In the midst of so much economic and personal uncertainty, it's a challenge to maintain a focused workplace. But there are practical strategies you can use to keep the chaos at bay.

We're all feeling stressed, whether it's our 401K, our loved ones' jobs, or our kids' college fund. In order to remain productive at work, we need to consciously manage the distractions.

Here are 11 strategies to help you stay clear in the midst of chaos. Start with a simple one, groove that habit, and then start on another. Before you know it, you'll be more productive and less frantic.

1.    Re-commit to your deliverables
       Itemize them, prioritize them, and write them down.

2.    Refuse interruptions
       Sometimes they're necessary; more often, they're just
       a timesuck.

3.    Quit multi-tasking
       Every time you "look away," it's harder to re-focus on
       the first task.

4.    Schedule everything
       Take control: chunk similar activities and plan
       strategically.

5.    Write a "NOT to-do" list
       Get ruthless about cutting out the distractions.

6.    Practice
       Train yourself to optimize global focus v. detailed focus.

7.    Leverage your best time
       Schedule the most complex work for the time of day
       you feel clearest.

8.    Mark boundaries
       Create simple rituals that separate your workday from
       your personal life.
    
9.    Pick up a good book
       Challenging fare, especially non-fiction, will hone your
       deep focusing skills.

10.   Find your feet
        Literally ground yourself by feeling the connection
        between feet and pelvis.

11.   Declutter your workplace
        Create a visual space that reflects and inspires a clear
        head.