Bring More Focus to Daily Life
Whether or not we care to admit it, so many of us struggle with focus in our daily lives. Our attention spans have been splintered by technology, multitasking, and feeling pressure to keep up in a world that prioritizes speed and efficiency. Have you ever found yourself midway through a chore, listening to a podcast, and scrolling your phone at the same time? Just us? What if this month you tune in and make an effort to be fully present in the moment you are in? It doesn’t mean we can’t still be efficient but we can also try to increase our attention span and focus. Check out our suggestions for fine tuning your focus this month.
Work & Task Focus
Begin your day by making a to-do list for the day and identify the three most important tasks you need to finish. Highlight or star them in your planner. Your layout may already include a priorities section!
Follow the 10-Minute Task rule. If a task takes less than ten minutes, knock it out right away.
If you need intense focus on a task, use a visual timer and work for 45 minutes before taking a 10 minute break and repeating from there.
Block time in your planner for daily tasks.
Block time in your planner for weekly tasks.
Plan one admin day or afternoon each month to make appointments, schedule maintenance, pay bills, delete duplicate photos and screenshots from your phone, and clean up your computer desktop.
Consolidate errands to one day a week.
Pause Technology
Skip picking up your phone for the first hour of the day. Instead read a book for 10 minutes, go for a walk, meditate, or review the day ahead in your planner.
After dinner, put your phone away for the night. Place it in a drawer or on a charger where it remains out of sight.
If social media is too tempting and you don’t feel you can delete apps, consider a scrolling chair. A scrolling chair is a dedicated place to sit and scroll on your phone. Make this the only place you scroll or use social media. Use a timer and enjoy your time in the scrolling chair and then “hang up the phone” (finish scrolling) and move on with your day.
Use an app blocker to lock yourself out of tempting apps to help you limit distractions.
Have a technology free day each week or make your weekends tech free. Get your family on board too.
Embrace Analog Moments
Walk without headphones. No music, no podcasts. Take in your surroundings, the sky above.
Set a monthly reading goal.
Plan a monthly field trip to explore where you live.
Spend time practicing a new skill.
Take photos on a film camera.
Walk or bike an errand you would normally drive.
Pick a new restaurant in your town to try.
Relationships
Select a new recipe to cook and invite friends over.
Invite a friend to see a new movie in the theater.
Think of a friend you could help this month and do something for them like preparing a meal or helping with a task they need to finish.
Pick a time to go for a walk with a friend. Ask questions and practice active listening.
Connect with a friend on the phone.
Schedule one day at the end of the month to write letters and birthday cards to family and friends for the next month ahead.
How are you realigning and bringing focus to your days this season? We’d love to hear your tips in the comments below!