Ask Christa! What Are Some Tips to be More Focused at Work? (S4E40)

Ask Christa!

Summary

In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo answers the listener question about tips to stay more focused at work. Christa explores what “focus” really means, then emphasizes the importance of making it personal, understanding how our own definition of focus can transform the way we approach work. She shares practical, research-backed strategies for boosting concentration, reducing workplace distractions, and managing stress. You’ll also learn why meaningful “brain breaks” matter, how self-care directly impacts productivity, and some simple adjustments you can make to your environment and daily rhythm to sharpen attention.

Key Takeaways

· Defining what focus means to you is an important step to improving it.

· Self-care—sleep, nutrition, movement—is essential for sustaining focus.

· Meaningful breaks reset your brain and improve performance.

· Stress management is key to protecting both focus and productivity.

· Physical health directly influences mental focus and workplace performance.

· Give your brain a break by pacing and changing between inputs (learning, listening, consuming information) and outputs (creating, writing, speaking).

Additional Resources

Jackson Kerchis. (2024, June 15). Why it’s important to take breaks during work: Improve focus + Lower stress [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCSbdaFosIE

Lyubykh, Z., & Gulseren, D. B. (2023, May 31). How to take better breaks at work, according to research. https://hbr.org/2023/05/how-to-take-better-breaks-at-work-according-to-research

Albulescu, P., Macsinga, I., Rusu, A., Sulea, C., Bodnaru, A., & Tulbure, B. T. (2022). “Give me a break!” A systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of micro-breaks for increasing well-being and performance. PLoS ONE, 17(8), e0272460. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0272460

Study shows how taking short breaks may help our brains learn new skills. (2025, April 1). National Institutes of Health (NIH). https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/study-shows-how-taking-short-breaks-may-help-our-brains-learn-new-skills

focus. (2025). In Merriam-Webster Dictionary. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/focus

Caravan: word of the day. (n.d.). [Video]. Thesaurus.com. https://www.thesaurus.com/browse/focus

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Disclaimer
The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

פרקים

1. Introduction and Listener Question (00:00:00)

2. Is Focus the Opposite of Distraction? (00:00:27)

3. Alright, Now That We Know What Focus Means… What Does it Actually Mean? (00:01:01)

4. Work Environment Matters… (00:02:54)

5. … And a Mind Ready to Focus Matters… (00:04:38)

6. Additional Resources (00:09:03)

7. Wrap Up & Submitting Your Questions (00:10:57)