Image by Karthick Makka via Flickr
I’ve found that life tends to clutter our minds
The hustle and bustle of juggling the many facets of our busy lives, can make it challenging to keep a clear headspace. Keep it clear we must, though, otherwise we soon find it difficult to focus.
I’ve never really had writer’s block until recently.
It’s quite the frustrating experience really, but I suppose every writer encounters this hurdle at one point or another.
Sometimes I get an idea, but don’t feel moved to write about it at that moment. Other times I feel moved to write, but don’t have an idea. Then other times I just can’t sit myself down long enough to focus on writing about a potential topic.
Oddly enough though, I managed to come up with the idea for this blog post while I was in my place of focus this evening, the shower.
That being said, I’d like to toss out a few ideas to help you find your focus. I’d love to hear some of your ideas in the comments section as well!
1. Shower and Bath
I’m sure we’ve all heard this one before.
I don’t know what it is about the shower, but there’s something soothing about it that just relaxes the body. There’s also nothing like turning down the lights with a few scented candles and melting away in a hot bath either.
Water seems to have an element of tranquillity.
2. Darkness
I’m not sure if I’ve heard too many people mention this one or not, but I find that sitting in the dark can be helpful in focusing.
With the lights off, everything around you is out of focus. There is nothing for you to see that can distract you. Just think of what it’s like in a movie theater when the lights go out. There’s a reason for this: people will focus on the screen in front.
3. Out in Nature
Being out in nature also helps one to focus.
Foliage and greenery seems to have relaxation properties. Waterfalls, though noisy, also helps to calm the nerves just like a shower does. The birds chirping are like a good morning lullaby.
4. Late at Night or Early in the Morning
Many people find that they get more work done and have a clearer mind early in the morning. Others, including myself, find it easier to focus at night.
Perhaps it as something to do with whether we are Night Owls or Early Birds.
Knowing that much of the rest of the city is asleep can be soothing.
5. Keeping it Quiet
Staying in a quiet environment can also help you to focus. Again, probably since there are less distractions, it’s easier to keep a clear mind and think.
6. A Clean and Clutter Free Environment
Some people have no probably tuning out a messy surrounding when trying to focus, but for the rest of us it can be very helpful to keep your workspace clear. If you find yourself quite affected by your surroundings, make sure you do this.
7. Slow Down
Our pace of life affects our pace of thought. If we’re constantly having to react to stimuli around us, our minds have no chance to focus and relax. If you slow down the pace of your life, you’ll have the capacity to focus on other things.
8. Stay Healthy
When you’re sick or not feeling well, it’s hard to think about anything except how miserable you feel. Keeping a healthy body can help you free your mind and focus much better.
9. Get Some Rest
So I suppose my post about How to Stay Awake: 10 Tips to Avoid Falling Asleep at Night probably isn’t the best point of reference for sleep, but getting some rest can help you to focus and relax. Similar to being sick, being tired makes it difficult to focus on anything.
10. Think of Yourself as Being in a Bubble
Just imagine yourself as having a clear plastic bubble with silence, that blocks you from the rest of the world. Everything outside of your little bubble disappears and all that affects you is what is in this tiny space. You’re like a self-contained unit that cannot be fazed.
Anyway, I hope that some of these tips help you out. I’d love to hear some of your tips and tricks, suggestions, and ideas as well!
