Tag: overwhelm

Mental Health, Productivity, Teenagers

Unproductive Habits to Break

Lyn Bailey

Common Unproductive Habits to Break

Teenagers can fall into many unproductive habits, which can prevent them from reaching their full potential. Some of the most common unproductive habits include:

Phone Habits

It’s easy to get lost in your phone and waste hours scrolling through social media or playing games. To break this habit, try setting a limit on how much time can be spent on the phone each day. Once the limit is hit, put the phone away and focus on something else. They can also leave the phone in another room when they need to focus on a particular task.

Disorganization

If your teen’s bedroom is a mess and their backpack is overflowing with papers, staying organized and on top of schoolwork will be nearly impossible. Encourage them to take some time to declutter their space and create a system that works for them to help them feel more in control and less stressed.

Binge Watching Shows

It’s easy to get sucked into a good TV show and watch episode after episode. You know this. But this it’s also a huge time waster. If your teen likes to binge watch, try setting a limit of one or two episodes per day or assign certain times that binging is allowed, like during inclement weather or when sick.

Procrastination

Procrastination is one of the most common unproductive habits and can be very damaging to a teenager’s success. When teenagers procrastinate, they put off essential tasks, often leading to poor grades, missed deadlines, and overwhelm. It will help to find the underlying reason for procrastination.

Social Media Addiction

Social media connects teenagers with friends and family, but it’s a significant waste of time for the most part. Teenagers easily get sucked into scrolling through their newsfeeds or posting updates when they should focus on schoolwork or other essential tasks. On the other hand, it can help to show how you limit yourself so your kids know a successful way to deal with this issue.

Poor Sleep Habits

Many teenagers don’t get enough sleep which can lead to them being tired and unproductive during the day. Teenagers need at least 8 to 12 hours of sleep each night to function at their best. The problem is that often teenagers are so overscheduled it makes it hard to accomplish this. Consider helping them avoid overscheduling.

Poor Diet

Eating unhealthy foods will make teenagers feel sluggish and uninterested in being productive. A healthy diet is vital for both physical and mental wellbeing. Again, this is another area where you are the model for the behavior you’d like your child to emulate.

Lack of Exercise

Exercise releases extra energy and improves focus. However, many teenagers lead sedentary lifestyles and don’t get enough exercise which can make them feel tired and uninterested in being active. Create family routines that encourage after-dinner walks and physical activity.

Breaking unproductive habits can be difficult, but teenagers need to focus on their goals and lead more productive lives to live the abundant life they are meant to live.

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Mental Health, Productivity, Teenagers

11 Causes of Unproductivity in Teens

Lyn Bailey

11 Causes of Unproductivity in Teens

There are many potential reasons teenagers may experience problems with productivity throughout the years. For example, hormonal changes during puberty sometimes lead to mood swings and even disorganization. The teenage years also sometimes mark a period of social upheaval as teens try to find their place in the world leading to distractions and a general sense of aimlessness.

There are many reasons teens may be unproductive. However, here are some to look out for.

  1. Lack of Sleep — Teens need around 8-10 hours of sleep every night, but many don’t get nearly that much. This can lead to fatigue and make it hard to focus or be productive during the day.
  2. Poor Nutrition — Eating a healthy diet is vital for everyone, but it’s especially crucial for growing teens. If they’re not getting enough nutrients, it can lead to problems with concentration and energy levels.
  3. Too Much Screen Time — It’s no secret that teenagers love their screens. Whether it’s phones, computers, or TVs, too much time spent looking at screens can lead to eye strain and headaches. The distraction makes it hard to focus on other tasks. Whether it’s social media, video games, or friends, anything that takes away from focus and distracts the teen can decrease productivity.
  4. Lack of Exercise — Exercise is a great way to boost energy and mood. But many teens are inactive, which can make them feel sluggish and unproductive.
  5. Stress and Anxiety — Stress is a normal part of life, but too much of it can be overwhelming, leading to problems with concentration, sleep, and mood, all of which can make it hard to be productive. Like stress, anxiety can also lead to burnout and make it difficult to focus on tasks.
  6. Depression — This is a severe medical condition that can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, loss of interest in activities, and difficulty concentrating. If left untreated, it can make it very hard to function in everyday life.
  7. Perfectionism – Teens who strive for perfection may never feel like their work is good enough, leading to them never feeling productive.
  8. Poor time management skills – If teens don’t know how to manage their time effectively, they will likely struggle to be productive.
  9. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder — ADHD can make it hard to focus and stay on task, leading to decreased productivity.
  10. Procrastination – This is often a result of poor time management skills or lack of motivation. Teens may put off tasks because they don’t want to do them or don’t know how to start.
  11. No Clear Goals or Purpose — It can be hard to be productive if teens don’t have any clear goals or a sense of purpose. Without these, it’s easy to get sidetracked or lost in day-to-day activities.

