How To Reboot Your Focus And Boost Your Productivity
Your environment doesn’t have to control your attention.
There is no doubt the last several weeks have wreaked havoc on our ability to cope with life.
I was in the grocery store among other mask-wearing customers and thought: “when did this — social distancing while shopping with a mask on — become normal? As we look ahead to what our new normal will physically look like — it’s also an excellent time to evaluate the effects of stress and anxiety on our focus and productivity.
Do you remember what it felt like to be focused and productive? If it’s been a while, you are not alone. Internet searches for “how to get your brain to focus” have increased 300% since February. The fact is, many of us are putting in more hours but getting less done, which only adds to our frustration.
This pandemic has affected our ability to focus. It isn’t because we are slacking off, but because of the way our brain is hardwired to respond to crisis and stress. Whenever we experience an extended period of fear and uncertainty, our brain’s prefrontal cortex — which is responsible for our decision making and critical thinking — shuts down to protect us by making us more reactive to danger.
