6 ways to stay focused and beat distractions

Today’s the day. A fresh start for your “I swear I’ll focus” era. And I have good news: you don’t have to quit your job or run off to the Alps with goats. With a few small changes, the right tools, and a bit of self-awareness, you can go from totally frazzled to a fantastic focus.

Whether you’re running a business, freelancing, teaching, coding, or saving the world from tax confusion (hi, finance folks), these tips will help your brain find its happy place—and stay there.

1. Create a workspace your brain actually likes

Your brain is picky. It doesn’t love clutter. It doesn’t like being five inches away from a bag of crisps. And it definitely doesn’t want to focus next to an open tab playing true crime videos.

Create a space that signals, “Hey, we’re working now.” That could mean clearing your desk, adding a plant (bonus points if it’s alive), or even just putting your phone out of reach. Your brain craves routine, and a consistent workspace—however humble—can help it click into concentration mode faster.

2. Time-block like a boss (yes, even the breaks)

Time-blocking is basically making a to-do list but with boundaries and common sense. It means giving your tasks actual time slots in your calendar—and yes, that includes breaks.

Your brain isn’t a machine. It needs recovery time to work well. Short breaks every 60–90 minutes can recharge your concentration. Go stretch. Walk around. Breathe deeply. It all counts, even staring lovingly at your coffee.

3. Use tech—but only the right kind

We’re not here to bash technology. In fact, we’re fans—as long as it helps and not hinders. The right tools can support your focus, calm your brain, and stop you from accidentally doom-scrolling into the following week.

Here are some crowd favorites:

Forest – Grow a little digital tree by staying off your phone. The more you focus, the greener your forest becomes.

Focusmate – Work silently alongside a real-life accountability partner online. Yes, it feels weird at first. Yes, it works.

Cold Turkey – A tough-love website blocker for when you really need to concentrate.

Noisli – Mix and match background sounds like rain, wind, or a coffee shop to keep your brain soothed and focused.

Toggl Track– Time tracking made painless. See where your time goes without judgment (okay, maybe a little judgment).

Pick one, try it out, and see how your brain responds. Tech should make your life easier, not constantly remind you to check 17 notifications.

4. Mindfulness isn’t just for yogis

You don’t need incense or a retreat in Bali to practice mindfulness, as it is promoted on social media. Just a few moments of stillness can help your brain breathe. Think of mindfulness as a way to bring your attention back to the present without yelling at yourself.

Try a one-minute breathing exercise between meetings, a mindful cup of tea, or even a short walk where you don’t check your email. It’s not about being zen. You are only giving your brain a little break.

5. Silence the noise (literally and digitally)

Between the buzzing of your phone, the dinging of your inbox, and that one neighbor who loves DIY at 2 p.m.—your brain is under siege.

Try “Do Not Disturb” mode, use noise-canceling headphones, and mute Slack. Disable notifications that don’t help you concentrate. When in doubt, go full digital hermit for an hour, a morning, or whatever you can manage. Give your brain a little peace and quiet.

6. Protect your peak focus hours

You know this feeling when your brain feels like it’s operating at 110%? That’s your focus window—and it’s gold. For some people, it’s early morning. For others, it’s late afternoon. (For a few weirdos, it’s 11 p.m.—respect.)

The trick is to figure out your peak hours and guard them like a dragon sitting on treasure. Use that time for deep work—writing, thinking, and problem-solving. Save admin stuff for when your brain is running on snack fuel.

And if you want to protect that time from being swallowed by meetings? That’s where Doodle comes in.

Conclusion: distraction-proofing your brain, one habit at a time

You don’t need to overhaul your life to get better at focusing. You need good habits, awareness, and the right support. And when it comes to protecting your time from back-and-forth emails, calendar chaos, and “quick calls” that last 45 minutes?

Try Doodle. With tools like the Booking Page, Group Polls, and 1:1s, Doodle helps you regain control of your calendar—so you can focus on the work that matters. Your brain will thank you. And your inbox will finally get a break.