How’s your week going so far?
Know what you’re making for Thanksgiving yet. (Yeah, me either; but my Southern-style candied yams were a big hit last year. Hmmm…)
One thing I DO know is that I want to be as happy and productive as I can be every day.
When I focus on those two things, everything else kind of works itself out–including my ability to be there for the important people in my life, even when my day gets a little crazy.
When I don’t focus on them, well, I end up cranky and feeling like I got nothing done. NOT a good feeling for us go-getter types, right?
I’ve been experimenting recently with a few tricks and tools–simple things that help me get the most out of my day without feeling burned out by 4p. Here are a few that I love.
Momentum Dash
My friend (and productivity coach) Liz Brazier recommended this genius tool a few months ago. It’s a extension for Google Chrome that asks “What is your main focus for today?” right in your browser when you open it up each morning.
Then, each time you open a new browser tab, you’re reminded of your main focus for the day. If you get distracted, just open up a new tab for a gentle reminder of what you intended to focus on.
Not only that, but Momentum Dash serves up a different photo–a breathtaking landscape from some far away place–and inspirational quote each day.
It’s the perfect motivation + inspiration + focus for the easily distracted (and travel obsessed).
The 52/17 Minute Rule
A recent study reported by Fast Company–in a piece called “The Exact Amount of Time You Should Work Every Day”–offers a concrete way to work less and do more.
It turns out that the most productive people work in focused increments of 52 minutes followed by 17-minute breaks.
You really can’t get more specific than that. 😉
There’s a catch though: What you do during the break makes a big difference.
Study participants who stepped away from their computers and took a short walk, read something unrelated to work, or chatted with co-workers were more productive than those who spent their break scrolling through Facebook, for example.
This rule WORKS!
On days when I’ve been able to do the 52/17 minute work/break split, I’ve gotten way more done…in much less time than I did on days when I attempted to “work” for four hours straight.
As the article so rightly notes, our brains weren’t designed to focus for long periods of time. They need regular breaks to function at optimal capacity.
If you try to ignore this biological truth, good luck doing your best work.
One tip: Set a timer for both the 52-minute work sessions and the 17-minute breaks. Otherwise, you’ll be looking at your watch every few minutes and still not getting anything done.
10 Minute Meditation
You’ve probably read research in popular media about meditation’s benefits for focus, productivity, stress management, and even physical health.
But if you’re like a lot of the ambitious and busy ladies I coach, you may think that meditation just isn’t for you.
No WAY could you sit still for even one minute, let alone 10!
Two things:
- You don’t have to sit still.
- I’d bet my life that–once you find the right meditation style for you–you’ll find that a daily meditation practice is maybe the single best happiness and productivity-boosting tool around.
For me, 7-10 minutes is the sweet spot: short enough that I’ll do it (almost) every day; long enough that I reap the benefits.
And yes, I generally sit on my couch with my eyes closed, focusing on my breath and the sounds in my environment…but you don’t have to.
You can run, dance, make tea, walk the dog, scramble some eggs, even brush your teeth. The ONLY thing you have to do to make something a meditation is be 100% focused on what you’re doing.
That’s it.
Your mind will wander. That’s okay–just notice that it’s wandered and gently bring your focus back to what you’re doing.
Now it’s your turn. Tell me in the comments…
What simple daily practices do you have that help you stay happy and productive?
If you don’t have one yet, which of the things above might you try this week?
You might be surprised how powerful these tiny tweaks can be. I was.
P.S. A little sweat goes a long way. My good friend Erin Stutland is offering a free week of movement, music, and mantras to inspire you to get moving a little bit every day. Sign up here for the Say it, Sweat it, Get it Challenge. Erin’s workout will not only help you tone and tighten your body, but will also help you bust through any mental blocks holding you back from getting what you want in life. (Seriously.) I only recommend a handful of other people’s programs, so you know it’s gotta be good. 🙂 Here’s that sign up link again.
