4 tips to stay productive during troubling times
With all that's going on in the world right now, with panic over COVID-19, there's understandably a lot of anxiety, stress and confusion.
More and more people are having to work from home, so our use of smartphones and technology becomes even more important to make the most of our time and attention, avoiding distractions, lowering stress, enabling us to achieve what we need to.
Ultimately, I'm sure like me you want to be in control of your devices not having them be in control of you. Right? But it's not easy.
So here's four top tips to stay in control during times of panic.
#1 Put your phone away if not in use
Remember the saying 'out of sight, out of mind'? This is key when talking about your phone. Much research has been done in the area of dopamine release, not just when we use a trigger–click like on a Facebook post, click to read an important email–but actually the anticipation of it. Having our phones near us and in sight creates expectancy of a reward. We don't know just what delights that potential notification may bring! Once we pick up the phone to check that notification our brains want more pleasure and we get sucked into the distraction vortex. I suggest, keep it in a drawer or even in another room until you need to use it. Use it, then put it back.
#2 Structure your time
We are prone to distractions. Some more than others, naturally. It's just a reality of modern society. Use tools like the Pomodoro technique to do focused work for 25 mins then, have a 5 min break. By focused work I mean, if you are using your computer, shut down everything else you are not using. If you are using a web browser based app–such as GoogleDocs, only have the relevant tab open. If using other apps, just have open that one application you are using. I'm writing this in Evernote and have it full screen so I can't see anything else but the post I am writing. Notifications are also switched off so I am in control. Planning focused time will help you stay productive.
#3 Manage expectations, both yours and other people's
Who says you have to be available and connected 24/7? It's often the perception we have of other people's expectation of us. If you feel the pressure to be always available, challenge yourself to assess what's behind your thinking. What makes you feel like that? Then think: long term vs short term. To be available for others, whether clients, colleagues or family, you will want to give your best. To do this you need to be physically and mentally rested so you can be present. Making yourself always available is short-term thinking, meaning you are compromising the very thing you are trying to achieve by making yourself available in the first place. The tasks expected of you will likely suffer in quality. Be strict and set clear boundaries with your time and expectations.
Finally...
#4 Don't obsess over the news
What we feed our mind will affect us physically. If you are constantly looking at the news research suggest you are far more prone to worry and have anxiety. With the multiplicity of news channels, whether online or offline, there is one thing they always need more of. Content. They have to fill the channels and pages with something. This means there is much conflicting information, recycled information, inaccurate information, speculation and sensationalism. Filling your mind with this negativity is not only distracting you from doing something more worthwhile, it's actually affecting how you think and thus has the ability to control your mood.
I don't watch the news. I haven't for years and I don't feel like I'm missing out. In fact I feel much the better for it. Switch off the news. Take a few deep breaths, then crack on with some focused productive time–which can include chilling out with family, friends or colleagues...or pets if you have them.
There's my four quick tips. So look after yourself. I fully recognise the confusion and anxiety out there. But whilst everyone else is panicking you can be the oasis of calm which is much needed right now and hopefully will rub off on others.
If you need help and support to get there, I'm only a call or email away. Book yourself a free 30min enquiry call to see how I can help.
