When the world around you swirls with demands, deadlines, and distractions, it might seem almost impossible to stay focused and productive. Curling your fingers around a hot mug of tea, while attending never-ending zoom meetings, answering emails on the go, and deadlines pounding at your door, trust me, I've been there. Yes, this is Adaline talking to you, a thoughtful blogger, an occasional chaos wrangler, and a consistent calm-seeker. But what if I told you that you possess an unknown, secret weapon that can not only improve your focus but can also enhance your productivity significantly? This secret tool is no other than calmness – an often overlooked but powerful force that has the ability to transform our lives in unimaginable ways.
Do you remember those few precious seconds right after waking up in the morning when the world seems serene and calm, free of worries? Ah! I absolutely cherish those. Well, guess what? That's your brain in its most 'calm' state, wherein your brain activity is at the lowest. And it's not just a random thing. It's actually your brain's default mode of operation. Scientists call it the 'Default Mode Network' or DMN for short. Studies have suggested that when your mind is calm, your DMN is activated, preparing your brain for insightful ideas and creative problem-solving. Sounds fancy, right? But how does it relate to productivity?
When you're calm, you aren't just sitting there, staring blankly into the void, contemplating your existence. No, it's much more than that (and if you're doing that, kudos! You're pondering over the bigger questions of life). When you're in a calm state, you're essentially decluttering your mind and creating a mental space for cognitive tasks – tasks that contribute to your productivity. Remember that time when you were all hyped up for a presentation only to forget everything at the last moment? Yep, that's stress inhibiting your productivity. And guess what could have saved the day? A mind at peace, a calm mind.
Now, the logical question is, how to attain this zen-like state amidst the noisy sea of thoughts and tasks? And woah! Hold your horses, because I am not suggesting you become a full-time meditation guru or hermit. There are very practical and doable things that you can implement in your everyday life to nurture calmness (and no, you do not need to move to the Himalayas for it). Implementing small changes in everyday routines can provide profound results, leading to a much calmer mental state. More on this later.
Perhaps the most crucial part of this journey towards calmness is acceptance - accepting that your mind is a thought factory, and it's completely okay to have thoughts. Knowing that you don't necessarily have to act on every single thought that comes to your way is liberating. Over time, you will learn to let unnecessary thoughts pass by without affecting your calm state of mind. And remember, ladies and gentlemen, patience is the key here. You're nurturing a habit, not a momentary state, so challenge yourself to stay patient, consistent, and persistent. Take a deep breath, and always remember, progress over perfection.
As we delve deeper, let's explore some practical techniques and habits that can help you foster calmness and significantly enhance your focus and productivity. This is where the real fun begins! Is anyone excited? Because I sure am!
Starting with a good old fashioned 'Digital Detox'. Now, don't roll your eyes at me! I know it's a buzzword tossed around a lot, but hear me out. Living in the digital age, we're constantly bombarded with information (Hello, 200 unread emails!). Disconnecting from this incessant influx of data can help reset and declutter our mind, resulting in a calmer state. Set aside specific times in your day when you're not using your devices and genuinely engage in the world offline. I usually prefer an hour of digital detox before bed, but feel free to find a routine that suits you best.
Next on board is the practice of mindfulness and meditation. Contrary to popular belief, meditation does not require you to sit cross-legged under a Banyan tree for hours. It is about becoming more attuned with the present moment. Start with just 5 minutes of focused breathing exercise each day, gradually increasing the time as you become accustomed to it. Trust me, you'll start noticing a positive shift in your mindset rather quickly.
Another simple, yet incredibly effective tool is exercise. Physical activity significantly helps in reducing stress and promotes a sense of calm. You need not toil in the gym for hours, just a simple walk, or a few yoga stretches work wonders. Here's a fun fact - research has shown that as little as 20 minutes of exercise can provide long-lasting improvements in mood.
Last but definitely not least, the practice of gratitude can contribute to feelings of calm. It's easy to ruminate over the things we lack in our lives, which can lead to an anxious state of mind. Instead, focusing on what we already have and being thankful for it can shift our perspective towards positivity and calmness. I maintain a gratitude journal to consistently remind myself of the many blessings I have in my life.
Remember, this is not a one-size-fits-all solution, what works for one might not work for another. The important thing is to identify what activities, practices, or habits help you foster calmness. There's no better day than today, so choose calm, choose focus, and welcome amazing productivity improvements in your life!
Written by Adaline Howards
View all posts by: Adaline Howards