Digital procrastination is basically stimulating your brain with superficial, even irrelevant, online content. So what, you might ask? Our energy is limited, as is our attention span. The more energy you devote to trivialities, the less energy you will have left for the files that are important. So how can you reduce the temptation of the web and its distractions?

Tip 1: Arrange your work environment

Scenario: You need to concentrate in order to advance a file and you have your cell phone within reach. Know that your attention decreases by 28% when the small screen is in your field of vision, even if it is turned over and you cannot see the screen. This is the unconscious call of a notification! So, find a place for it, put it on silent mode and move it away from you to create a bubble of concentration. Of course, warn your colleagues if necessary to inform them that you will not be available for a certain period of time.

To be effective, it is essential to take care of your attention. According to a study by the University of California , a person needs an average of 23 minutes and 15 seconds to get back into deep concentration after being taken out of it. I therefore invite you to close the messaging, chat and social network tabs on your computer, which will have no qualms about sucking you into their platform for several minutes!

Tip 2: Establish break times

Scenario: You come out of a conference call with a client and jump straight into a task? Bad idea! To be able to perform well, it is imperative to prepare.

Getting ready means gauging your physical and mental energy in order to organize yourself and break down your task to be productive. You can't chain together the tasks on your to-do list like a robot would!

Your body has its limits and needs to take breaks! Be careful, I am of course talking about a real break without any screens. A break where you will let your brain process the events of the last few hours. A break to release the pressure and allow your head to make room to start, in good conditions, this famous task of the day. Move from your desk, go make yourself a good coffee or go for a walk and give yourself this downtime without guilt.

Tip 3: Control trading periods

Scenario: When you come back from your break, don't open your email! Why? There is a reciprocity effect that can play tricks on us! You write a message and therefore it is likely that a response is expected in return, so you think about it. And suddenly you feel like you need to open your email while you are working on your essential task.

You just want to see if the person has responded to one of your messages! But, I know, you know, you will end up spending 30 minutes dealing with other emails received and falling into the trap of digital procrastination, maybe even taking a look at social networks! Try to postpone checking your messages and writing emails. Save it for when you have finished the famous priority file of your day.

Pay attention to digital distractions

If you suddenly find yourself reading the news, be gentle with yourself and focus on the reasons that motivated this choice. Try to understand why you are led to digital procrastination! Is the task you have on your agenda placed at the right time of the day or week? Pay attention to your thoughts, your general state, your environment in order to act for the next time.

What could you have done to stay focused?