Hey Reader!
I've been feeling a bit unfocused lately, so I thought I'd share some tricks that help me power through it! I hope they help you when you're struggling to focus, too βΊοΈ
π Visualize it
I often get in my head about how daunting a task is, so I dread doing it.
But then when I actually picture myself doing it and think about the steps it takes, it feels a lot easier.
Things usually aren't as bad or difficult as I think they are, and if I just visualize it, it's easier to feel motivated to do it!
πΆββοΈ Move around
Sometimes I just need a little break!
Going for a quick walk around my neighborhood or working out usually does one of two things:
1) it clears my mind & helps me reset, or
2) it opens up my brain to think of the work from a different perspective (kind of like shower thoughts πΏ)
It's much more productive and refreshing than doomscrolling on IG π
βοΈ Change the environment
We are creatures of habit. If we build up habits in one environment (like doomscrolling on IG while sitting at our desk (π@me)), it's hard to change them.
Ideally we crush that bad habit and establish a good one! But an easier, short-term solution is to change the environment.
I'm almost always more productive when I go work at a coffee shop for a few hours!
Have you noticed a trend in what causes my lack of focus? π¬π² I recently cleaned out and rearranged my office - partially to optimize the space & make a cool video backdrop (eventually), but mostly to increase productivity. I've been making an effort to not use my phone at my desk in this new setup, and it's been working nicely!
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ββοΈ Eliminate distractions
I get distracted pretty easily, so there are a few things that help me stay on task.
#1 is brain.fm. It's an app that continuously plays instrumental music that's supposed to activate areas of your brain that help you focus.
I love music, and this app is nice because it removes the distractions that come with lyrics and skipping songs. I play it during mastermind co-working calls and others seem to enjoy it, too! π€
I'm a compulsive notification-checker, so #2 is just closing out of anything that isn't required to do the task at hand (tabs, my email app, etc.). I've also turned off the little notification bubble on most of my apps.
#3 is keeping my phone in another room. Out of sight, out of mind!
π΄ Get some rest
Never underestimate the power of a good night's sleep!
I used to be a major night owl, but my first job out of college was in a research lab that let you leave early if you got in early, so you bet I was clocking in at 7:30am! It successfully turned me into an early bird, which was no easy feat considering I was still staying up late.
Then came Chris, who really likes sleep. Ever since we moved in together he has been super strict about it π we don't have a TV in our bedroom, we have a "no phones in bed" policy, and we have an alarm to make sure we're in bed by 10pm every night (even weekends).
Not sure if that sounds strange lol but as an anxious insomniac, it's helped me a lot!
Oh and speaking of Chris, he's my next Instagram Q&A guest! π
We'll be going live on Friday, August 23rd, to answer your questions about productivity, social growth strategies, and pitching/working with brands!
I'll share more details on my IG @foodblogcoach next week, but feel free to send me your questions anytime! π
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