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As we discussed previously in my post about being a distracted leader, distractions can be harmful at work and in life. But there are also some distractions that are both helpful and necessary.
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\nSchedule your breaks<\/b><\/p>\n
I introduced Aesha Tahir in a previous post about how coaches can take better care of themselves<\/a>. She recommends taking breaks throughout the day, whether to get outside to breathe in nature, or to do some simple stretching exercises at your desk to change your posture and your perspective. Even just getting up to walk around the room can get your blood and brain flowing.<\/p>\n Listening to music is another wonderful way to decrease stress and boost your \u201chappy hormones.\u201d Create a personal playlist of songs that produce the desired effect, and press Play. Music therapist Jennifer Buchanan explains how music can increase the mood, focus, and productivity of your entire<\/a>.<\/p>\n One way to make sure these breaks happen is to schedule them into your day, just like any other important appointment. You could try the Pomodoro Technique<\/a>, which has you work for 25 minutes and break for five minutes. After four Pomodoro work sessions, you take a longer 15-minute break (perfect for a quick walk or an extended dance break). If 25\/5 doesn\u2019t work for you, try another interval\u2014as long as you balance your work time with break time. There are plenty of positive uses for social media at work, including networking, professional development, and supporting your organization\u2019s campaigns.<\/p>\n There\u2019s also plenty of research about how comparing yourself to the curated version of other people\u2019s lives can be harmful to mental health. So is spending too much time reading negative news (doomscrolling), or reading or participating in heated debates about controversial topics.<\/p>\n But social media can also be a positive distraction\u2014if you use it consciously. Try joyscrolling, instead. Bookmark a few sites like the Good News Network<\/a>, cute videos of your favorite animals, or people or companies that inspire you (as long as they don\u2019t make you feel less in comparison). I hear it all the time: \u201cI\u2019m too busy to work,\u201d \u201cI\u2019ll just eat at my desk,\u201d or \u201cIt\u2019s okay, I had a big breakfast.\u201d You need to eat lunch. Not only because skipping meals can wreak havoc on your blood sugar, brain health, and mood, but because that break is what will give you renewed energy and focus for the rest of the day\u2019s work.<\/p>\n You can also combine your lunch or snack break with a walk outdoors. Invite a co-worker, friend, family member, or neighbor. Spending time with people you like, or getting to know new people, adds richness to your work day and enhances your relationships. If getting outside won\u2019t work on a particular day, plan a phone date.<\/p>\n When you work from home, there\u2019s no water cooler. So create your own.
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\nChoose joyscrolling, not doomscrolling<\/b><\/p>\n
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\nMeals are an essential distraction<\/b><\/p>\n
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\nBroaden your horizons, build your skills<\/b><\/p>\n