Ever since the pandemic changed the way we work forever, Zoom has become a household word (particularly because the workplace and the household became one). Chances are that by now, you've had your fair share of Zoom meetings.
Occasionally find your mind wandering as the minutes tick by and are looking to remedy that? Look no further.
Check out these tips to keep your focus on Zoom.
Eliminate Distractions. Turn off notifications on your phone and put it in another room. Otherwise, it's far too tempting to reach for it and get lost endlessly scrolling newsfeeds. Eliminate all other digital distractions such as your tablet, personal laptop, TV, or radio. If your distractions present themselves in the form of other humans, communicate that you are going to be in a meeting and should not be disturbed. Then close the door to your office.
A key factor in being productive and maintaining focus is to set limits!
Dress for Success. What you are wearing can have a subtle psychological effect on your brain and play a large role in your productivity. It may be tempting to go business up top, casual down below, and throw on your favorite pair of soft pajama pants, but that is sending a message to your brain that it's time to relax. Dressing properly will help you feel ready to take on the day, even if you are spending the day at home.
Take Heed of Time. If you have control over when a Zoom meeting is scheduled, try placing it at the most productive hours of the workday. Research from Boise Paper suggests that late mornings and early afternoons are the best time to meet.
Be an Active Participant! Bring a paper and pen and take notes on important points made during the meeting. Ask questions when the opportunity presents itself. If you are merely an observer, you may observe your attention span starting to drift away!
Get Moving! Prepare for your meeting with a little bit of physical exercise beforehand. Take a few minutes to stretch or take a brief walk to get the gears in your mind and body moving before you get stuck in your chair for the next hour or so. Some have found that a standing desk or an exercise ball improves focus and is an overall healthier option than sitting all day. If you'd like to know more, read about the benefits and drawbacks of both options on Do It At Your Desk.
Food for Thought. Coffee is certainly the first thing that comes to mind, but there are plenty of other foods that can help you maintain focus. Blueberries are at the top of many lists thanks to their brain-boosting antioxidants. A handful of nuts or a salad filled with leafy greens and tomatoes would also make a healthy, beneficial snack. To read more about foods for thought, check out these 10 foods to help you focus on BetterUp.
Mastered the art of staying focused during Zoom meetings? Check out these 3 ways to up your Zoom game and become a pro.
