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Lyn Bailey – Life by Design

Tag: focus

  • Mindfulness Tips

    Mindfulness Tips

    Mindfulness Tips for Daily Life

     

    Learn how to practice mindfulness with simple techniques and tips for all ages. Enhance your well-being and manage stress effectively. Start today!

    Mindful.org emphasizes how mindfulness can reduce stress, sharpen focus, and just make you feel better overall. It’s like giving your mind a much-needed break from the constant chatter.

    When you incorporate mindfulness into your routine, you start to live with more intention. You’re not just reacting to everything on autopilot. This shift in perspective can make your experiences richer and help you handle life’s inevitable ups and downs with more resilience.

    Think of mindfulness as a powerful tool in your back pocket, ready to help you manage anxiety and stress. It’s a path towards better mental health and a calmer, more focused you.

    Integrate Mindfulness into Your Day

    Instead of thinking of mindfulness as something “extra” you have to do, try weaving it into your existing routine. Here’s how you can bring mindfulness to three key parts of your day:

    Mindful Mornings: Start Your Day Right

    How you begin your morning sets the tone for everything you do. Instead of immediately reaching for your phone, take a few moments for yourself. Think about how you want to approach the day. What qualities do you want to embody? What kind of energy do you want to bring to your interactions? Setting a clear intention first thing in the morning can make a world of difference.

    Mindful Work: Stay Present at Work 

    Let’s be real: work can get stressful. But you can use mindfulness to stay grounded, even on hectic days. If you feel your attention waning or frustration mounting, try taking a few deep breaths. This simple act can bring you back to the present moment and help you respond to challenges with more clarity. Remember, mindfulness can actually improve your focus, allowing you to be more productive and engaged with your tasks.

    Mindful Evenings: Wind Down with Intention 

    After a long day, it’s tempting to just collapse on the couch. But taking a few minutes for a mindful wind-down can lead to more restful sleep. Try a short walk and pay attention to the sights, sounds, and sensations around you. As you get ready for bed, reflect on your day. What went well? What are you grateful for? Acknowledging both the positive and negative experiences can help you process your emotions and let go of any lingering stress.

    Remember, mindfulness is a journey, not a destination. Be patient with yourself, experiment with different techniques, and find what works best for you.

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  • Organize Your Finances

    Organize Your Finances

    Organizing Your Finances for More Efficiency

    Organizing your personal finances can help increase your efficiency. Being organized lets you stay on track with your budget, make smart financial decisions, and reach your financial goals.

    Click here to get your FREE Tip Sheet – 9 Hacks to an Organised Life.

    Being organized for efficiency financially means:

     Having a budget to track your income and expenses

    • Automating your finances by setting up automatic bill payments and savings transfers
    • Keeping your financial records organized so it’s simple to track your progress
    • Working with a financial planner to get professional advice on managing your money

    The first step in personal finance is to find out where you stand financially, which will require some level of organization. You must know your income, expenses, debts, and assets. Start by getting organized so that on any given day at any given time, you can easily see where you stand financially without any stress.

    Keep track of your spending — Knowing where your money is going is the first step to being more organized. Keep a budget or use a tracking app to help you get an idea of where your money goes each month. Personally, I find using Spending Tracker a very handy way to do this on a daily basis.

    Make a budget — Once you know where your money is going, you can make a budget to ensure you’re spending within your means. Don’t forget to include savings so you will reach your future financial goals.

    Set up a system —Whether it’s a physical system like folders and a budget binder, or a digital system like Mint or Personal Capital, find a way to track your finances that works for you.

    Automate your finances — Automating your finances can help you stay on top of your bills and save money. Set up automatic bill payments and consider using a service like Digit or Acorns to save money automatically. I do this using my mobile bank app as I like to keep everything in the one place if I can.

    Keep your receipts — Receipts can help track spending and budgeting purposes. Keep them organized in a system that works for you – use either a physical folder or a digital app.

