Start with the simple things like:

• moving to a quiet area
• turning off notifications on your phone or turning your phone off altogether
• closing the door to your office
• telling those around you not to distract you for a period of time
• closing out of programs or apps that aren’t essential on your computer

Drinking coffee, or other caffeinated beverages, in small doses may have a positive impact on your ability to focus, according to a 2010 study

The key to taking advantage of caffeine’s cognitive-enhancing properties is to consume it in moderation. If you drink too much of it , you may end up feeling anxious or nervous, which generally reduces your ability to stay focused.

Staying focused helps you get more done in less time. While that sounds simple enough, it’s not always easy to put into practice. So, the next time you’re wrestling with your attention span, try the Pomodoro technique .

This timing method helps you train your brain to stay on task for short periods of time. Here’s how it works:

• Set your timer for 25 minutes and get to work.
• When you the buzzer sounds, take a 5-minute break.
• Then, set the timer again and get back to work.
• Once you’ve done four rounds of this, you can take a longer break, approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

If your idea of a break from work is checking Facebook or Instagram every 5 minutes, you may want to consider an app that blocks social media.

There are several apps that work for your phone, tablet, or computer. In addition to social media, some of these distraction-busting programs also allow you to block online games, as well as apps and sites like YouTube, Netflix, Amazon, Twitter, text messages, and even emails.

Some of the most popular social media blockers include Freedom, AppBlock, FocusMe, and Focus.