Sadly, stress is part of life. At some point, everyone experiences stress. Physical, emotional, and other types of stress take their toll on our minds and bodies. That's why sleep is so important. Sleep can help reduce stress and its effects.

Our bodies use sleep to recover. While we sleep, our bodies carry out important restorative functions. It's amazing how much our minds and bodies remain active even when we are sleeping.

Stress affects the mind and body

Stress affects our mood

Stress affects our relationships

Focus is the key to productivity.

Most of what we say and do is not essential. If you can eliminate it, you will have more time snd more tranquility. Ask yourself at every moment," Is this necessary?" - Marcus Aurelius

In this article, you will learn why focus is important in both your personal and professional life. You will also learn tips and strategies for keeping your focus so you can be more productive. 

Why is focus important?

When you focus on a single task, avoiding distractions, your brain becomes focused on that task alone. This lets you complete that task much quicker than if you were trying to complete two or three tasks at once. 

For instance, let's say you have to write a report, do your meal planning for the week, and research information for an upcoming speech. The best thing to do is to set aside all but one task. 

So, for this example, you want to give all your attention to writing your report. That means turning off the TV, cell phone, social media notifications, closing your door, and putting all your attention on writing this report.

When you focus on the task at hand without distractions, your work will be of higher quality because you will only be thinking about what you are working on at present.  Also, your creativity will kick in, allowing you to come up with ideas for the task you are working on.

Focus also allows your subconscious to do the work. Remember when you first learned how to ride a bike or drive a car. At first, it was difficult. But as you focused on what you were doing, your subconscious took over and helped you learn. The same is true in your everyday tasks. Once you begin focusing solely on one task, your subconscious helps you do it quicker and easier.

Why is multitasking bad?

If you are like many people, you spend your days multitasking i.e doing many things at the same time. You are probably so used to multitasking, you don't realize when you are doing it. You also believe it helps you save time.

Multitasking is bad for so many reasons.

Multitaskers are less likely to finish one quality project. They may finish all their tasks for the day but they will most likely be sub-par than if they had focused on one to completion before starting another one.

Multitasking can affect your relationships. If you constantly check your phone and send text messages while interacting and talking to other people, it can put people off.

Multitasking can cause you stress. If you are writing a report, trying to remember the emails you have to reply to, and cooking dinner at the same time, you may lose focus on the task you are doing. 

Instead of multitasking, prioritize your tasks and break them up into chunks.

Cut your goals into small targets

Track your time

Plan your week

Prioritize your list

Learn to say NO

Create an environment that works for you

Take a break when needed

Break it up

Time clock

Exercise

Consult your physician

Prioritize Important Tasks First

Practice Gratitude

Read Daily

Limit Social Media 

Exercise Daily

Practice Mindfulness 

Setting daily intentions every morning is one powerful way of taking control of your life and achieving your goals. It is so easy to wake up, grab your phone, check social media, emails or put on the television or radio without stopping to think deeply about how you want your day to go and what you want to achieve that day. 

This habit can take your life several notches higher if you add it to your morning routine. Setting daily intentions keep you focused on what you want and how you decide to feel throughout the day no matter what happens.

What are Intentions?

An intention is like a map. It tells your mind where you want to go in life and what you want to achieve. When you add a positive intention into your day, you are basically telling yourself what you want to achieve during the next 24 hours.

A daily intention sets your brain to work through your Reticular Activating System(RAS). For instance, if you buy a red dress that you think is unique, suddenly everywhere you go, you will begin to see red dresses. 

This is your RAS at work filtering and presenting you with information according to your belief system. You can use this to achieve your goals by setting positive intentions. Your brain will filter through all the information you receive to give you information relevant to your intention or goal.

We all set intentions at the start of the day whether we realize it or not. Even bad habits can stem from positive intentions. For example, your subconscious intention may be to feel good so you indulge in favorite junk foods or binge-watching your favorite TV show.

Deciding consciously to set positive daily intentions for your day is very beneficial for your health and life to go in the direction you want it to go.

Why Set An Intention For Your Day?

Intentions improve your focus.

Intentions can help you develop a more positive mindset.

You will be more likely to achieve your goals.

How Do You Start Your Day With Intention?

Connect to your why

Focus on your values

This is a list of daily intentions you can choose from to get you started. 

Read: Tools To Help You Achieve Your Goals