Ditch Information Overload and Stay Focused

In this fast-paced world of information overload we live in I find it hard to stay focused.

What a shocker!

Some of you may feel the same so I thought I’d share some habits I use to keep me in my positive, focused groove. Because, let’s face it. It would be easy to throw the covers over your head or lounge around on the couch all day waiting for all this craziness to be over so we can get back to normal.

Honestly, I’m not convinced it will be over soon or that we have a normal to get back to. So, I’ve decided to lean into my habits to give me the foundation for navigating what’s been thrown my way and prepare me for a great new normal.

Here goes…

1. Keep a straight posture. What? Studies have shown that people who suffer with depression can improve their mood by improving their posture. That weight of the world and all your worries you’re carrying on your shoulders? It’s dragging you down, literally folding your shoulders and body into yourself and withdrawing from life. The result is negative emotions, anxiety, and anger. So, stand and sit tall with your head, torso and hips aligned. When you do, your short-term memory will be better, you’ll be more alert and focused and you’ll have more energy.
2. Remove distractions. Your mind can really only deal with one thing at a time. If you’re multi-tasking, you’re not only lacking focus, you’re not bringing your “A game” to the task at hand. Every thing you do deserves your undivided attention. That’s how you get the best results.
3. Create a schedule. It will keep you on track and avoid confusion about what to do. You’ll chase less squirrels. I promise.
4. Practice meditation. The more aware you are about your thoughts and feelings the better. Be sure to breathe in abundance and positive thoughts through your nose and let go of negative thoughts and lack as you exhale through your mouth. Just 5 or 10 minutes of mindful meditation will help you refocus on what’s important.
5. Take care of your health. Eat, sleep and exercise right to maximize productivity and stay focused. Lack of sleep, poor diet and a sluggish lifestyle will cause your shoulders to droop, your mind to wander off to places that make you anxious and depressed, and your self-esteem to suffer.

Above all else, remember to be patient with yourself. Just be mindful of the habits that are causing you to worry or be anxious. When you spot them, pause, reflect, figure out how you can turn them around and then create a new habits. Disconnect from social media and mainstream news if you must. Tomorrow, I’ll be turning on the Penn State football game. That always gets me in a good frame of mind.