The reason why you can't focus: How to fix your concentration scientifically

Summary

This video offers life-changing tips from the Japanese book 'The Reason Why You Can't Focus is Your Room,' exploring how a tidy space can enhance concentration. It suggests analyzing your workspace, decluttering, and organizing to reduce stress and improve productivity. The video also recommends using quality tools like the Asus ZenScreen MB249C monitor for a dynamic workspace and emphasizes the benefits of natural light and ergonomic desk positioning for focus and well-being.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Improving your focus can be as simple as reorganizing your room or workspace.
• 📸 Take a picture of your desk to objectively assess clutter and areas needing improvement.
• 🔍 Cluttered environments lead to increased stress and decreased productivity.
• 🚫 Tip 1: Remove non-essential items from your desk to reduce distractions and improve focus.
• 🔄 Tip 2: Avoid multitasking and create designated spaces for different tasks to maintain concentration.
• 🌳 Tip 3: Changing your working environment can boost focus, creativity, and reduce boredom.
• 🖥️ The ASUS ZenScreen MB249C is a portable monitor ideal for creating a dynamic workspace in various environments.
• 🧹 Tip 4: Tidy your desk for 5 minutes at the end of each day to maintain a clutter-free workspace.
• ☀️ Tip 5: Position your desk near natural sunlight to enhance mood, energy levels, and reduce eye strain.
• 🛠️ Tip 6: Invest in high-quality productivity tools like mechanical keyboards and ergonomic accessories to improve workflow and enjoyment.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The main focus of the video is to share tips on how to improve focus and productivity by organizing and optimizing one's workspace, as suggested by the Japanese book 'The reason why you can't focus is your room.'

Why is it important to take a picture of your desk according to the video?

Taking a picture of your desk is important because it allows you to visualize and understand your current workspace more objectively, helping you identify areas that need improvement.

What does the study by UCLA Center of Everyday Life and Families (CELF) suggest about cluttered environments?

The study by CELF suggests that cluttered environments can lead to increased stress and decreased productivity.

What is the first tip given in the video to improve focus?

The first tip is to not put things that you don't use on your table, as visual clutter can negatively impact focus.

How does multitasking affect concentration according to a Microsoft research study mentioned in the video?

A Microsoft research study found that multitasking can reduce concentration by up to 40 percent.

What does the video suggest as a way to minimize distractions while working?

The video suggests creating a separate workspace for each task to minimize distractions and maintain a higher level of focus.

What is the role of changing the working environment in improving focus and productivity as discussed in the video?

Changing the working environment can stimulate creativity, improve concentration, and reduce boredom, helping people stay engaged and maintain focus.

What is the Asus ZenScreen MB249C and how does it help in creating a dynamic workspace?

The Asus ZenScreen MB249C is a lightweight, slim, and easy-to-carry monitor that allows you to work in various environments without sacrificing screen real estate, making it easy to change your workspace setup.

Why is it recommended to tidy your desk for 5 minutes at the end of the day as per the video?

Tidying your desk for 5 minutes at the end of the day helps declutter the workspace, making it easier to focus when starting the next day and serves as a way to wind down after work.

How can changing the desk position impact focus and productivity as suggested in the video?

Changing the desk position, such as placing it near a window for natural light or in a corner to minimize distractions, can significantly impact focus and productivity.

What is the importance of using quality productivity tools as mentioned in the video?

Investing in high-quality work materials can enhance productivity by providing less friction in the work process and increasing enjoyment in using the items, leading to better focus and efficiency.

Outlines

00:00

🧠 Boosting Focus Through Clutter-Free Workspaces

The video script emphasizes the importance of a tidy workspace for improving focus and productivity. It begins by suggesting viewers take a picture of their desks to objectively assess the current state of clutter. The script references a study from the UCLA Center for Everyday Life of Families, which indicates that clutter can increase stress and decrease productivity. The first tip is to remove unnecessary items from the desk to reduce visual clutter and distractions. The second tip advises against multitasking and recommends creating a separate workspace for each task to maintain focus. The video also introduces the Asus ZenScreen MB249C, a portable monitor that can facilitate a dynamic workspace, and discusses the benefits of changing the physical environment to enhance focus.

