7 Secrets Productive People Use To Stay Focused

BY AMY MORIN (inc.com) –  Technology offers constant distractions. Text messages, emails, and advertisements constantly bid for your attention. And if you’re like most people, you fall prey to these distractions.A recent report by Microsoft claims the average attention span was down from 12 seconds in 2000 to just 8 seconds in 2013. That means a goldfish–who has a 9 second attention span–might be able to beat you in a staring contest.

If you struggle to stay on task, you’re not alone. But there are some secrets productive people know that help them stay focused.

1. Exercise Every Day

Exercise won’t only boost your physical and mental health–it can also fuel your attention span. While some studies have shown physical activity can help children or older adults concentrate, a 2011 study published in PLoS ONE found that regular exercise helps healthy young adults concentrate better too.

Previous research concluded that exercise provides an immediate boost in attention. A walk during a lunch break could help you concentrate when you return to work, for example. But this study also showed regular exercise provides long-term benefits to your attention span. Participants who engaged in aerobic activity for at last 10 hours per week experienced improved executive functioning throughout the week.

2. Set a Break Time Reminder

Trying to focus on a task for hours on end will wreak havoc on your attention span. The more you sit and try to make yourself pay attention, the less attentive you may be. In an effort to meet a deadline, many people avoid taking breaks. But taking short breaks may be the secret to getting your work done in less time.

A 2011 study published in the journal Cognition found that brief mental breaks helped participants stay focused on tasks longer. Setting a reminder to take a break every 50 minutes can help you return to your task with improved attention.

3. Listen to Classical Music

Listening to certain types of music may activate the attention centers of your brain, according to researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine. Interestingly, researchers found that peak brain activity occurred during the short period of silence between musical movements. Although they’re not exactly sure why, classical music seems to help the…