Of course, there are other reasons for teenage unproductivity, but the issue is usually easily identifiable. If you’re concerned about your teen’s productivity, talk to their doctor or a mental health professional first. A professional can identify any underlying causes and create a plan to help them get back on track. If everything checks out, they may simply require some additional help through a life coach or extra assistance from you.

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Mental Health, Productivity, Teenagers

Is Your Teen Lazy?

Lyn Bailey

Being Unproductive Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Your Teen is Lazy

Lately, it seems like every time you turn around, there’s another study coming out about the dangers of teenage laziness. It will help to look into possible reasons a child might display signs of “laziness” in case that it’s something that can be mitigated.

What if your teen isn’t lazy? What if they’re just unproductive? What if there is a reason for the unproductivity that can be addressed?

It’s essential to understand the difference between laziness and unproductivity. Laziness is a choice – it’s an unwillingness to try. Unproductivity, on the other hand, can result from many different factors. So it doesn’t necessarily mean that your teen is lazy.

There are several reasons why your teen might be unproductive. First, they could be going through a tough time at school or in their personal life. Maybe they’re feeling overwhelmed by all the things they must do. Or perhaps they just need a break in this overly busy topsy turvy world.

Before you worry too much, try to determine if your teen has any of these issues adding to their lack of productivity.

They’re dealing with anxiety or depression.

Anxiety and depression are both pervasive among teenagers. And unfortunately, they can both lead to a lack of motivation and productivity. So if your teen is suddenly uninterested in things they used to love, it could be a sign that they’re dealing with something more than laziness.

They’re procrastinating.

Procrastination is a common problem for teenagers (and adults!). It can be tough to start working on a project when you don’t know where to start, or feel overwhelmed. But the longer they put things off, the harder it becomes. So if your teen is having trouble getting started on their homework or a project, it might be because they’re procrastinating.

They have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Autism

ADHD and autism make it difficult to focus and stay on task. If your teen constantly forgets things or has trouble paying attention, it could be a sign of either of these.

They’re bored.

Sometimes, teenagers can be unproductive because they’re plain bored. For example, if they’re not challenged at school or they don’t have any hobbies that they’re passionate about, they might not see the point in putting forth any effort.

It’s important to talk to your teen about their unproductivity and help them find ways to overcome it. If they’re feeling overwhelmed, see if there’s anything you can do to lighten their load. It may be as simple as requiring organizational assistance.

If your teen is unproductive, don’t automatically assume it’s because they’re lazy. There could be several reasons they’re struggling to get things done. Whatever the reason for your teen’s lack of productivity, it’s important to talk to them about it.

If they’re dealing with anxiety or depression, they might need professional help. And if they have ADHD, some treatments can help them focus and stay on task. If your teen is bored, try to help them find an activity or hobby they’re enthusiastic about. Whatever the reason, being unproductive doesn’t necessarily mean that your teen is lazy.

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Clutter, Mental Health, Productivity

How Clutter Impacts Your Mental Health

Lyn Bailey

How Clutter Impacts Your Mental Health

Whether it’s a messy desk, a crammed closet, or a pile of unopened mail, clutter makes people feel stressed, anxious, and even depressed.

But did you know that clutter can also seriously impact your mental health?