05:02

🌞 Enhancing Productivity with Workspace Optimization

The second paragraph continues the theme of workspace optimization by suggesting tidying the desk for five minutes at the end of the day to maintain an organized environment. It also recommends changing the desk position to a spot with natural light, which can improve mood, energy levels, and overall well-being. The script discusses the benefits of using high-quality productivity tools, such as the IQ Unix F96 mechanical keyboard and Growmate's notepads, which can enhance comfort and efficiency. The Asus ZenScreen MB249C is again highlighted for its portability and features that support a healthy and focused work environment. The video concludes with a personal testimony of the positive impact these changes had on the speaker's focus and productivity, encouraging viewers to implement similar changes for their own benefit.

Keywords

💡Focus

Focus refers to the ability to concentrate attention on a particular object or activity. In the context of the video, improving focus is the central theme, as it discusses how a tidy and organized workspace can enhance one's ability to concentrate on tasks. The video emphasizes the importance of decluttering and organizing the workspace to minimize distractions and improve productivity.

💡Workspace

A workspace is the area where an individual performs work-related tasks. The video stresses the significance of a well-organized workspace for boosting concentration and productivity. It suggests evaluating and transforming the workspace by removing clutter and unnecessary items, which is exemplified by the suggestion to take a picture of one's desk to objectively assess its current state.

💡Clutter

Clutter refers to a state of disarray or untidiness resulting from an accumulation of objects. The video associates cluttered environments with increased stress and decreased productivity. It cites a study by the UCLA Center for Everyday Life of Families (CELF) to underscore the negative impact of clutter on focus and work efficiency, advocating for a clean and clear workspace.

💡Productivity

Productivity is the efficiency of producing desired results or the quality of being productive. The video's main message revolves around enhancing productivity through workspace organization. It suggests that by decluttering and organizing the workspace, individuals can improve their focus, which in turn leads to increased productivity.

💡Multitasking

Multitasking is the act of juggling multiple tasks simultaneously. The video mentions a Microsoft research study that found multitasking can reduce concentration by up to 40 percent. It advises against multitasking and recommends creating a dedicated workspace for each task to minimize distractions and maintain focus.

💡Environment

Environment refers to the surroundings or conditions in which a person lives or operates. The video discusses how changing the physical environment, such as moving to a different room or co-working space, can positively impact focus and productivity. It also suggests that natural light exposure can improve mood and energy levels, which are essential for a productive workspace.

💡Organized

Being organized means arranging things in a systematic and efficient way. The video emphasizes the importance of maintaining an organized workspace by tidying up at the end of the day to prepare for the next. It suggests that a simple routine of organizing can declutter the workspace and facilitate a more focused start to the day.

💡Natural Light

Natural light refers to light that comes from the sun. The video highlights the benefits of placing the desk near a window to receive natural sunlight, which can improve mood, energy levels, and overall well-being. It cites studies from Northwestern and Cornell Universities that associate natural light exposure with better sleep quality and reduced eye strain.

💡Quality Tools

Quality tools refer to high-standard equipment or devices that facilitate work. The video recommends investing in quality productivity tools like ergonomic keyboards and high-quality notepads to enhance the work experience. It suggests that using tools that one enjoys or that provide less friction in the work process can lead to increased focus and productivity.

💡Asus ZenScreen MB249C

The Asus ZenScreen MB249C is a portable monitor mentioned in the video as a tool to facilitate a dynamic workspace. It is described as lightweight, slim, and easy to carry, allowing for easy workspace changes at home or in different environments. The monitor's features, such as a USB type-C port for power and display, and an integrated kickstand, make it a versatile choice for enhancing workspace flexibility and productivity.

💡IQunix F96

The IQunix F96 is a mechanical keyboard recommended in the video for its stylish design, customizable keycaps, and ergonomic layout. It is suggested as a quality tool that can improve typing speed and comfort during long work sessions, contributing to a more efficient and enjoyable workspace.

Highlights

The key to improving focus could be the tidiness of your room.

Taking a picture of your desk helps visualize and understand your workspace objectively.

Cluttered environments can lead to increased stress and decreased productivity.

Remove items that aren't essential to your work to create a clear workspace.

Avoid having multiple tasks and objects in your line of sight to maintain focus.

