Keep it simple - post Covid our brains have faced complex challenges
Many of us have faced multiple challenges whilst navigating lockdown and the new normal.
Our work, downtime, family lives, parenting and pastimes have all merged into a tangle of confusion, new ways of being and thinking.
Our reliance on technology has also meant we’re spending more time in front of screens and even little things have become overwhelming.
So, it's no wonder many of us are feeling flat and frazzled.
We have more than 80 billion neurons firing all the time in our brains and our bodies are made up of almost 40 trillion cells.
Neuroscience shows that when we’re overloaded, stressed and tired our brains effectively short circuit, leaving us feel depressed, frustrated and simple things can become a struggle.
So what can we do to find calm in the chaos?
Focus on five
When starting your day, if you’re a bullet journal user or if you prefer an old fashioned to- do list, stick to 5 main areas to tackle, with no more than five smaller tasks.
Having a kids play date, keep it manageable with no more than five at once, same goes for Zoom calls. Sometimes less is more.
Streamline your day
Work, rest, eat, play, domestic tasks - split your day into timezones. Be strict with your time - and refrain from looking at work emails whilst you’re in the play zone of your day.
Try to be mindful and focus on what you’re doing in the present moment, fully and for the allocated time you’ve set aside.
Do one thing at a time
Multi-tasking is a myth, research from Stanford University found that when we try to do more than one thing at once, it has an immediate and adverse impact on our memory.
Do one thing and do it well and to the best of your ability.
A place for everything and everything in its place
And a tidy desk is a tidy mind - being organised means you avoid stress when under pressure, whether its finding your spare car key, your passport or your credit card.
Take time to prepare and if there is an emergency, you’re not using precious brain power to deal with the simple things when there are bigger issues for your brain to process.
Be crystal clear with intentions
Clarity is key in communicating - whether its with wayward kids or briefing a supplier make sure you give clear cut direction and establish boundaries so that you save yourself
time, effort and energy to ensure the outcome you intend.
Keep Well
Dr Clara Russell
