your concentration, you'll find it harder to start your task again.
7. Bad Lighting
Poor lighting can also hurt your focus. When a room is too bright or too dim, your eyes will need to squint to adjust, which can cause eye strain and headaches. And, depending on the environment, it might even make you too sleepy to do your work.
8. Cluttered Screen
It's not just a cluttered desk that can negatively affect your productivity levels—a cluttered screen can also make you lose your focus. If you have too many windows, tabs, and applications open, not only will your computer run slower, but you'll also find it harder to concentrate on the task at hand.
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9. Bad Environment
It's important to choose a good environment to do your work in; if your go-to work station is your bedroom or your couch, you're doing it wrong. Since these spots are where you sleep or do other activities that don't require continuous focus, your brain will get confused and may work against you.
10. No Outdoor View
Your workstation shouldn't feel like a prison. If you've caged yourself in a room with no outdoor view, you might be deliberately hindering your productivity—and creativity—levels. Make sure to get some nature and greenery in, whether by moving your workspace or adding a few potted plants.
Wondering what you can do to make your environment support your focus? Read on for 10 changes that can help:
1. Declutter Your Workspace
An easy way to rewire your brain to be more productive is to declutter your workspace. Throw out any wrappers, loose papers, or miscellaneous items you don't need, and reorganize any files if they're out of place. A clean desk will make you feel more refreshed, energized, and ready to tackle any task.
2. Invest in Noise-Canceling Headphones
If your workspace is often noisy and distracting, it might help to invest in a good pair of noise-canceling headphones. This will help cut out background sounds, allowing you to focus on your tasks at hand. Plus, listening to music may boost productivity as well.
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3. Keep Other Devices Out of Reach
Is your phone constantly distracting you from your work? Instead of keeping it on your desk, shelve it away somewhere else (in a different room, for example) until you're finished with your work. This will take away the temptation of checking your device every time a new notification rolls in.
4. Add Some Natural Elements to Your Space
If there's not nearly enough green by your desk, add some! You can either place some plants around your workspace, move to a room with a window, or even play some calming nature sounds to help you focus. The more your environment mimics the outdoors, the easier it'll be for your mind to stay engaged and energized.
5. Sit Near a Window for Fresh Air
Speaking of adding natural elements to your space, another benefit of sitting in a room with a window view is that it allows you to breathe in fresh air. This can help clear and relax your mind so it doesn't feel as bogged down in a stuffy, enclosed space.
6. Move Away from Your Bed
No matter how comfortable it is to do your work on the bed, don't do it. Your brain will only get confused and might feel like relaxing when it's supposed to be alert and productive. Make sure to designate an actual workspace so that your mind knows how to switch gears and stay focused.
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7. Close Windows & Tabs You Don't Need
Don't let clutter pile up on your computer. If you have any applications, windows, or tabs open that you don't immediately need, close them for now. You also don't want to have anything that's distracting (such as a game or social media platform, like YouTube) to be easily accessible on your screen.
8. Pin a Whiteboard
Another change that might help is to pin up a whiteboard near your desk. This will allow you to easily see what tasks you need to get done, and give you ample space to plan and organize your day, making you more productive.
9. Improve Desk Lighting
If you're in a room that's too bright or too dim, make sure you fix the lighting; you'll only hurt your focus and productivity otherwise. Natural daylight is the best for boosting mood and energy, but if you're working late, invest in a good lamp that mimics sunlight.
10. Choose Ergonomic Equipment
You don't want to be sitting hours in an uncomfortable chair, or resting your wrists on a keyboard or desk that hurts your joints. Instead of making your body suffer through it, invest in an ergonomic desk setup that boosts your productivity and encourages good posture.
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