Multitasking can reduce concentration by up to 40 percent.

Alternating between different types of tasks and environments can help maintain focus.

Asus ZenScreen MB249C is a portable monitor that allows for easy workspace changes.

Tidy your desk for 5 minutes at the end of the day to maintain an organized workspace.

Changing the position of your desk can impact focus and productivity.

Exposure to natural light improves mood, energy levels, and overall quality of life.

Investing in high-quality work materials can enhance productivity.

IQunix F96 is a mechanical keyboard that can improve typing speed and comfort.

Using quality productivity tools can create a more efficient and enjoyable workspace.

Applying these tips can lead to a significant improvement in focus and productivity.

Productivity improvements can have a domino effect on other areas of life.

These simple steps can help anyone experience growth in their focus and productivity.

Transcripts

are you constantly feeling overwhelmed

unable to focus on work or studying and

finding yourself getting lost in the

world of social media but if I told you

that the key to improving your focus

could be right in front of you your room

in this video I'll share some

life-changing tips from the Japanese

book The reason why you can't focus is

your room and dive into the science

behind how a tidy space can boost your

concentration the book doesn't have an

English translation so this is the only

place you can learn what's written first

let's analyze your current workspace

grab your phone take a picture of your

desk and let's see what can be changed

do you have coffee cups or unnecessary

cables lying around maybe they're posits

that you don't need anymore taking a

picture of your desk is crucial because

it allows you to visualize and

understand your current state more

objectively our brains are wired to

adapt to our environment and sometimes

we can become blind to the clutter

around us by taking a picture you create

an opportunity to see your workspace

from a different perspective which helps

you identify areas that need Improvement

according to a study by UCLA Center of

everyday lives of families celf

cluttered environments can lead to

increased stress and decreased

productivity so it's essential to take

that first step and objectively evaluate

your workspace now let's dive into the

tips to transform your space and boost

your focus tip number one don't put

things that you don't use on your table

according to princess and University

Research titled interactions up top down

and bottom-up mechanisms in human visual

cortex by Stephanie mcmains and Sabine

Costner having a cluttered workspace can

negatively impact our Focus the science

behind this is that visual clutter

competes for your attention and reduces

your ability to concentrate to apply

this tip start by removing items that

aren't essential to your work like old

magazines decorations or unnecessary

gadgets keep only the items that you use

daily on your desk such as your computer

keyboard mouse and essential office

supplies this way you will create a

clean and clear a free environment that

will allow your brain to focus on the

task at hand tip number two avoid having

multiple tasks and objects in your line

of sight as mentioned earlier a cloud

environment can decrease your focus and

work efficiency a study by Microsoft

research found that multitasking can

reduce concentration by up to 40 percent

you might have experienced losing focus

when you're interrupted by another task

or maybe a person while working although

some people can prioritize tasks and

work efficiently it's best to avoid

interruptions from other tasks while

focusing on one this finding is

supported by the 2004 study a diary of

tasks switching and interruptions of

Mary swervinsky to implement this step

create a workspace for each task you

perform for example have a separate area

for taking notes reading and working on

your computer by compartmentalizing your

tasks you minimize distractions and

maintain a higher level of focus tip

number three change your working

environment sometimes a change of

scenery can do wonders for your focus

and your productivity study from the

University of California showed that

alternating between different types of

tasks and environments can help people

stay engaged and maintain Focus

different environments can help

stimulate creativity improve

concentration and reduce boredom most of

the time people go to cafes or

co-working spaces to change the scenery

but even just a different room in your

home can be helpful with that now that

we have established the importance of

changing our working environment let's

talk about a tool that can help make it

easy and seamless introducing the Asus

sunscreen mb249c Asus sunscreen mb249c

is a 24 inch monitor like no other

packed with accessories include monitor

arm and partition hook kits and is truly

a Transformer the Asus sunscreen mb249c

is a lightweight slim and easy to carry

monitor that allows you to work in

various environments without sacrificing

screen real estate effortlessly move it

from desk to desk at home to easily

change your workspace setup with its

numerous accessories the Zen screen

mb249c is a perfect for those who want

to create a dynamic workspace as it can

be easily moved and adjusted to

accommodate different working positions

this portable monitor is a game changer

