LIVING WELL: Four ways to stay focused and be more effective

Create a game plan
If you’re unsure of exactly what to do or where to start, it can be challenging to get into the zone and focus. Before diving headfirst, take some time to designate the tasks you need to do, set priorities, and establish deadlines. Even if plans change or you get thrown off course, you’ll be able to refer back to your game plan and continue making progress.

Go with your flow

It’s natural for our productivity to have highs and lows throughout the day. Take a look at what times of the day you’re the most alert and schedule focus time within those hours. Whether it be first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon, fill your focus time to-do list with the most important or complex tasks to maximize your output.

Get moving

If may seem counterintuitive to intentionally pull yourself away from something you need to finish, but doing so can actually help refocus your mind. For example, physical activity, such as going for a walk around the block or doing a ten minute yoga stretch can stimulate your brain, relieve stress, and clear your head so you can focus on what you need to accomplish.

Break it down

Looking at a big project or task head on can be intimidating and stressful. Instead, try breaking down the project into smaller, bite-sized steps – for instance, phone the client, set up a meeting, etc. This not only makes the project easier to digest, but can help you build momentum with mini milestones as you tick each task off your to-do list.