5 Tips for Staying Focussed
The elusive state of focus… The elusive ‘Flow State’.
I’m not sure if it’s due to the fast society we currently live in… or if it is due to the smaller and smaller attention spans that we seem to have (thanks Tik Tok). But it’s seeming like as an overall population, we are STRUGGLING to stay focussed! I know I certainly struggle with this. Especially on office admin days!
I’VE COMPILED A FEW TIPS TO HELP MAKE YOUR LIFE A LITTLE EASIER WHEN IT COMES TO STAYING FOCUSSED AND PRODUCTIVE.
SNACKS
If you are anything like me, my language of procrastination is food. "Oh I’m hungry, better stop and get a snack...” **Makes 3 course meal and gets ABSOLUTELY no work done**…
Well, instead of pulling yourself away from your desk… Arm yourself with some brain healthy snacks WHILE you are working/studying! One of my fave snacks is a homemade trail mix.
Trail mix is usually a combination of nuts, seeds & some fruit. Nuts and seeds are full of Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) which we know are super important for the proper function of our brain. These EFAs are especially important when we are wanting to stay focussed on the task at hand or retain information. I like adding a small amount of dried fruit for a change in texture and a little glucose hit.
I try to keep the nuts & seeds as the main characters in the mix with a small ratio of fruit throughout. We’re aiming for more protein and fats to balance out that sugar, we don’t want our blood sugar spiking and then plummeting and resulting in an energy slump.
THE POMODORO TECHNIQUE
I've been using this method for a little while now and it helps my very easily distracted brain to stay focussed and really produce quality work. I’m actually using it right now as I write this blog!
The Pomodoro Technique is a learning/productivity technique that helps us to increase productivity by setting time limits on our workflow.
The method is super simple: pick a task, set a 25 minute timer, work until the 25mins is up and then take a 5-minute break. Continue!
When you get used to this method, you can push the length of time at work for a little longer. Adjust it to suit you. To help enhance this method, make a playlist of songs that total a playing time of 25 minutes. For the best results use repetitive music or music without lyrics. This type of music doesn’t distract the brain from what ii’s trying to focus on… after all, this blog is all about focus, right?
If you jump onto YouTube, you’ll see a number of awesome playlists that are directly tailored to this technique. I’ve added a link to my favourite on my Instagram bio - check it out!
TAKE REGULAR BREAKS
This works well in conjunction with the above method. However, regardless of your work style - taking breaks, especially one where you can get some fresh air into your lungs can be super helpful to increase blood and oxygen flow around the whole body...
What does increased blood and oxygen flow to the head area mean?? That’s right, better brain function!
It’s a common misconception that working with no breaks will result in greater productivity and quality of work. As much as we all like to think that’s true - we know it isn’t. It’s hard on our brains, it’s hard on our physical body and posture and it’s hard on our eyes.
Even if it's just a small walk around the office/workspace or even to the bathroom - give those eyes a break and that brain a moment to reset!
OLFACTORY STIMULATION
Fancy big words, but what I mean by this is using scents and smells to increase your brain function. A great way to do this is with Essential Oils! It’s extra great because unlike some candles and incense sticks - essential oils are natural and non-toxic.
Peppermint essential oil has been used in aromatherapy to give you a nice little energy boost and helping with improving overall memory recall - especially if you use it while studying and while sitting exams! The brain then associates the learned material WITH the scent of peppermint. So, use it in a diffuser while studying/working and then on your exam/presentation day. You can do this by applying a few drops of peppermint essential oil in a carrier oil to your wrists. The smell then helps to bring that learned content front and centre of your memory bank.
Another fabulous oil for helping to increase memory and cognitive function is Rosemary - also known as the herb of remembrance. Similarly to peppermint, it can help increase energy levels, circulation to the brain, as well as helping our overall cognitive function and recall.
I actually used to braid rosemary sprigs into my hair for exams - it’s true! Ask anyone that was at Endeavour College of Natural Health in Adelaide Circa 2015.
Due to the pathway that the oils take to enter our bodies (through the olfactory system and straight into the amygdala), it can also have an effect in overriding that 'pre-exam or presentation anxiety' that I know a lot of us are familiar with. This means less worrying about that ‘performance anxiety’ and stress making you fumble your words and potentially losing your train of thought!
HERBS TO SUPPORT FOCUS
We've all heard the saying "an elephant never forgets".
Well, this saying apparently originated due to the fact that elephants were seen regularly consuming a herb called Gotu kola (THE memory herb). Thus giving it rise to being one of the most sought after herbs for helping to improve memory and cognitive function. In conjunction to Gotu kola, another favourite among us herbalists for cognitive function is Ginkgo biloba. Herbalists have been using Ginkgo biloba for centuries to help improve blood & oxygen flow and for it’s action as an antioxidant in the brain.
Fun Fact about Ginkgo… did you know it’s actually classified as a LIVING FOSSIL! It’s considered to be the oldest of the living tree species AND the ‘biloba’ sub-type is actually the only remaining type of the Ginkgo family! Pretty darn cool…
Alongside of these two beautiful herbs, here are a list of other herbs that have been used traditionally to help support cognition and memory function: Eleuthrococcus senticosus (Siberian Ginseng), Bacopa monnieri (Bacopa), Rosemarinus officinalis (Rosemary), Salvia officinalis (Sage, Ocimum tenuiflorum (Tulsi - Holy Basil).
On that note; I’m off to go make another Tulsi tea… I hope these tips help you stay productive and increase your workflow! Comment below and let me know how you go…
*Advice given is this blog is general, please consult your healthcare professional or book an appointment before starting any new treatment