Did you know that the average digital worker gets distracted every 11 minutes? Unexpected and unplanned concentration breaks deeply affect our productivity and overall workflow. Being able to concentrate in your workspace is key to avoiding burnout, reaching goals, and reducing stress. Learning strategies for developing concentration and being more productive is a task that can last a lifetime—but there are several ways to take the next step.
Tips for Being Productive in Your Coworking Space in Houston
If you are the owner of a small online business, freelancer, or remote worker, a coworking space is a great place for you to maximize efforts, leverage resources, and network. Nonetheless, some may find difficulties staying concentrated during their work hours due to the open environments and dynamic nature of these places.
Below, you’ll find some of our preferred tips for having a better and longer focus while working in a coworking space in Houston.
1. Choose the Right Space
A good coworking space will offer a variety of spaces that can adapt to everyone’s needs. From meeting rooms to private offices or open desks, everyone should be able to find where they work the best at.
When you arrive at a new coworking space, don’t hesitate to tour around, get to know the spaces they offer, and try which ones fit better with your work style. If you work by yourself and need high concentration levels, try quieter zones. However, if you need interaction or teamwork, you will enjoy more busy, open areas.
2. Invest in Noise-Canceling Headphones
Noise-canceling headphones can be very helpful to focus, since they drown out background noises—which can be very common in coworking spaces. If music distracts you, you can try listening to ASMR, white or brown noise, or different ambiance effects. Some people even use the headphones without playing any sound!
3. Find Your Ideal Organization Strategy
There are several tools you can use to organize your tasks, deadlines, and workflow. From a good old physical planner, to digital softwares such as Monday.com, ClickUp, or Asana. You can also try Notion, or keep it simple with Google Calendar. Which ones have you tried, and which have delivered better results?
These types of tools will help you keep focus, prioritize tasks, and improve your personal processes.
4. Take Breaks
Make sure you schedule shorts breaks at least every hour. You can either take a short walk around the space, grab something to eat, or take the opportunity to meet new people. This is important because resting during your work days helps reduce exhaustion and increase your energy. Research has shown that engaging in short social activities return your mental and physical functional systems to their baselines, making it easier to go back to work.
You can try the Pomodoro technique, a time management method in which you do focused work during 25-minute intervals—known as pomodoros—and take five-minute breaks. After four pomodoros, take a longer, more restorative 15-30 minute break.
5. Get to Know the Dynamics of the Coworking Space in Houston
Not every coworking space works in the same way. Depending on factors such as niche and location, there will be busier hours or days. Try visiting the office at different times of the day or asking the staff when it’s best to come. This will help you plan ahead of time and adapt to different workflows.
Don’t be afraid of changing your routine from time to time—some even find it beneficial for their concentration, as they feel refreshed.
6. Take Advantage of the Facilities
Every coworking space will offer an array of amenities for their users. From ergonomic furniture to member-tailored events, there are several ways to enjoy and make the best out of your plan. At Muze, we also offer high-speed Internet, quiet rooms, private offices, free coffee, snack bar and many other benefits that can become part of your routine and make you enjoy your workday more.
7. Pick the Best Coworking Space in Houston
While you can do wonders with your own skills and make every day productive, the truth is that the space you choose to do so will have a big impact on your mood and productivity. It’s important you choose a coworking space you feel comfortable in and that understands your work values and vision. At Muze Office, we offer flexible plans and spaces that adapt to your needs, improve the way you work, and help your business thrive.