A study published in The Journal of Neuroscience found that rats exposed to cluttered environments were likelier to be anxious and stressed than rats who lived in clean, organized spaces.

And it’s not just rats. A growing body of research suggests that clutter can harm our mental health, productivity, and relationships.

How clutter can impact your mental health:

Clutter can cause stress, anxiety, and depression.

If you’re constantly surrounded by piles of clothes, papers, or other belongings, it can seem like you will never get it all under control. For some people, clutter can be a trigger for anxiety and depression.

If you’re already struggling with mental health issues, the last thing you need is to be surrounded by reminders of your chaotic life. This can lead to anxiety and stress, impacting your mood, sleep, and overall well-being.

Clutter can lead to feelings of shame and guilt.

If you like holding on to stuff “just in case” or because you feel guilty about getting rid of them, then clutter can make you feel even more shame and guilt. These negative emotions can further add to stress and anxiety and may lead to procrastination.

Clutter interferes with focus and productivity.

If your environment is chaotic, it can be challenging to focus on anything else. Unfortunately, this can make it hard to be productive or accomplish essential tasks. That’s because all that visual clutter can distract and make concentrating difficult.

Clutter can make it difficult to relax.

When your home is full of clutter, finding a place to relax can be hard. This can lead to feelings of frustration and irritability. All that mess can make you feel overwhelmed and stressed.

Clutter can impact your sleep.

If you’re having trouble sleeping, clutter could be to blame. A cluttered environment makes it hard to relax and wind down so you can sleep soundly.

Clutter can cause physical health problems.

If you’re constantly tripping over things or moving things around to find what you need, it can lead to physical health problems like back pain or muscle strain. Did you know most older adults who fall usually trip over something at home? It can happen to anyone, so organize and clean up to prevent accidents.

home

If you felt shame and embarrassed about the clutter, it makes it difficult to entertain guests. This leads to social isolation and feelings of loneliness. Plus, if you’re constantly arguing with your spouse or partner about the state of your home, clutter likely is to blame. All that tension can take a toll on your relationships, including friends you never want to come over.

Finally, if your environment is full of clutter, it can feel like your life is out of control. This can impact your self-esteem and leave you feeling overwhelmed. What’s more, if you have young children, clutter can make it difficult for them to focus and behave. A messy home can also be dangerous for young kids, who are at risk for injury if they stumble upon something sharp or poisonous.

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Mental Health, Productivity, Time Management

How Being Organized Increases Your Productivity

Lyn Bailey

How Being Organized Increases Your Productivity

When it comes to productivity, being organized is key. When you are organized, you can better manage your time and resources. When you have a plan and know what needs to be done, you are less likely to waste time on things that are not important.

Additionally, organization allows you to set priorities and focus on the most critical tasks. With the right organization methods, you can see what needs to be done and plan your time accordingly.

Here are eight ways being organized can help you be more productive:

1. Spend less time looking for things.

When everything has a place, you can find what you need quickly and get back to work. If you have to search for things constantly, you’ll waste valuable time. You may even waste money in addition to time by repurchasing the stuff you can’t locate.

2. Find things when you need them.

If you know where everything is, you won’t have to waste time looking for it. This is especially important when you’re under a deadline. For example, if you create deliverable products but can’t find them when your client wants to see them, it looks like you ignore detail.

3. Work more quickly and efficiently.

An organized workspace will help you work faster and more efficiently. You won’t waste time getting things set up. If you need specific files, tools, and information to do a job, you’ll finish faster if you know right where it is.

4. Focus better.

An organized work environment will help you focus on your work. You won’t be distracted by clutter or the need to organize your space. Studies show that it’s hard for people to focus when surrounded by clutter. While it’s fun to think this is a sign of creativity, the data suggests otherwise.

5. Find information more easily.

Keeping your information organized saves you a lot of time when you’re doing research or working on a project. For example, create a naming convention that makes searching for files on your computer fast.