for people who want to work efficiently

in various environments whether it's at

home in a co-working space or even

Outdoors Asus Zen screen mb249c comes

with a USB type-c port for both power

and display making it easy to connect to

your laptop or computer apart from

laptop you can also connect to your

phone and Pat via type the monitor also

and being 249c has an integrated fold-up

kickstand that you can use as a stand to

pop out setup at the desk or use as a

handle to carry with a 24 inch full HD

IPS display the Asus sunscreen mb249c

provides you with a larger screen to

work on helping you stay focused and be

more productive Asus sunscreen mb249c

features Asus Eyecare technology which

helps to reduce eye strain and fatigue

during long working sessions the monitor

has a blue light filter and flicker free

backlighting allowing it to work more

comfortably and maintain your focus by

integrating the Asus sunscreen mb28419

pure workspace you can further optimize

your environment for focus and

productivity tip number four tidy your

desk for 5 minutes at the end of the day

the smart time really simple and stupid

but it's essential to maintain a clean

and organized workspace so I make it

happy to tidy your desk for just 5

minutes at the end of each day this

simple routine will help you declutter

your workspace making it easier to focus

when you start your day fresh next

morning by dedicating a few minutes each

day to tidy up you will ensure that your

workspace remains free of distractions

allowing you to concentrate on your

tasks plus it's a great way to wind down

after a long day of work and mentally

prepare for the next day tip number five

change your desk position changing the

position of your desk can have a

significant impact on your focus and

productivity if your current disposition

doesn't receive sunlight or it's not in

a Corner consider rearranging your

workspace for optimal results the best

place to put your working desk is in a

room is near a window that loves natural

sunlight in as exposure to natural light

has been shown to improve mood and

energy levels additionally placing your

desk in a corner or against the wall can

minimize distractions from your

surroundings a study from Northwestern

University found that employees with

exposure to natural light during the

work day had a better sleep quality

longer sleep duration and better overall

quality of life compared to those

without natural light exposure another

study from Cornell University found that

natural light exposure can decrease eye

strain and this Comfort by 51 so don't

forget to put your desk near to the

window so that you can get some natural

light in tip number six is use quality

productivity tools by investing in high

quality work materials you can enhance

your productivity we tend to focus more

when we enjoy the items we use or when

they provide less friction in our work

process or maybe it's just me keep

recommendation is this little guy iqnix

f96 for a top-notch keyboard consider

the IQ Unix f96 this mechanical keyboard

features a stylish design customizable

keycaps and an ergonomic layout that can

improve typing speed and comfort during

long work sessions I'm so obsessed with

this keyboard and I just love typing

with it now taking part recommendations

to elevate your note-taking experience

check out grow mate's line of high

quality notepads like this one right

here we also have the pen there are

Sleek design and premium materials can

make jotting down ideas and tasks more

enjoyable helping you stay organized and

focused and for monitor recommendation I

would recommend Asus sunscreen mb249c

this is a great monitor Choice which

offers a portable and versatile display

solutions for an optimized workspace

it's lightweight design for HD IPS

display and Ace arcare technology make

it an excellent investment for increased

productivity by using quality

productivity tools you can create a more

efficient and enjoyable workspace I've

put links to the recommended products in

the description below so you can easily

find and invest in the right tools for

you after implementing these tips you

will notice a significant Improvement in

your focus and productivity your

workspace will be transformed into an

environment that encourages efficiency

concentration and overall well-being by

investing in quality productivity tools

and optimizing your workspace you will

have the perfect setting for tackle

tasks with Newfound Clarity and

determination over the weeks as I

applied these tips to my own workspace I

started to experience a remarkable shift

in my focus and my productivity my once

chaotic desk had become a heaven of

organization and efficiency and it's

truly made a difference in how I

approach my work I could feel the change

within me too I became more disciplined

motivated and eager to tackle my tasks

each day my newfound productivity even

started a spoil over into other areas of

my life the weird thing about

productivity is that it's sort of like a

domino effect once you get over your

first obstacle the others comes easily

the best part was realizing that this

change wasn't about just me it was

something that anyone could experience

by following these simple steps by

sharing this journey with you I hope to

inspire you to transform your workspace

and witness the same incredible growth

in your own life hope this video was

helpful and see you next time bye