For those of us who have never learned the required skills, the principles of time management can seem pretty tough. However, implementing them takes very little effort really and they are fairly simple steps. Once you learn how easily these principles can be worked into your life, you will be well on your way to enjoying a more streamlined, stress-free way of living.

Discover more about the principles of time management and how to incorporate them into your life easily.

Posted by Maureen | No Comments »

Improve Your Concentration Powers with Seven Easy Steps

The power of concentration is a skill that is easy to master, that is if you have the willpower to do so.

If there is a will, there is a way according to one saying, the same goes with concentration. Popular television newscaster and personality Diane Sawyer was once asked about her secret to professional success. Her response was that paying attention was her secret.

The question therefore remains, How does one basically maintain focus and concentration?

The following are helpful tips to improve your ability to concentrate in the best way possible. These suggestions apply whether you are in the office busy with work, school, business meeting, or if you are trying to finish a particular project.

1. Do five more

There are actually two types of persons in the world: those who know how to go through in eliminating frustration and those who wish they are able to work through it.

Focus and concentrate in doing just five more things. This sort of mantra is best said when you feel like giving up.

For instance, if you feel like you no longer want to read or write any more pages, tell yourself to do just five pages more. Finish just five more math questions. Stay five minutes more on the treadmill. Take note that athletes build their own physical prowess by pushing their bodies to the point of exhaustion while they develop mental stamina.

2. Take one step at one time

There are instances when you feel like your mind is loaded with many ideas like that of a scatterbrain. The key is to control your brain.

Rather worrying on many matters, prioritize tasks and do only those that are needed.

For instance, you cannot help but think of mounting debt problems and this causes you to lose focus on the presentation that you need to do in five minutes. Tell your mind that you will think of ways to pay off your bills after your presentation. Your mind will then establish closure and allow you to focus on the presentation.

3. Train yourself to have a tunnel vision

You could actually cup your hands around your own eyes. This could serve as a trigger to tell your mind to focus on a particular responsibility.

For example, you are in a room and you need to study but there are many things prevent you from concentrating. Cupping your own hands around your own eyes could help your brain to switch to focus mode and keep it on its track.

4. Have a handy pad

When a thought pops inside your head and this causes you to lose focus, jot down this thought immediately.

Writing it down is an effective way to get it out of your mind. After which, consciously focus on the task that you need to accomplish at the moment.

5. Have a break

Remember that you are not a machine. You need to take a break to be able to focus on the task that you have to do.

Taking breaks is a good way to break down the tasks into parts that are a lot more manageable. You may take a walk outside or eat lunch out.

6. Record your start and end time

When doing work, try to record the time you began and the time when you mind begins to drift.

Doing so helps you know just how much time you spent doing actual work and the time when you start losing your concentration. Being aware leads to enlightenment.

7. Vary your activities

It is advisable to vary the activities you do in order to keep your mind active and not bored.

A bored mind will just easily float and drift away to oblivion.

All in all, these activities and tips need to be practiced regularly to be able to concentrate and focus in the things that really matters most for you.

Posted by Maureen | No Comments »

There are many tried and tested quick relaxation techniques and methods to aid you in reducing stress levels and learning to relax. However, the best and perhaps most effective method is to first identify the stressor in order to be able to effectively deal with the root of the problem rather than the symptoms. There can be many stressors in our daily life, and it can be as simple as an argument with your loved ones the night before, or the heavy morning traffic on your way to work. There are two main categories of stressors, or causes of stress, namely internal and external.

External stressors are beyond our locus of control. On the other hand, internal stressors are our responses to stressful situations or causes that are generated due to our own perceptions or emotions. Whether it is internal or external, here are some quick relaxation techniques you can use daily, and you will find that they are especially useful in dealing with external stressors which you cannot influence.

These quick relaxation techniques will help you to calm down and relax, without requiring much effort or practice. It is amazing the power such simple actions can generate, and often just by our conduct and actions we can alter our moods and stress levels. Here are some quick relaxation techniques that I recommend, do feel free to make your own changes to suit your lifestyle and preferences!

1. Physical Contact

This can be as simple as a pat on the back, or a hug from someone you are comfortable with. It could be a friend, family member or a loved one, but the comfort of a caring physical touch can work wonders for uplifting your mood.

2. Remove yourself

If something or someone at work is causing your stress levels to rocket upwards, take a break and go for a quick walk to the restroom or the pantry. Distance yourself from the stressor as this will allow you to calm down and examine the situation from a more objective perspective and help you to deal with your emotions.

3. Grab a Drink

No, don’t break out the Scotch ;o) The key here is in the concept of comfort food. If you find yourself overwhelmed with work or unable to concentrate, take a short break. It could be a simple cup of coffee or tea, or perhaps a healthy snack such as an apple. This will provide a quick and enjoyable distraction from the stressor and allow you to recharge your mind.

4. Kick back and have a Laugh

Laughter is the best medicine, and yet it is often underestimated. A funny joke, or a comedy can help you to laugh, allowing your tense body and facial muscles that you were unaware of to relax. The relaxation of these muscles will instantly be felt in the reduced levels of anxiety and stress.

5. Take a break

Give yourself ten to fifteen minutes to take a break. It doesn’t need to have a purpose or an objective. All you need is to head out the door for a breath of fresh air. If you have bring a portable music player with soothing and relaxing music to help you unwind as you walk around the block, or to the subway station after work.

These 5 quick relaxation techniques for your daily use will come in handier than you imagine, and they do not require constant practice in order for it to work effectively for you. All it needs is some imagination and adaptation to your own lifestyle habits, and you can come up with quick relaxation techniques to help you help yourself with stress!

Posted by Maureen | No Comments »