6. You’ll be able to work on multiple projects at the same time.

If you’re organized, you’ll be able to work on more than one project at a time. This can be a great time-saver if you have a lot of things to do. While you don’t want to multitask, organization can allow you to categorize projects and work on different parts of projects in batches.

7. Experience less stress.

When you’re organized, you’ll have less to worry about. You’ll know where everything is, and you won’t have to worry about things being lost or misplaced. This ensures that you experience less stress and feel more relaxed.

8. Be more productive overall.

When you’re organized, you’ll be able to get more done in less time. You’ll waste less time looking for things, be able to get to work faster and focus on your work. This can lead to increased productivity in all areas of your life.

It’s quite simple. You’ll be more productive if you manage your time and resources well. Organizing your workspace, setting priorities, and scheduling your time ensures you use your time more efficiently.

 

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Clutter, Productivity, Working Mums

Common Causes of Clutter

Lyn Bailey

Common Causes of Clutter

With more and more stuff to keep track of, it’s no wonder most people feel like they’re constantly swimming in a sea of stuff. But what exactly is clutter? And what are some of the common causes of clutter?

Clutter, according to dictionary.com, is defined as a collection of things that are in disarray or that are not organized. Clutter can be physical or mental. Physical clutter is the stuff that takes up space in your home, office, and car. Mental clutter is the stuff that takes up space in your head – the to-do lists, unfinished projects, and unmade decisions.

Several factors can contribute to clutter. For example, you have too much stuff, your stuff is not organized, and you procrastinate on doing what’s right for your life.

You simply have too much stuff

With the abundance of stuff available, it’s no wonder it’s so hard to keep homes, offices, and cars free of clutter. You buy things you don’t need. You keep things you don’t use and hold on to things you don’t love.

The sad truth is, having all this clutter around will diminish the value of your stuff more than it will add to it. But, in contrast, if you are really particular about what you bring into your environment, each item will have much more meaning.

Disorganization

When you’re not careful about where you put things, they can quickly become lost in the shuffle. Unfortunately, this usually leads to clutter in every corner of your home, office, and car. In addition, disorganized people are much more likely to waste money rebuying the things they can’t find or forgot they already purchased.

Procrastination

The clutter can quickly pile up when you put off making decisions or acting on projects. You may tell yourself you’ll get to it later, but later never comes. The problem with this is that once you start procrastinating, you are allowing your mind to be cluttered, so now it’ll be even harder to be productive.

Thankfully, you can prevent clutter from taking over your life. One of the best things is to be mindful of the stuff you bring into your home, office, and car.

Ask yourself these questions before bringing in more stuff:

  • Do we really need it?
  • Will we use it?
  • Do we love it?

If your answer to whether you need an item is no, it’s probably best not to purchase it. Instead of letting clutter take over your life, commit to being more organized. By taking the time to put things away and having systems in place, living an organized life will be much easier–and less frustrating when you can’t find what you’re looking for.

Finally, make a conscious effort to avoid procrastination. When you take decisive action on the things that are important to you, you’ll be less likely to let the clutter pile up.

When you’re mindful of the stuff you bring into your life and committed to being organized and taking action, you will reduce the clutter in your life. What’s best is that this commitment will create more space for the things that matter most.

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Health, Mental Health, Productivity, Uncategorized, Working Mums

Can You Really Be Too Busy?

Lyn Bailey

Can You Really Be Too Busy?

You know what it’s like to be too busy. You’ve all been there: juggling a million things, running around like a chicken witch its head cut off, and feeling like you’re about to drop from exhaustion. However, you may not realize that being too busy is extremely counterproductive.

It makes you less productive, less effective, and more likely to make mistakes because you’re unable to pay close attention to the job you’re doing. In addition, studies have shown that when you’re under a lot of pressure, your brain doesn’t work as well. That may manifest as trouble focusing and remembering things and show up as careless errors.

And what’s even worse is that the more stressed you are, the harder it is to switch gears and relax. So even if you do have a few free minutes, you’re not able to fully enjoy them or use them effectively.

A few more problems with being too busy are:

  • You may miss important deadlines.
  • You may forget to do essential things.
  • You may neglect your health.
  • You may neglect your relationships.
  • You may become stressed and anxious.

