Action Steps:

1. Take regular breaks

Take a 5-10 minute break every 90-120 minutes, and a 45 minute break every 3-4 hours. If you work 9-5, this translates to one short break between when you start and lunch, and another short break between lunch and the end of your day. Move around during your breaks – walk, go up and down some stairs, or just stretch. Anything you can do to increase circulation and get your heart rate up a bit will get more energy flowing through your body, waking up your brain as well. In addition, regular breaks give your brain chemistry a chance to replenish itself.

2. Try a 2 Week Diet Makeover

As discussed, a number of authorities believe that problems with attention and focus are exacerbated when we eat foods that don’t agree with us. For many people, a little nutritional clean up has remarkable effects on their ability to focus. Try eliminating the common allergens - dairy, wheat, sugar, eggs, and soy - from your diet for two weeks (it's only two weeks!!!!). If your focus and energy levels improve, there is a good chance you are allergic to one or more of these foods. See Dealing with Food Allergies for more on identifying and eliminating allergenic foods from your diet.

3 -  Don’t Neglect the Gym Because You Are Busy

Even 20 minutes of exercise pays immediate benefits in terms of improved circulation and energy metabolism, meaning that your brain receives a better supply of oxygen and nutrients. This translates into improved focus and productivity. Exercising during the day also helps you sleep more deeply at night, which will further aid focus. When deadlines are looming, there’s a natural tendency to let the gym (and healthy eating, for that matter) slide, but it is actually more important to take time out of your day to work out your body and clear your mind. Investing your time in three or four workouts during a busy week will pay off handsomely in terms of increased focus and productivity when you get back to work.