How to be more productive - how "Busyness" costs you
Too many choices and things to do like this selection of goodies, even if they are sugar-free!How are you going at creating a complicated, busy life?? Pretty well I'm sure!!We are all striving for something, to feel successful, satisfied and happy. This “busyness” is a theme in all our lives where we desire more success, and then we strive to compensate with holidays and much needed down time.It is only natural that we try to expand and grow as human beings, so let’s also look at how we can do it successfully without exhausting ourselves and creating unnecessary stress on our mind and bodies.
Firstly, what is your attitude towards “busyness”?
Are you too Busy?
Have you asked anyone how their day was going? And the reply was "busy!”. How do you reply?I want to let you know – “It is OK to say that you are not busy”. Let's change social perceptions that believe being busy is OK and that thinking, reflecting or quiet time is "Lazy". My hubby often gets asked “Are you busy?” and he now thoughtfully replies “Trying not to be too busy”, rather than saying “yes, so busy” as a badge of honour. I feel proud that he recognises the importance of balance in his life and is prepared to speak his truth. Sunny the Cat, left, has his priorities right!
Multi-tasking is rubbish
We can be far more effective if we focus on one task, do that well and then have a short break, stand up, have a glass of water, or a few minutes to sit quietly. It’s about doing a few things well rather than a lot of things and feeling overwhelmed.The latest mind research says we can't multi-task and that it is inefficient, makes us more tired, feel depleted and ultimately impacts our brain. "All of that switching comes at a neurobiological cost. It depletes essential neuro-resources that you need for actually doing things and thinking things." neuroscientist Dr Daniel J. Levity. Nephew Johnny, quietly sits on a rock in Tarra Bulga AustraliaI have been using a modified version of the Pomodoro Technique - set the clock for a specified time to do a task and then have a break. For me, I determine how long I want to spend on a task and set it for that, and stick to it! (2 minutes to complete the research links, Yeeks!).And for me I feel like I am achieving, getting things done and can then just sit outside under the tree of life quietly or meditate knowing I have to focus on only that. This gives me a sense of freedom. It achieves also the SMART criteria – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic & Timely.Can you do that also?That is try to focus on one activity for a specified time - whether it’s playing with the children, or getting your tax documents in order, allocate time and a priority to it. No technology distractions – no phone, emails, social media.
Create a daily Plan
Spending a little time to plan our day, and identify what’s important to us, helps create balance emotionally and mentally. It gives us freedom as it encourages us to do a task that we have been putting off – particularly a difficult or stressful one - such as tax, cleaning the house, paying bills etc. Or those things that are important but we just don't make enough time for like enjoying time with the kids, exercise, meditation, connecting with someone with a call or cuppa.
Now there are no excuses to not do the things you enjoy!
Just one thing
Just imagine how simple life can be if you decided to focus on that one priority, and that is all you had to do for that allocated time. If you give yourself permission to be in that moment, it takes pressure off us to be thinking about other things and keeps us in the now.Practicing Yoga & Meditation helps train our mind to be aware of our body, breath and surroundings. It’s not always easy to surrender to the practice with continued persistence the mind and body can begin to quieten and sense of peace and harmony can be with you.Left, me at the Whitsundays last month, doing nothing but being in each moment.
Steps to be More Productive today
Plan your day in advance and know what is important for you to do that day
Set an amount of time aside to do that important activity, make it an appointment in your calendar
Set all distractions aside – mobile to silent, social media sites off
Set the timer and start your activity, focus all your energy on it.
Take a break if longer than 30-40 minutes, set the timer for a 5-10 minutes break. Go for a walk, make a cuppa, sit outside or change the location, but don't get distracted and start another task like weeding (yes guilty of that one).
Reward yourself with some quiet time, some flowers, a walk etc. (ideally not a piece of cake each day)
Acknowledge the positive - what you have done rather than what still needs to be done or you haven’t done.
What activity or task will you use these steps for?
(I just used them to write this blog, now my reward is a short bicycle ride to clear my head, before the next task!)Need some help defining what’s important to you and making the first step to achieve that?I can help: Life & Wholistic Coaching with me, BeBliss, Gabrielle xx