So, for a mind that goes 100 miles an hour, I found this useful...
A friend was telling me how much more productive they were when they were relaxed and this was even after they got rid of their blackberry.
The common message from wise, experienced leaders is that the key to life is balance...it seems to be the answer for everything: controlling stress, living a good life, maintaining physical health, managing workload...
Ref: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/8-tips-to-focus-your-mind-how-to.html
1.
Objective Thinking: Focus your thoughts. Stop other thoughts that are not specific to your wellbeing or task.
2.
Be Still:
Allow your thoughts to come and go, but resist the urge to follow each
one. Your brain will eventually slow down and you will feel less
pressured.
3.
Count. If you find it difficult to let go of your
thoughts, try counting slowly as you breathe. Watch your thoughts and
try to resist following them. Turn your attention to the count as you
breathe out.
4.
Pay active attention. As you work and think, try to
keep your attention on the task at hand.
Be strict with yourself and each time your mind wanders, return it to
the task. As you keep refocusing your attention, your “mind stillness”
will improve.
5.
Still your body. One sign of fragmented attention
is fragmented movement. For example, when you are at the theatre, it is
easy to tell if others around you are fully attentive to the
performance. People who sniff and sigh, move their heads this away and
that, and wiggle in their seats are having some difficulty
concentrating. Rapt attention is usually accompanied by still body
posture.
6.
Find a comfortable position and don’t allow yourself to move.
Concentrate on what you are doing or watching, drawing your attention
away from physical distractions, and focus your thoughts on your task.
After a while, you will notice that you fidget less and feel less
physical discomfort. You are now channeled into mental exertion.
7.
Interest your mind. Try to find interest in
projects to help you concentrate. Taking up a new hobby can be a
tremendous help. You should also try to find something interesting even
in the dullest chore. If you are at a gathering, find someone and start a
conversation. Be inquisitive and you might discover you have similar
interests.
8.
Open the mind.
Just as strength, stamina and flexibility must be incorporated in your
physical routine, the mind needs new and absorbing challenges to give it
a change from its everyday journey. Notice something new on the same
way home that you might not have noticed before. Buy a magazine on a
subject you normally wouldn’t look at, read it, and open yourself to new
possibilities.
