Many of us find ourselves popping onto the internet “really quick’ to double check some information or look up an idea we’re thinking of at the moment. The problem here is the same thing that’s so wonderful about the internet: one page links you to another, which links you to another and another… You get the drift. A quick visit to the internet can quickly lead to an hour-long foray into internet wonderland.

Limit Your Exposure

If you do need to check some information on the internet, set a time limit for yourself of no more than five or ten minutes. Stick to your plan and only search the topics you need to. You’ll have to exercise some self control, but limiting your time online can dramatically aid your ability to focus on the tasks at hand.

Designate Time for Internet Use

Set aside some time each day to do what you need on the internet. If you take a break during the day, use it to search something on the internet. Maybe just before or after lunch is an optimal time to do some internet work. Keep a list on your desk where you can jot down ideas or key words you want to look up online. This way you’ll remember what it is you need to do, and still focus on the tasks at hand. Often, during the day you’ll realize you need to check your bank statement, send an email or pay a bill you forgot. Jot these tasks down as you think of them, but save the actual task for later, when you are at a good stopping point.

Bookmark Pages

Setting bookmarks for the pages you frequent most can be a great time saving device. For example, instead of going to the MSN website, then to the Hotmail login website, you can directly bookmark the Hotmail site and avoid the temptations of MSN. The same goes for any website you visit. Organizing your bookmark folders will go a long way as well.

Block Pop-Ups

Pop up ads are a nuisance, to say the least. Using the internet can be a time consuming this, depending on the speed of your computer and internet connections. Pop-up ads only slow the computer further and offer more distractions.

Increase your focus safely and naturally.