2 ways to get your afternoon focus back

Now that summer is almost over, and your work schedule is less of a balance act of summer camps, forgotten lunches, vacation time, and other things that pull your attention, here are some tips to keep you energy and productivity up. 

1. Take a walk outdoors for 15 minutes after eating a quick lunch. Research has found that people who go outside and focus on their natural surroundings enjoy their breaks more compared with those who stayed indoors.
2. Find a quiet place in the office to do relaxation exercises, deep breathing and meditation. 15 minutes of relaxation can help you improve your focus. The benefit of this comes from being able to detach yourself from work during your break.

Both of these activities help with concentration and reduce fatigue. People who relax or walk outdoors seem to leave work with more energy compared with those who take a usual lunch break.

It can help increase productivity on a busy day. Although you may think your day is too busy to take a 15-minute break, you might actually make up for that time by being more efficient after your break.

--Adapted from “Here’s How To Be Less Tired After Work,” MacMillian, Amanda, Time.

Is our sedentary life affecting our health?

In “No time to exercise? Taking small steps can still help,” (WaPost, Augst 24, 2017) Berman reminds us what we already know, we do not move enough. Yes, it is affecting our health. Not moving and having regular exercise will eventually promote all the health issues many aging women try to fight:

• Weight gain
• Mood
• High blood pressure
• Stress
• Heart disease
• Diabetes

Getting started on the path to moving more and living a less sedentary life is as simple as adding steps into your daily return. Berman writes this can make a big difference. There is also no cost for membership or equipment to move more. Some ways to incorporate these steps are:

• Go on walking dates rather than eating dates.
• Walk when you feel tired. A high-intensity workout may not motivate you to move when you’re feeling sluggish, but a walk could energize you.
• Clear your mind and walk. Count your breaths while focusing on mindfulness, or listen to a podcast, music or audiobook to take your mind off your day and refocus.
• Create a new routine. Start with 5 minutes and build up to 10, 20, even 30 minutes of walking before or after work.

Let us know how you get your steps in. Share tips and let us know, “What have you done for you lately?”