We’ve been learning about how to improve focus as an important aspect of managing our minds.
The holidays can be a season in which it becomes more challenging to be able to focus well. There are so many things to do! Our minds and bodies can become particularly busy and tired during this time as we think about buying and wrapping presents, preparing special meals, baking, decorating, school activities and perhaps having extra people around.
If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed, it can be helpful to take a step back and observe yourself as a friend might. Feeling less intense and knotted up about everything you think you need to do can calm you down enough to be able to see that there are some things that really aren’t all that important and aren’t worth the time or energy they require.
Take a look at all your lists in a detached way and see if there is anything you would advise a friend not to worry about.
It can be very helpful to take a few minutes to think about what is important to you about the holiday season and what you most want to focus on.
Last month we looked at the concept of using a schedule to help keep us on track during the work sections of our days, and incorporating the habit of taking regular breaks. They do not need to be long to be refreshing and help us focus better after.
Any kind of movement increases blood flow to the brain and can reset your brain to focus better. Even just walking around the house or office for a few minutes can clear our brain enough to be able to come back to our tasks refreshed and better able to think well.
Taking regular brain and body breaks may feel like slowing down, but a brief break from thinking, sitting, standing, or working on a project helps our focus tremendously, resulting in increased overall productivity.
Observing our own thoughts can be very informative. By paying attention to what goes on in our minds, we train the brain to notice when it is wandering off or jumping around.
The holidays with their extra activities and responsibilities can definitely create a serious case of “busy brain.” Don’t worry if your mind hops around a lot while it helps you figure out how to get everything done. Just don’t let it criticize you or boss you around. You get to decide how to handle the holidays. The most important part is to enjoy them!
