When we are feeling overwhelmed, tired and overworked, we often stop doing the things that keep us mentally and physically well. However, these are the very day to day actions that will help you to have better concentration, think clearer, be more creative and overall be more productive.
Here are some self-care tips we all know are good for us, but maybe we don’t realise how good they are for the mind and for your business:
1. Eat slow-release energy foods such as whole foods and stay hydrated to keep the brain alert and less susceptible to distractions.
2. Keep active, aim for 20 mins per day if you can, but if not just start somewhere and build on it. Exercise builds the brains ability to ignore distractions.
3. Take regular breaks to give your brain a rest and stretch your body. Focusing on one task and then having a break takes less mental energy.
4. Get outdoors in nature. This has been shown to reduce stress, restores focus and helps you concentrate.
5. Undertake mindful activities to help build the areas of the brain that provide focus and decision making, even 5 mins a day can help.
6. Get at least 7 hours sleep in a regular pattern. Quality sleep fosters attention and concentration, as well as memory, problem-solving, creativity, emotional processing, and judgment.
7. Connect, in person or phone, with friends, family, the community. Social connection, laughter with friends and hugs help to boost you feel good hormones, lifting your mood, which helps with concentration.
8. Plan in time for hobbies, rest and recuperation. The brain needs a rest from the same tasks to recharge, ideally something focused on the present moment e.g., yoga relaxation.
9. Feed your mind with knowledge. Learning helps build curiosity, intellect and will power.
10. Give yourself purpose at home and work. Understanding your why and setting realistic goals provides you with a sense of satisfaction and achievement which boosts your productivity.
The key is to pick one, maybe two things you need to improve and work just on them. As they become habits, other good habits will start to form, but you must keep working and putting effort in, daily ideally before they become part of your everyday routine.
For more information or support, please contact Leanne Bird, Kudu Workplace Wellbeing on leanne@kuduwellbeing.co.uk.
