Hope your summer has been filled with fun vacays as well as being able to get projects done. Yet, the call of being on adventures with family and friends can impact staying organized and focused.
One positive action for a clear, less distracted mind is to consider a quick task for a mental health lift. As an example, Barton Goldsmith, Ph.D., offered the idea of a declutter in your daily routine to boost focus, reduce procrastination and release endorphins. He said that clearing a small area - like a desk, a nightstand, or a kitchen counter - instantly lowers stress, creates an immediate sense of accomplishment, and builds momentum for larger tasks.*
Try This: Do a 5-Minute Declutter
A daily declutter of a single space for just five minutes is what Dr. Goldsmith recommends. For this week, here is the process to try:
- Set a timer on your phone for exactly 5 minutes.
- Pick one small surface in your immediate area to tackle.
- Throw away trash, put items in their proper places, and relocate out-of-place objects.
- Stop exactly when the timer goes off, even if you want to keep going.
It is a great way to approach projects you keep putting off like clearing a desktop, attacking those old photo albums for scanning, or organizing an overstuffed drawer. My initial focus will be my desktop!
* Taking Positive Actions Changes Your Life, Barton Goldsmith Ph.D., https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/emotional-fitness/201401/taking-positive-actions-changes-your-life