Time Out

Boden

OUT Time

Stressed, unmotivated and burned-out? Slow down and learn how to achieve more by doing less. DO ONE THING

Multi-tasking can mean that we make less progress, having to return to unfinished tasks. So, take a leaf out of ‘his’ book. You won’t find him doing more than one thing, and sometimes not even that! Keep your focus simple and choose one thing to do brilliantly, before moving onto the next task.

GO OFF GRID

It’s not just the kids that need tech limits, screen overload can affect us all. Make a conscious decision how long to browse each day and then when your time is up, ‘switch off’ - both physically and metaphorically. For an extended break, book a digital detox holiday. No phones allowed.

PUT A TICK IN THE BOX

Is yesterday’s ‘To Do’ list holding you back from achieving today? Simply add a few easy things which can be done quickly or even something you’ve almost completed. Ludicrous? Yes. But try it, it feels so good! Tick.

TAKE A NANO-BREAK

A holiday would be fabulous but not always practical when work deadlines are looming. Instead learn how to hit the pause button in your day. Breathing exercises, a cup of herbal tea at your desk; whatever it takes to signal to your brain that it’s time to take a quick breather.

AVOID TIME STEALERS

Whether it’s answering unimportant emails, procrastinating, or giving our time to people that give nothing back – these are the things we do, that mean we’re unable to do something else more critical, enjoyable etc. This week make a list of things you’re not going to do and stick to it.

LET HAPPINESS IN

Let’s face it, it’s not your 800 Facebook ‘friends’ that make you happy but finding time for the people you love will. Find a balance, by making space in your life for those weekend breaks with the girls, leisurely family brunches and days out with the kids.

the rest of the day will follow suit. Try setting your alarm half an hour earlier and use the time for an extended shower, unhurried breakfast, walk the dog or yoga exercises. You’ll feel more in control and in a better place to tackle the day ahead.

PLAN AHEAD

After a long day it’s normal to want to relax in front of the TV. But why not spend an hour preparing for the next day instead. Whether it’s prepping your lunch or ironing your work clothes, being prepared will destress you and help the next day go more smoothly.

BUCK THE TREND

Finally, if everyone else is super busy it doesn’t take long for us to let our lives fill up too. Instead buck the trend and seek out that colleague who has a life outside work, or the friend that shuns Facebook, and follow the beat of their drum. You’ll find it rubs off!