How to optimise your workspace for focus and concentration
Introduction
Optimising your workspace is worthwhile: better concentration helps you work with greater focus and makes your time more productive overall. In this article, we’ll share a few tips for creating a productive workspace so you can reach your goals more easily.
Table of contents
- A tidy workspace
- Fresh air for focused work
- Use a pick-me-up to improve concentration
- Get up early and take a power nap at work
- Stay on track, use your time well and set clear goals
- Daylight lamps can improve your workspace
- Conclusion: work with greater focus by improving concentration and your workspace
1. A tidy workspace
A tidy desk and an organised filing system, whether digital or physical, save valuable time that would otherwise be spent searching for things. They also help create a working environment where you can feel comfortable.
A well-organised workspace can improve your concentration and, in turn, your ability to work effectively by giving your mind a sense of calm. Keeping your desk tidy isn’t always easy: the next task is often already waiting, and spending time tidying can feel unproductive.
Depending on the circumstances, there’s no need to keep tidying your workspace throughout the day. But to give yourself a good start the next morning, set aside 10 minutes at the end of the working day to put everything back in order.
2. Fresh air for focused work
Getting enough fresh air is probably one of the things people still neglect most often.
Fresh air can help prevent tiredness and improve concentration. It also plays an important role in maintaining a healthy indoor climate.
Pathogens can linger for much longer in enclosed spaces, so regular ventilation is essential for health and the ability to work effectively.
3. Use caffeine to help you concentrate
Contrary to the once-common belief that caffeine is generally unhealthy, it can be worth reaching for a cup of coffee, Guayusa or green tea, depending on your personal preference.
Caffeine stimulates the release of hormones produced by the body, such as cortisol and adrenaline. Even a dose of 100 milligrams can improve cognitive performance, regulate blood pressure and increase motivation. Read more about the benefits of caffeine in our in-depth article on benefits of caffeine.
That said, try not to overdo it with coffee: too much can irritate the stomach lining. Caffeine can also contribute to anxiety and a racing heart, and increase feelings of stress. So keep your coffee intake as low as you can.
For example, you could use our Coffee–Guayusa Mix to cut your coffee intake by 50% without giving up the taste or other benefits. For an even more effective and lasting way to support concentration, choose pure Guayusa tea.
Our article the world’s most caffeinated drink includes a detailed comparison of the best-known caffeinated drinks.
4. Get up early and take a power nap at work
When you have important exams, work deadlines or client presentations, taking a short break to unwind can seem almost impossible. But those are exactly the times when it matters.
Relaxation techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises or even a short power nap can help you concentrate and work with greater focus.
A regular sleep routine, getting up early and a regular eating routine matter too, along with a healthy diet. If you sleep well, eat healthily and avoid overloading your stomach, you’ll generally have no need for power naps.
5. Avoid distractions, manage your time and set clear goals
Trying to do too much at once is never a good idea, whether at work or in your personal life.
Dividing up tasks and following a clear process can help you keep track of everything. Where possible, finish one task before moving on to the next.
Even when you feel fully focused on the task in front of you, the part of your brain that works in the background keeps processing tasks you’ve already started. This can have a negative effect on your concentration.
In our article on success through effective time and self-management, you’ll find out how to define goals and use your time effectively instead of constantly jumping from one task to another without finishing anything.
6. Daylight lamps can improve your workspace
By now, it should be well known that yellow (warm) light isn’t ideal for a workspace. It encourages the release of melatonin, which can make you feel tired.
Blue light, also known as daylight, reduces melatonin production and can help you stay more alert and focused throughout the day.
7. Conclusion: work with greater focus by improving your workspace
If you want to concentrate better and work with greater focus overall, it’s worth optimising both your workspace and your personal routine.
Small changes such as daylight lamps, a tidy desk with Guayusa tea instead of coffee, and a consistent sleep and eating routine can help you improve your performance over the long term.