Too Much Focusing Is Draining. Here's A Better Strategy
Curated from: npr.org
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When being focused feels challenging
With everything that is happening around us in the world, concentrating can feel impossible.
- We then resort to multitasking. But multitasking distracts our brains and prevents us from enjoying true focus. The more tasks we try to do at a time, the more cognitive energy we burn.
- Another problem is overfocusing. Unfocusing - purposefully letting your mind wander - is key to improving focus. The brain works best when we toggle between focus and unfocus.
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Unfocus your mind
Schedule some breaks into your workday and allow your mind to wander freely into the "default mode network."
The network is where the mind finds innovation, creativity and regularly make better decisions than the focused mind.
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Engage in constructive daydreaming
This means first turning your attention inward.
Spend about twenty minutes trying to think of someplace enjoyable while doing some form of low-key activity, such as walking, knitting, or gardening. Doing this throughout the day can help your mind gain a fresh approach to the job at hand.
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Stop interruptions before entering deep work
Our days are full of distractions. Blocking out distractions is essential when we want to dive into deep focus—for example, turning off text messaging, notifications, and social media alerts.
Plan to respond to your phone and other screens after you've completed a period of sustained focus.
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Know your chronobiology
Learn to understand your body clock. Are you alert in the morning, or do you prefer working at night?
Schedule your most important projects during the period of peak performance. Resist the temptation to use that time for busywork.
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Try new hobbies
Finding new hobbies is not only exciting, but it can help us discover new solutions to the problems we're facing at work or home.
Allowing your mind time to play helps innovation that is not possible when focusing on a problem.
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The digital sabbath
It provides a reset time to consider what's really important.
Intentionally setting aside some time away from our screens and their interruptions can help us focus on the world outside our screens.
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