Being too busy is honestly one problem after another. You may even be too busy to notice how ineffective you are in almost every area of your life. Plus, of course, the amount of joy you can feel when you’re overworked and too busy is greatly lessened than if you try to schedule and organize your life in a way that creates a balance with all areas of your life.

So, what can you do about it?

  • Recognize that being too busy is a problem. It’s not something to be proud of or boast about. It’s something to be avoided.
  • List your priorities and stick to them. If you know your needs versus wants, you can schedule them first.
  • Simplify your lifestyle and routine. Focus on your goals and what is most important to you. Identify what brings you joy and what you can live without. Let go of what doesn’t serve you and make room for what does.
  • Organize your time and space. By decluttering your life physically and emotionally, you can make space for what truly matters.
  • Learn to say no. You really can’t do everything, and you shouldn’t try. When you’re already stretched thin, the last thing you need is to take on even more.
  • Make time for Yourself. You need to schedule some downtime every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. You must turn off phones, log off from work, and focus on relaxing and recharging. Set boundaries and practice enough self-care.
  • Get enough sleep. Plan to sleep at least 7 to 9 hours a night. Sleep is a crucial part of health and well-being, but it’s often the first thing to go when you’re busy. Ensure you’re getting enough rest so we can be at your best.
  • Ask for help and delegate. You can’t do it all alone, and when you finally admit that you’ll suddenly become much more productive. Asking for help shows strength, not weakness.

If you learn to manage your time better and avoid being too busy, you’ll be more productive, effective, and happier.

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Health, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Time Management, Uncategorized, Working Mums

Is Overscheduling Harmful to Your Health?

Lyn Bailey

Is Overscheduling Harmful to Your Health?

When you overschedule yourself, you are harming not only your health but also your productivity. Overscheduling means that you are trying to pack too much into your day, resulting in you feeling overwhelmed and stressed– leading to health problems, including anxiety, depression, and even physical illness.

Here are just a few ways that overscheduling can harm your health:

It leads to burnout

If you’re constantly on the go, it’s only a matter of time before you start to feel burned out. When you’re overscheduled continuously, you never have time to rest and recharge, which can lead to serious health problems down the road.

It increases your stress levels

If you’re always running around trying to juggle everything, it’s no surprise that your stress levels will go through the roof. But unfortunately, high-stress levels directly cost a whole host of mental and physical health problems due to the high cortisone levels you release in your bloodstream.

It disrupts your sleep

When you’re overscheduled, it’s hard to stick to a regular sleep schedule. Unfortunately, this can lead to many health problems, including fatigue, irritability, and depression.

It makes you sick

It will affect your immune system if you’re always on the move and don’t get enough rest. Unfortunately, this means you’re more likely to get sick, and when you do, it’s likely to be more severe than it would otherwise be.

It ruins your relationships

When you’re always running around, it’s tough to find time for the people who are important to you. Plus, you may not be that fun to be around. Over-scheduling can put a strain on even the strongest of relationships.

If you’re starting to feel like you’re overscheduled because you notice the signs of the harm your current schedule is causing in your life, it’s essential to take a step back and reassess your priorities. Of course, your health should always be at the top of your list, so remember to put your needs first.

To avoid overscheduling is to figure out what your priorities are. What are the most important things you need to complete each day? Once you’ve determined your priorities, plan your day around them. Finally, leave some free time in your schedule to relax and rejuvenate yourself.

To create the best schedule for you, be realistic about how much time you have available. Packing too much into your day will make you feel rushed and stressed. When you are rushed and stressed, you will feel anxious and undone. Instead, give yourself enough time to finish tasks, including set up and tear down time, so you don’t feel overwhelmed.

If you realize you are overscheduled, don’t be afraid to say no to new commitments. You can’t do everything, and that’s okay. Prioritize your time to focus on the essential things in your life.

Overscheduling is a common problem, but it doesn’t have to control your life. Instead, focus on being mindful of your time and priorities. With the right mindset and focus, you can avoid overscheduling and live a healthier, happier life.

