Have you been having trouble getting into your groove--your writing groove that is? Days when the heart is willing but the mind won't follow? When the season changes from grey to golden we tend to blame Spring Fever and maybe we're right. We are, after all, creatures of nature and as such our biological selves need a change of season and a shift of habit. If you've been finding yourself in a focus-funk, here are some tips to make your writing time focus-friendly.
A change of scenery inside will help connect you to the change of season outside. Shift the mood of your work area by adding a flowering plant, a fish bowl filled with shells, or a bubbling fountain. You could also convert a screened in porch or unused guestroom into a "summer office".
Pay attention to lighting. We are drawn to the sun. If your office is dim your focus will go right out the window, literally.
Keep the temperature comfortable, you will feel less sluggish in a cooler room. A small fan under your desk will help to circulate the air without the cost of lowering the thermostat.
Balance the humidity. If you are having headaches, your eyes are scratchy or you find your vision blurring the cause could be dry air. Keep a cool air humidifier in your work area; just be sure it isn't too close to your computer.
Drink more pure water. Our mental process works in an electrical-type fashion. Water, being a great conductor, is vitally important to clear thinking. In addition, if you are dehydrated your muscles will tend to be sore and your digestion sluggish decreasing your ability to focus. If you don't like the taste of water try adding a slice of citrus fruit or try another brand. Some water is more alkaline than others and tends to taste better.
Use essential oils to stimulate the mind. Essential oils work with the body to produce physical effects. Citrus scents and those from the mint family such as peppermint and rosemary will help clear the head and lift the spirit. Fill a reed diffuser with your favorite blend or just keep a bottle of your favorite scent nearby for sniffing.
Listen to classical music to enhance concentration and memory; the effects are beneficial even when the music is played at low volume.
Change your clothes. If you've been doing other things be it another job, washing the car or running errands a quick rinse off and change of clothes can help shift you out of the previous mindset and into work mode.
Have a great tip for staying focused? Share it with your friends at WOW! here in the comment section.
4 comments:
These are all really great tips. I practice all of them. I especially love the scented oils and a clean desk.
Excellent article! I've used essential oils for years to help with focus while writing but the fan under the desk for freshly circulating air is brilliant. :)
Hi Kristi,
Thanks for joining in the conversation! I have to admit...today my desk is a little cluttered but it is all writing related so I guess that's okay:)
-Robyn
Hello Stacey,
I'm very glad that you liked the article and that it offered you a new idea to try. I like placing the fan under the desk mostly to keep the "breeze" off my face; I live in AZ and have trouble with the dryness:( But at least it is sunny here :)
-Robyn
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