Every time you switch between activities, you lose focus. Over time these short interruptions can add up to significant productivity loss. Instead, batch related activities together and perform them less frequently.
Don’t check your email whenever you hear a new message arrive. Wait until the top of the hour, and then check all of your new messages at once. The same goes for text messages, social media, and every other distraction that might insert itself into your day. This practice provides longer stretches of uninterrupted work and requires you to switch gears mentally less often.
If you find it hard to resist temptation, quit your email application and turn off your devices until you’re ready to use them.