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Living Now, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Productivity, Time Management, Working Mums

Benefits of Having a Balanced Schedule

Lyn Bailey

Benefits of Having a Balanced Schedule

If you want to get more done in life without feeling too busy and burning out, it’s imperative that you create a balanced schedule. A balanced schedule has enormous benefits for your life when you make sure to account for what you need and want to do in every area of your life.

When you have a balanced schedule, you:

  • Feel less stressed because you’re not overwhelmed by a packed schedule
  • More free time to enjoy life apart from work and responsibilities
  • Are able to focus better on the task at hand when you have regular breaks
  • Avoid burnout from working too much or taking on too much at once
  • Get more done because you’re efficient with your time

A balanced schedule is the key to a happy, productive life. If you currently feel overwhelmed, stressed, and like you can’t keep up, it’s time to take a step back and assess your schedule. See what can be cut out or spread out more evenly. You’ll be surprised at how much better you feel when you have a handle on your time.

Creating a balanced schedule means looking at all the areas of your life and ensuring there’s enough time for everything important to you. This includes work, family, friends, hobbies, and taking care of yourself. If one area takes up too much of your time, something else is likely suffering.

For example, if you’re working long hours, you may not have enough time for your family or friends. Or, if you’re spending all your free time on hobbies, you may neglect your work or other obligations. Therefore, finding a good balance between all the areas of your life is essential.

One way to do this is to create a weekly schedule where you block out time for each area of your life. This can help you see where you may need to make some adjustments. For instance, if you realize you’re working too much, you can cut back on your hours or take on less work. Or, if you’re not spending enough time with your family or friends, you can make an effort to schedule more social activities.

Like your boss, friend, and neighbor, you only have 24 hours a day, so be realistic regarding how much time you can devote to each area of your life. Also, keep in mind that your schedule may need to change from week to week, depending on what’s going on in your life. So schedule the most critical aspects of your life, like work and family, and then fill in the rest of your time with other activities.

A balanced schedule is essential for a happy, productive life. When you are mindful about what you really need to live a satisfying life, pay close attention to needs in all areas of your life and ensure there’s enough time for everything important to you, you can avoid stress, burnout, and feeling overwhelmed. So, take a look at your schedule and make the necessary adjustments to create a more balanced life.

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Goals, Health, Living Now, Mindfulness, Productivity

Why Can’t I Follow Through?

Lyn Bailey

Why Can’t I Follow Through?

Do you struggle with the act of following through?

Not finishing what we start is a common problem many people face in their life. It can quickly become a problem as these tasks stack up and start to weigh on us. While there are many reasons we may put things off, here are several of the most common.

You Are Stuck In Your Habits

One reason you may not be able to follow through with something new is that you are stuck in old habits. You might be unconsciously doing the same things you’ve always done, and thus you get the same results – failure to follow through.

To remedy this problem, you need to break your bad habits and build new helpful habits to replace them instead.

You Aren’t Being Proactive

Another reason you might not be following through with commitments is because you aren’t being proactive. Maybe you are just sitting around hoping that something or someone will come along and force you to follow through. Newsflash – that isn’t going to happen.

If you want to follow through with something, you need to be proactive and ultimately actively involved in trying to follow through. Taking action is the only way you will ever become better at following through in your life.

You Have A Negative Mindset

If you have a negative mindset in life, it can be very difficult to follow through with commitments. When you spend your whole day thinking of negative thoughts, the thought of following through with something seems so daunting, and negative.

For example, if your goal is to work out every day to get into shape, but then you spend all day thinking about how you hate working out, how you’ll never be in shape, and how you won’t ever be the person you want to be, you can guarantee you won’t get up off that couch and go exercise. Instead, it’s time to try approaching your goal with a positive mindset.

Overall, following through isn’t always the easiest thing for us to do. If you find yourself stuck in old habits and have a negative mindset, you can almost guarantee that nothing will change when it comes to your ability to follow through. So, if you want to be someone who follows through, it’s time to be proactive and take steps to change your life today.

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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