Lack of concentration, headaches, sore eyes, fatigue and muscle/joint stiffness are all signs that you need a break. As tiredness sets in, not only does everything take longer to do, concentration decreases and it is easier for mistakes and accidents occur.
According to the Productivity Pulse from Ernst & Young, a survey conducted with 2,500 employees spanning several industries noted that “super achievers”(your best people!) are only productive 66.66% of their working day, and “solid contributors” only 46% of their working day. For more information, download my special industry report “The 2 Most Dangerous Trends Facing Employers Today”.
If you’re a manager, that might alarm you right? The way I coach executives and their teams to increase productivity and fulfillment is to introduce the 60 min Zone Time.
TRY THIS: It represents 60 mins of total focus, non-distracted work time. In fact, I recommend setting a 60 timer on your phone, I use an app called Pomodoro (Italian for tomato). And it counts down 60 mins for me, and during that time, I’m simply unavailable to the world. Your brain will be super sharp and it just loves a mini deadline!
When 60 minutes is up, take 5 minutesto stand up, stretch, drink water, and try some Rhythmic Breathing(article coming) or simple diaphragmatic breathing for 2 minutes, and watch what happens to your energy levels! Briefly shaking your body (hands and feet) for a minute increases blood circulation, while your breathing infuses your blood with needed oxygen. Finally, getting hydrated increases your mental clarity. So your ability to innovate and be productive goes through the roof! All in 5 mins!!
“The problem’s not just that we’re getting distracted from work; it’s that we’re getting distracted from important work by other work“!
For example, I schedule a zone time for 60 minutes of writing and reading emails, another zone time might be assigned to completing project tasks etc. That’s 2 booked hours in my day for dedicated and undisturbed work. Block zone time out in your calendar so your team can see it. The Harvard Business Review stated: “The problem’s not just that we’re getting distracted from work; it’s that we’re getting distracted from important work by other work“. Please don’t fall into this trap! It’s not always wise to allow other peoples urgency becomes yours.
Zone Time: Represents 60 mins of total focus, non-distracted work time
This actually works, because like SMART goals, your subconscious brain locks onto a deadline and outcome, so it rewards you with super clarity and focus! Your daily goal is to get at least 2 to 3 Zone Times in per day – that’s say 3 blocks of 60 minutes with total focus and absolutely no distractions! Working late will be an option as you won’t believe how productive you can be in 60 mins.
How many pomodoro’s will you schedule today?
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