    Stay on top of your credit — Checking your credit report regularly is an excellent way to catch errors and keep track of your credit score. Clear Score sends me weekly updates and notifies me of any changes. It’s a free service.

    Review your bank statements — Reviewing your bank statements can help you catch errors and fraudulent charges and keep track of your spending. Doing this on a daily basis really paid off for me recently, as I picked up fraudulent activity on one of my accounts within hours, and my bank was able to stop it immediately.

    Invest in a good financial planner — A good financial planner can help you organize your finances, set goals, and make a plan to reach those goals. If you earn enough money to save money, this will be a worthwhile investment to get more organized.

    Get organized — Getting your finances organized can help you save money, reduce stress, and make better financial decisions. Use the tips above to help you get started.

    Personal finance includes planning for future financial security for you and your family. Organizing your finances efficiently requires creating a system for managing your money that is streamlined and easy to use. This might include setting up a budget, tracking your spending, and creating a system for paying your bills. An efficient system in place will help you save time and money.

    Click here to get your FREE Tip Sheet – 9 Hacks to an Organised Life.

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  • Why Being Productive Matters

    Why Being Productive Matters

    Why Being Productive Matters

    It is challenging to stay focused and be productive in this maximum information world where you are constantly inundated with distractions. Whether checking your phones, browsing social media, or watching television, there are always things vying for your attention. However, since you only have so much time (time is the most limited resource), it’s essential to use time wisely if your goal is productivity.

    Being productive does not require continuous motion or busy work. It simply means you use your time in a way that benefits you. It may seem strange, but doing what you love is productive regardless of what the world has taught you.

    It may mean working on a project, hobby, or task you’re passionate about. It may also mean taking care of necessary errands like grocery shopping or cleaning the house. It may also mean hacking away at your to-do list created based on your goals that match your principles, morals, and values. That’s the key—it’s up to you.

    There are many benefits to being productive.

    • You’re more likely to see progress in your life
    • You’ll achieve your goals
    • You’ll have high self-esteem
    • You’ll feel a sense of satisfaction
    • You’ll feel pride in your life
    • You’ll experience way less stress, overwhelm, and anxiety
    • You’ll feel a greater sense of purpose
    • You’ll feel as if life is worth living
    • You’ll have more free time

    When you take the time to focus on one task at a time, based on your well-researched plan, you’ll promptly get everything you need. Then, when you finish something, you can move on to the next thing feeling more successful.

    Plus, when you have things to do that you care about, you’ll realize what a difference you make in the world. When you feel important to the world, you’re more likely to live a satisfying life and live up to your true capabilities.

    There are many advantages to being productive. Productivity ensures you achieve your goals, feel good about yourself, reduce stress, and give you a sense of purpose. When you use your time wisely and focus on being productive, you’ll be able to create the life you want and live a more fulfilling existence.

    When you are genuinely productive in life, you manage your time well, which gives you more control over your life and how you want to spend your time. And that is invaluable. Plus, the better you are at being productive, the better your children will be at it too. Children learn best from the adults they are closer to and tend to model that behavior, for good or ill.

    Ask yourself, are you being productive with your time?

    What changes can you make to make better use of your time?

    How can you focus more on what’s important to you in order to achieve your goals and create a life you love?

    When you take the time to focus on being productive, you’ll be amazed at all you can achieve. Understanding why being productive matters is definitely worth your time. After all, your time is one of the truly limited resources, and how you use it will make a real difference in your level of productivity. Furthermore, when your productivity improves, you’ll see proof that it matters in the results you create.

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  • Not All Distractions Are Bad – 6 Good Distractions

    Not All Distractions Are Bad – 6 Good Distractions

    Not All Distractions Are Bad – 6 Good Distractions

    Though we often think of distractions as inherently bad, that’s not always the case. There are some instances where a distraction can be helpful or even healthy. Unfortunately, we all know that there are plenty of distractions out there that can lead us astray.

