5 Relaxing Ways to Improve Your Focus

You don’t have to read between the lines to know that we at Lucid think a productive life is a fulfilled one. But we also believe in balance. All work and no play doesn’t get anyone very far and there’s nothing like time away from the desk,  computer or smart phone to reboot & recharge.

As the holiday season is just around the corner, we thought it only fitting we share 5 ways you can improve your focus for the new year while staying relaxed and completely switched off from work.

In case you couldn’t tell, we at Lucid are passionate about body betterment, neuro-enhancement, productivity & focus. To be kept up to date on any other blogs or infographics, add yourself to our community mailing list.

Smile

No doubt you won’t be able to wipe the grin from your face after some time off work. But until then – try faking it. Smiling relaxes your facial muscles and any smile (pretend or real) impacts the nervous system, reducing overall stress and anxiety. Make a conscious effort to smile for 10 minutes a day and you’ll go back to work more relaxed and focused.

Catch Some Rays

It’s possibly not the most politically correct recommendation these days but facts are facts and science is proving that a lack of Vitamin D can impair brain function. A recent piece of research found that the lower the test subjects’ levels of the Sunshine Vitamin, the lower their cognitive function.

Cancer risks aside, it’s not easy to find the time to enjoy the sunshine during the working week so try to use some of your holiday downtime to get outdoors. 15-30 minutes of sun exposure three times a week should do the trick.

Be Mindful

Mindfulness is about slowing down, focusing entirely on what you’re doing and intentionally observing every physical and emotional sensation you are experiencing in that moment. Challenging, perhaps, in the midst of the distractions of a mental work day but definitely easier and possible during your time off. Incorporating short sessions of mindfulness into each day has been proven to strengthen & expand attention span & elude distractions when they arise.

Making a conscious effort to experience a moment in its entirety has the added benefit of helping you really experience & get the most out of your holiday. Not sure where to begin? try Mindful Observation (focus on, examine & appreciate something from the natural environment around you) or Mindful Listening (pick a music track and immerse yourself in the journey of sound).

Socialise

Humans are highly social and relationships stimulate our brains. In fact, research suggests that having meaningful friendships is vital to cognitive function. In one Harvard study, researchers found that those with the most active social lives had the slowest rate of memory decline. The perfect excuse (not that you needed it) to spend some serious quality time with friends and family during your holidays.

Take A Break

Just in case you were thinking about working through the holidays, consider this – time out can have a profound impact on a person’s mental health & productivity. “Most people have a better life perspective and are more motivated to achieve their goals after a vacation, even it is a 24-hour time-out,” explains clinical psychologist & stress specialist Francine Lederer.

Happy Holidays!

In case you couldn’t tell, we at Lucid are passionate about body betterment, neuro-enhancement, productivity & focus. To be kept up to date on any other blogs or infographics, add yourself to our community mailing list.