Research shows that slowing down and being more present will make you more productive and happier. Multi-tasking is overrated. Instead of being more productive, it prevents us from doing anything well. It’s also a source of stress.
When we’re completely focused on what we’re doing, we find more enjoyment in the activity, even if it’s a task we’re not fond of.
Ways to be present…
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Bring your mind to the present. Take a deep breath in through your nose, and exhale slowly from your mouth. Notice how your diaphragm expands and contracts with each breath. If you find your mind wandering, gently redirect to the breath.
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Take a technology fast. Clear your schedule. Disconnect from all electronic devices for a half or full day.
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Try your best to be consciously present. Use tedious activities, that require attention to detail, as an opportunity to focus your attention on the task at hand. Turn off your phone or put it in another room, to avoid distractions.
Try different forms of meditation…
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5-4-3-2-1 technique
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Focus on 5 things that you can see
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Focus on 4 things you can feel
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Focus on 3 things you can hear
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Focus on 2 things you can smell
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Focus on 1 thing you can taste
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Focus on the breath (refer to point #1)
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Relaxation techniques
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Yoga
Truly experience pleasure. Be 100% focused on the experience, using all your senses.