    But what about those times when a distraction can be a good thing? Here are a few examples:

    Taking a Break

    If you notice that you are experiencing additional stress or feelings of anxiety, a mild but healthy distraction will relieve your mind and offer some relief. Examples of good distractions, in this case, include reading a book, listening to music, or going for a walk.

    Refocusing Yourself

    Sometimes, if you can’t focus on a task, taking a brief break might help you get back to work. This is usually the case when the task is quite difficult or boring.

    Eating, Drinking, and Nourishing Yourself

    Sometimes, a healthy distraction can help us avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms like overeating or drinking. If you feel tempted to engage in one of these behaviors, try to find a positive distraction to focus on instead.

    Other Self-Care Actions

    Anytime you notice that even with your normal interventions, you can’t seem to get your focus together, it may be time to take some time out for more self-care. It may simply mean working on sleeping better at night so you’re at your best each day, but it will take self-reflection and honesty to ensure you find the right issues. It’s not wrong to take care of your needs before anyone else gets their wants seen to.

    Helping Your Child Refocus

    Helping your child switch from a frustrating task to a more enjoyable activity can be an excellent way to reduce their stress levels and prevent them from becoming overwhelmed. While this may seem like a distraction as it happens, taking you from your task and helping them will teach them to soothe themselves better, and over time interruptions will slow down as they learn what to do by your example.

    As you can see, there are actually quite a few instances where a diversion can be helpful – when you’re feeling stressed or anxious, your child is having a tough time with a task or situation, or you need more healthy self-care. Sometimes shifting attention to something helps everyone.

    Of course, it’s essential not to let distractions get out of hand. However, if you constantly get sidetracked and not getting anything done, it’s time to reassess your priorities and find a better way to focus. For example, maybe you need to work more on the setup before starting a new task.

    Perhaps being more mindful about your current feelings, your child’s issues, and so forth will help you avoid problems. But in moderation, distractions can be helpful. In addition, you may build stronger relationships with yourself and your loved ones if you handle them well. So next time you’re feeling stressed or struggling to focus, don’t be afraid to give yourself a break and find a healthy distraction.

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  • 7 Distractions That Negatively Affect Your Life

    7 Distractions That Negatively Affect Your Life

    7 Distractions That Negatively Affect Your Life

    Distractions are everywhere. They can significantly influence your life — inside and outside the workplace. If you’re not careful, they can hurt your learning ability, causing automobile accidents, drain your energy, affect your performance, increase stress, and more.

    If you want to sidestep the harmful consequences of distractions, it is helpful to be conscious of them. Then, once you know potential distractors, you can figure out how to stop them or lessen their effects.

    Cell phones

    A University of Sussex study found that simply having your cell phone within reach can hurt your performance on cognitive tasks. In fact, your brain is hardwired to respond to notifications – even when you’re not actively using your phone.

    Social media

    Checking social media can be a major time-suck, and it can also have a negative impact on your mood and mental health. For example, according to the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, self-esteem among regular social media users like Facebook suffers negatively. Moreover, they are more likely to compare themselves unfavorably to others.

    Email

    Checking email can be a major distraction, especially if you’re expecting an important message. A study by the Radicati Group found that the average person spends nearly two hours per day checking email, which is only expected to grow in the coming years.

    Pets and kids

    One study shows that having pets and kids at home can be massive sources of distraction for employees trying to get work done. But, of course, pet and human parents probably didn’t need the University of Minnesota study to prove this fact to them.

    Hunger or thirst:

    It is almost impossible to make your mind focus on anything else if you’re hungry or thirsty. Plus, many studies show that dehydration can lead to a decrease in cognitive performance.

    Chatty co-workers

    If you work in a typical office with cubicles, chances are you’ve had at least one or two chatty co-workers who seem to think your desk, or the cubical right by yours, is their personal chatting spot. This can be extraordinarily distracting and make it difficult to get work done.

    Noise

    Whether it’s the sound of traffic outside your window or the chatter of people in the next room, noise can be a significant distraction. A study by the University of California, Irvine, found that office noise can lead to a decrease in productivity and it can also increase stress levels.

