In a previous post I mentioned the importance of balancing rest and recovery. The idea is to take breaks, not just holidays once a year, but mini breaks (90 seconds) and micro breaks (10-15 minutes) throughout the day, where we disengage from our work and actively and mindfully do something that will recharge us. Easier said than done! I needed more tips recently after trying to check email on my phone, and simultaneously trying to prepare the therapy room between clients and listen to a voicemail message. The phone dropped onto the floor, smashing the top of it – now providing an excellent visual reminder to follow the tips below (They are from the book “Be Excellent at Anything” by Tony Schwarz)
-try not to do two things at the same time – you’ll feel scattered and others will sense they don’t have your full attention.
-try turning off email for at least an hour a day to devote all your attention to the task you are involved with.
-Email is the number one distraction from work. Think about the way you are currently managing email. How effective is it? Do a pros and cons list for continuing using email in this way, vs. preplanning specific times for checking email.
-when talking to people, actively focus on them, or if you can’t give them your full attention, suggest a time they can come back and connect with you fully.