How to Stay Focused

It's here! The excitement has reached its peak and years of planning have come to fruition. We are on the brink of experiencing a time like no time before and everyone is feeling it. But you still have to go to work. How will you manage?

• Plan each day. Write a to-do list, putting the most important tasks at the top Delegate. Take a look at your to-do list and consider what you can pass on to someone else or eliminate altogether.


• Take the time you need to do a quality job. Doing work right the first time may take more time upfront, but errors usually result in time spent making corrections, which takes more time overall.


• Say no to non-essential tasks. Consider your goals and schedule before agreeing to take on additional work.


• Break large, time-consuming tasks into smaller tasks. Work on them a few minutes at a time until you get them all done.
  Practice the 10-minute rule. Work on a dreaded task for 10 minutes each day. Once you get started, you may find you can finish it.


• Get plenty of sleep and exercise. Improved focus and concentration will help improve your efficiency so that you can complete your work in less time.


• Take a break when you need one. Too much stress can derail your attempts at getting organized. When you need a break, take one. Watch a game. Do some quick stretches at your workstation.


• Drink in moderation. Don't use this once-in-a-lifetime event to lead into recklessness. In addition to the dangers of binge drinking and the devastation of a hangover, you don't want your memories to be a blur.


• Be patient. It's likely that some of your projects will be delayed, especially those that involve many role players. Be patient, remember the context and plan for delays.
  

MAKING TIME FOR BREAKFAST

For most people, mornings are a frantic rush to get to work (or and/or school) on time, and regular morning meals are a fantasy rather than a fact.
The fact is, breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. Your body relies on glucose (blood sugar) for energy in much the same way your car requires petrol. Without a constant supply of energy, your body will tire and stop functioning.
Breakfast supplies you with an initial boost of energy that not only speeds up your metabolism, but provides you with enough glycogen reserves to see you through the morning as productively as possible.

There are many quick breakfast options that can be eaten on-the-run or prepared in less than 5 minutes. Here are a few ideas:
•Stay away from cereals high in sugar as they are burnt quickly in the body, resulting in a sudden drop in blood sugar levels. Cereal companies are now producing low fat, delicious sustained energy release cereals.'
•Make cereals more interesting by adding low fat flavoured yoghurt or fruit.
•Instant oatmeal (it comes in different flavours) is a good option for chilly mornings.
•Sprinkle oat bran, wheat bran or flax seed meal on cereal for extra fibre and more slow release of energy.
•Cut up different fruit and for fruit salad drizzled with yoghurt.
•Fruit smoothies are made in a blender by mixing fruit, yoghurt and milk. Add some
oat bran if you want a slower release of energy. They are delicious and can be eaten (drunk) even in the car.
•Keep a few breakfast bars and small yoghurts around for panic stricken mornings.
Breakfast is all about being prepared, having a routine and not compromising on your or your family's good health.