    Fortunately, you can do a few things to minimize the impact of distractions in your life. If you’re working on anything requiring focus, try to find a quiet place to work. If you can’t avoid chatty co-workers, politely let them know that you’re trying to concentrate and ask them to come back later. And if you’re expecting an important email, turn off notifications, so you’re not constantly interrupted. Of course, you can always schedule time for email checking later.

    When you actively take the time to avoid distractions, you will improve your productivity, reduce stress, and live a happier, healthier, more prosperous life.

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  • 9 Foods That Help You Concentrate

    9 Foods That Help You Concentrate

    9 Foods That Help You Concentrate

    One way to help yourself focus better is to look at your diet. There are certain foods that can help improve your cognitive function. Add these amazing superfoods to your diet to help improve your concentration levels.

    Whole grains

    Whole grains are packed with nutrients that improve cognitive function. They contain complex carbohydrates, which provide energy to the brain, and vitamins and minerals essential for healthy brain function. Make sure to include whole grains in your diet by eating whole grain bread, oatmeal, quinoa, and brown rice.

    Green leafy vegetables

    Green leafy vegetables are a fabulous source of brain nutrients. They’re rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, folate, and antioxidants – all essential for healthy brain function. Include leafy greens in your diet by eating them as a side dish or adding them to salads and smoothies.

    Omega-3 fatty acids

    Healthy brain function must have plenty of Omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, they help to regulate mood and reduce inflammation. Salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, and herring are all great sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil supplements also ensure you get enough omega-3s each day if you can’t get it in your diet for some reason.

    Caffeine

    Stimulants like caffeine improve focus and concentration in some people. Coffee, tea, and even energy drinks are sources of caffeine. Ensure you limit caffeine intake to avoid side effects like jitteriness and anxiety.

    Dark Chocolate

    Dark chocolate is both delicious and good for you in moderation. Cocoa flavanols are antioxidants that have been shown to improve cognitive function. Choose dark chocolate low in sugar and has a high cocoa content for the most benefits. To get the most benefit from eating dark chocolate, eat it in moderation as it is also high in calories and fat.

    Bananas

    Bananas offer a source of potassium and vitamin B6, both of which are essential for healthy brain function, in their own little package. In addition, bananas provide energy to the brain due to their high concentration of dietary fiber, sucrose, and fructose. Eat bananas as a snack or add them to smoothies and yogurt.

    Blueberries

    Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the brain from damage. In addition, blueberries are a good quality source of vitamins C, K, and manganese, which are great as a snack or add to yogurt, cereal, or oatmeal.

    Avocados

    Avocados, packed with vitamins E, K, and folate, are also a good source of healthy fats essential for brain function. Add avocados to salads, sandwiches, or wraps.

    Nuts and Seeds

    Nuts and seeds provide healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Some good choices are almonds, walnuts, pistachios, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and chia seeds. Nuts and seeds are yummy as a snack by the handful or add them to your food.

    Increasing your concentration and focus can be helpful in all areas of life. So whether you’re trying to improve your grades in school, be more productive at work, or write the next best seller, these are all foods that can help you concentrate better.

    Set aside 15-30 minutes each week to plan your menu for the week including these nutritious foods to help you concentrate. If you want help doing this, download my FREE Meal Planner HERE.

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  • 6 Ways To Improve Your Concentration

    6 Ways To Improve Your Concentration

    Exercises To Improve Your Concentration

    There are many benefits to having strong concentration skills. When you can get your brain to focus on the task at hand, you can get more done in less time. You’re also less likely to make mistakes. And you’re able to retain information better. Sadly, it can be very difficult to concentrate in this age of technology and 24/7 information. Thankfully, there are many different exercises you can do to improve your concentration.

    Write it down

    Knowing exactly what you’re supposed to do makes it easier to get into a state of flow faster. You can’t get into that state if you’re trying to figure out where everything is and how to do it. Write down directions for the task, including what materials or tools you need and the order of operations to help your mind get focused.

