Blog #1 started the discussion around being grounded, having a routine to stay on track which is a very practical first step in keeping yourself focused when faced with distractions. As somebody who loves a list and is a big planner I found that bit pretty easy but step 2 was a whole new pain in the [BLEEP].
I was now back in control, the moments of 'my time' meant something, I let them happen and noted the results. It was amazing, without thinking about it I noted that during this time I had planned meals, seen nature, created new business development ideas and felt invigorated as a result. This daydreaming was not a waste of time, it was time to clear my head of that insightful information, appreciate nature and my surroundings plus give myself a break. I can honestly say that nothing I noted down was rubbish. My mind wandering gave me a more exciting todo list, opened up my views on what is possible and made dinner time a breeze!
Until about 6 months ago, I used to get really mad with myself for 'wasting time' and not being focused on the task in hand, in fact wasting even more time getting cross than the time I actually spent daydreaming! Then I cut myself some slack - what if that time was actually not wasted at all, in fact it was my opportunity to live more in the moment, my opportunity to be creative and capture a new exciting idea, what if that time was 'my time'? Simple, re-purpose the event to be meaningful and useful.
I was now back in control, the moments of 'my time' meant something, I let them happen and noted the results. It was amazing, without thinking about it I noted that during this time I had planned meals, seen nature, created new business development ideas and felt invigorated as a result. This daydreaming was not a waste of time, it was time to clear my head of that insightful information, appreciate nature and my surroundings plus give myself a break. I can honestly say that nothing I noted down was rubbish. My mind wandering gave me a more exciting to-do list, opened up my views on what is possible and made dinner time a breeze!
Whilst so many of us are at home right now and if we are lucky we are locked up with loved ones, staying focused is harder than ever so remember, don't beat yourself up if you wander, stare out of your window or are distracted by a new co-worker and their amazing artwork [mind wandering if the paint is everywhere or the crayons are on the wall more than the paper], embrace the opportunity to learn, think and create, you are an intelligent human being who knows work needs to be down and with those mind wanders freeing up head space you'll soon fly through that to do list and more.
For those who like a practical to do list here are 5 things to help you embrace 'your moments' and work more effectively from home:
Have a dedicated workspace no matter where and what it is like. Creativity could be key - check out these to make you smile. On a serious note, yes there are key health and safety rules when it comes to work stations but we are not all lucky enough to have bespoke home offices at this moment in time so click here for some useful info
Build in downtime to your routine [there is that word again] allowing a % of your day to be your time, your moments, your daydreams. This will ensure that you take back control
Write down what your senses learn during this time, what did you see, smell, hear as an example, when you start to live in the moment you start to embrace mindfulness and appreciate that smaller things really do matter
Get dressed, I mean out of your PJs and into comfortable day wear, do your hair and make if that is what you would do to go into the office. Make yourself feel good and differentiate from the non-work time
Ask yourself, when you were in the office working did you and your colleagues work solidly for 8 hours? Be honest, the answer will be no. You'll natter to your neighbour, you'll wander to the kitchen and you may glace out into space to help yourself think. Working at home is no different, get up chat some somebody at home, stretch your legs and then return to the task feeling refreshed
I hope these tips help you to settle into any new home working situation you are finding yourself in. If you are still struggling to take control do get in touch for a free 20 minute call and lets see if we can get 'your moments' working for you!
#workingfromhome #workingathome #daydreaming #focused #stayingin #todolist #mindfulness #inthemoment #nature #family #innovative #creativity
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