Refocus in 10 Minutes

“Being a people pleasing introvert can be exhausting!” – Melissa Jenner. PhD.

How do you reenergize to focus on work priorities. Let’s face it, being a people pleasing introvert can be exhausting. First the people pleasing part of us can stretch us thin from our nature to say “yes” to everything. Then the introvert part of us gets tired from being around people. Aside from being patient with ourselves as we change the way we think about ourselves and the world around us, there are still times when we need something a little extra to get us reinvigorated and focused again.

For me, it is no secret, I turn to things like dark chocolate and nuts. Yes, food can energize us. But other sources of energy come from within and when you have a big meeting or need that extra energy to push through tedious and monotonous work, dark chocolate and almonds only go so far. It comes from desire and determination. It really is all about being in the right mindset.

First, take a break and do something productive for your mind and body. I know you are super swamped and with no energy you feel like the last thing you need is a break. But you aren’t concentrating and focusing, so you are not being productive, and what you are doing could be riddled with errors, because you don’t feel like doing what needs to be done.

Here is what you need to do:

•       Set a timer – 10 minutes

•   Pick an activity or combination of activities

·         Walking outside

·         Walking inside

·         Lift weights

·         Practice Deep Breathing

·         Close Your Eyes and Meditate/Visualize

·         Close Your Eyes and Nap

·         Take a shower

·         Practice you power moves

Pro tip – need help getting motivated to walk, lift weights, or meditate – turn on YouTube, there are plenty of helpful people with 10-minute segments on walking, weightlifting, meditating, and deep breathing.

Still not convinced, then set your timer for 5 minutes and give it a try. I won’t lie to you; in the beginning you may not want to do any of the above. But try it for a week or so and see how it goes. You will be pleasantly surprised…