    Meditate

    Some people find that they can improve their concentration by practicing meditation. Try meditating, even at your desk, for just a minute or two between tasks. Giving your brain time to switch to the next task improves focus.

    Try a puzzle or brain teaser

    Others find that they can improve their concentration by doing things like puzzles or brain teasers. Of course, for some, this can lead you down the rabbit hole of gaming instead of doing the tasks you want, so make sure you set a timer for just a couple of minutes so you can get to your work.

    Stop multitasking

    Try to focus on one thing at a time. It may feel weird at first, especially if you’re used to multi-tasking – when you’re used to a lot of noise, the silence feels deafening. But it’s important to try and focus on one task until it’s done before moving on to the next task, primarily because humans aren’t designed for multitasking. Therefore, you’re not actually multitasking. Instead, you’re just switching tasks which can cause you to take longer and make more mistakes.

    Take a short walk

    Instead of trying to switch right to a new task when you finish another, go on a short walk. You don’t even need to walk a full five minutes to work. Get up, get some water or go look out the window. If you can’t leave your desk, just stand up, stretch, and take a few deep breaths before switching tasks.

    Do the task for just two minutes

    Another excellent exercise for improving concentration is to set a timer and see how long you can go without getting distracted. For example, start with a goal of 2 minutes and see how long you can last. Once you can consistently hit your 2-minute goal, try increasing it to 3 minutes, and so on.

    You can do many other things on a regular basis to improve your concentration, like exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, eating nutritious food, and staying hydrated. Limiting distractions before you start the task will also help you focus. Of course, it won’t happen overnight, but with practice, and a good timer, you can learn to concentrate better.

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  • Why Don’t I Finish What I Start?

    Why Don’t I Finish What I Start?

    Why Don’t I Finish What I Start?

    Maybe you’re reading this article as you are about to abandon the twelfth project you’ve started and left unfinished in the last three months. Maybe you’ve never been able to finish something you’ve always wanted to complete. Either way, there are reasons you don’t finish what you start, and it may not be for the reasons you think.

    Procrastination

    The number one reason you probably aren’t finishing what you start is that you are probably procrastinating. To solve your procrastination habit, you need to know why you are procrastinating. Are you constantly being distracted by other tasks? Do you harbor a fear that you won’t like working on your project? Once you get to the bottom of your reasons for procrastination, you’ll better be able to combat it and conquer it. Then you’ll be able to work more on the project you want to finish.

    Lethargy

    Another reason you may not be finishing what you start is that you suffer from feelings of lethargy. Lethargy is when you have no energy because you have lost enthusiasm for the task at hand. You might have lost enthusiasm because you’ve been working on the task too long and procrastinating, as mentioned above. You feel that you are unappreciated for your efforts. You can conquer lethargy by breaking tasks into much smaller pieces and rewarding yourself along the way.

    You Overestimated Yourself or the Project

    When you start something new, you are often fueled by excitement, and this may lead you to misjudge a project and the work it will take on your end to complete it. Then, during the project, you may realize you don’t have the capabilities or time to finish what you started. The best way to solve this problem is to be more realistic while planning a project. Make sure you carefully lay out your entire plan to see the project more clearly and solve future issues before they occur.

    Overall, finishing all the projects you start is difficult, but this doesn’t mean you should give up so easily. Instead, work to find the reasons behind your procrastination and lethargy and work to solve them. You can also boost yourself by considering every project you start more in-depth at the beginning of the project. Pretty soon, you’ll be well on your way to finishing that one project you’ve just never gotten around to.

    What have you started and not finished? If you would like some help in getting back on track with this project then click HERE to book a FREE Discovery Call with me.

