I have plans to reflect on 2010, and discuss what I want to accomplish for 2011, but haven't been able to get to it yet. I had a great week in CT, and definitely stalled leaving to get back to MA.
I got home around 9 or so, was greeted by a new set up in the hall and living room, as well as a new roommate. A lot to swallow on top of unpacking and mentally preparing for a new year, and a new work week (that is guaranteed to be busy!)
Anyway.
Our "Fitness Works @ Work" emails come to our inbox pretty regularly with tips, events, and articles. I read today's and thought - those are all obvious - no brainers.. but - do I do that? Not enough. At the end of 2010 - I was feeling like I wasn't accomplishing much in a few areas of life. One of my goals for 2011 is to DO more. No excuses. No 5 more min on the couch instead of a work out that will make me feel better. Ultimately - stop saying 'I wish' and be able to say 'I did' or 'I currently am'.
This article talks about easy ways to make yourself focus - which I fully admit I need to do more of!
Taming the Scatterbrain
Do you ever feel like you are going in a hundred different directions but not really going anywhere? Maybe you run upstairs to do something, only to forget what you were going to do. You start doing something else, and then abandon that project when you think of something else that needs to be done. Perhaps you're busy all day but have nothing to show for your busyness. This is what is called the Scatterbrain syndrome; or in other terms, lack of focus.
The Scatterbrain syndrome happens to everyone, but fortunately there are some quick fixes to this challenge.
Have a specific plan for each day.
Before you begin your day, know exactly what you want to accomplish and what's on your agenda. Pretend your day is over and ask yourself what you need to feel like you had a productive and focused day. What is most important to you for this particular day only?
Pick three or four tasks and activities from your to-do list.
Many people have a huge, ongoing to-do list from which they work. You add tasks to it at a much faster rate than you delete them. Looking at a large list can be distracting and overwhelming; this will interfere with your ability to focus. Pick three or four tasks you would like to focus on for the day, and write them on a separate piece of paper, on a white board, on an index card, in your planner, or some other place that is separate from your big list. Focus only on those tasks for the day.
Minimize distractions.
Everything and everyone is fighting for your attention. If you are trying to finish something and the phone rings, don't answer it unless you are expecting an important phone call. If you can't screen your phone calls, learn to tell people you are in the middle of something and you'll call them back. Save television and Internet surfing as rewards for completing the tasks you want to do. Use a timer to let small children know when you will be available to play, talk to them while you're finishing a task, or get them involved.
Stop multitasking.
You might be proud of the fact that you can multitask, but multitasking keeps your brain going in too many directions. Start and finish a task before you move on to the next one.
Take breaks.
You probably think you don't have time to take breaks, but what if they made you more focused and productive? During your 5-10 minute breaks, spend some time meditating and clearing your mind. Don't sit and think about all the things you need to do. Relax and let your mind rest.
Minimize stress.
Stress can create a scattered brain, so you need to find ways to minimize it. The two best natural antidotes to stress are sleep and exercise. When you are tired, your coping mechanisms get weak. Many doctors also say that exercise is the best natural antidepressant on the market.
Add fish oil to your diet.
Adding omega-3 fatty acids (in the form of fish oil) to your diet has significant health benefits. Fish oil has long been considered by doctors around the world to be one of the most effective remedies for many health-related issues, including depression, improving memory and concentration, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Keep an "accomplishment journal."
Sometimes it feels like you have the scatterbrain syndrome, when in reality you've accomplished more than you think. At the end of your day, keep a journal of everything you did that day. For example
- Did a load of laundry
- Paid the bills
- Went to work
- Played a game with the kids
- Called a friend
- Changed the baby's diaper five times
An accomplishment journal helps you focus on what you did do, instead of what you didn't. Put your energy in the right place and give yourself the credit you deserve.
Being a scatterbrain does not mean that you are doomed to a life of forgetfulness or a lack of productivity or concentration. It probably means you're pretty normal, but you may need to try some new antidotes to the Scatterbrain syndrome.
Lori Radun - CEC (Certified Coach) is a certified life coach, speaker, and author for moms. Through personal coaching, speaking, her newsletter, and other personal development products, she helps mothers know and embrace their true selves and balance their many roles in life. To visit her Web site, go to http://www.true2youlifecoaching.com.