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  • The Top 3 Reasons We Don’t Finish What We Start

    The Top 3 Reasons We Don’t Finish What We Start

    The Top 3 Reasons We Don’t Finish What We Start

    Do you feel as if you are constantly leaving a trail of half-finished projects in your wake? Are you the type of person who has one project in particular that you’ve always wanted to finish but just haven’t gotten around to it? If that sounds familiar, keep reading to find the top three reasons you tend not to finish what you’ve started.

    1. You’ve Lost Motivation

    When you started the project, your enthusiasm for starting something new first motivated you. However, if you haven’t seen any results in some time, this may have caused your motivation to lower. The best way to combat this loss of motivation is by breaking your project down into more manageable pieces and rewarding yourself along the way for steps well done. Conquering these more manageable pieces will help keep you motivated even when the project is long.

    2. Negative Thoughts About The Project

    Another reason you may find it difficult to complete a task is because of the way you think about the project. When it comes to mind, do you think you will never finish it or is your mind filled with thoughts of how hard the project is? Both are negative paths of thinking, and they will keep you from finishing the project. Instead, it’s time to transform your thinking to be positive regarding the project you are trying to complete. A more positive outlook will give you new energy and motivation to complete the task.

    3. Lack Of Discipline

    Another reason people can’t finish the projects they start is a lack of self-discipline. A person with self-discipline doesn’t give up when the going gets tough. They also tend to avoid procrastinating or slacking off. If this sounds familiar to you, it’s probably time that you work to cultivate self-discipline in your life. Boosting your self-discipline will ensure you can start finishing all the projects you start.

    In conclusion, finishing what you start is quite often difficult. The most likely reason you cannot finish projects is probably one of the above reasons. If you want to enjoy feelings of success, it’s time that you get to the bottom of your reason for not finishing a project and then work towards conquering the reason. This way, the next project you start, or one you have left uncompleted, will finally be done. After all, it’s always better to be late than never finish at all.

    What have you started and not finished? If you would like some help in getting back on track with this project then click HERE to book a FREE Discovery Call with me.

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  • 5 Essential Tips to Finish What You Start

    5 Essential Tips to Finish What You Start

    5 Essential Tips to Finish What You Start

    Do you struggle to finish projects? Are you currently struggling with a specific project (or ten) in your life that you can’t seem to finish? Let me guess, do you have more than a few household tasks on your to-do list?

    Don’t worry – you aren’t alone. Many people struggle to follow through on their tasks. Here are five essential tips to help you finish what you’ve started.

    1. Make A Plan

    First and foremost, the number one way to finish everything you start is by making a plan before you start. A well-thought-out plan ensures you will be aware of the work your project requires and have an idea of how you will proceed. It is also a good time to break the project into smaller chunks to make it easier to conquer. Don’t forget to take some time to brainstorm potential problems you may encounter along the way.

    1. Take A Break

    If you feel overstressed at some point during your project, and it leads to other negative feelings like frustration, it’s okay to take a break. A break is a great way to refresh both your body and mind. Get hydrated, move around, find some time to take in the present world around you.

    1. Identify Your Distractions

    Maybe you’re finding every reason under the sun not to work on your project. It’s time to identify these distractions and how they may be affecting you. If the distraction is easily removed, remove it. If it’s more of a mental distraction, it may be time to look into something like meditation to help you clear your mind. Whatever your distractions are, it’s time to identify and eliminate them so you can focus on your goal.

    1. Track Your Progress

    Many projects remain unfinished because they are long, and you lose sight of the end goal somewhere in the middle. To maintain motivation, you need to track your progress on the goal as you go. You may even want to consider rewarding yourself for a job well done at certain points to maintain your motivation.

    1. Visualise The End

    Even if you are tracking your project, you may find that you’ve lost sight of your end goal. This is why you should frequently spend time visualizsing your end goal in your mind. It will help you remember why you are working on your goal in the first place.

    Finishing what you start is never easy, but if you follow these five essential tips, you may find that you can finish it with ease the next time you start a project.

    If you struggle to finish what you start, click HERE for a FREE Discovery Call to find out how to complete your projects.

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