1) Stop.
2) Change the environment.
3) Do something physical.
4) Build a positive memory
Yesterday was a case in point……..
Although I was excited to be getting the new Birth in Mind information pack for Midwifery staff into shape at last. Still very excited. - There came a moment when I realised progress had slowed, the editing process was leaving me a little dazed.
Staring longer at the computer screen wasn’t going to cut it.
So, my usual approach to this is to liven things up a little, normally I switch between any of the following:
Yesterday, I went the whole hog. Printed out the pack, packed some coloured pens and pencils, and set off down the street, heading to the harbour.
Blowing away the co b webs
Walking along the harbour wall certainly qualified as ‘getting some air’! The wind was brisk to say the least and, happily, warm. As always, the waves provided a soothing background and the view back towards the town just gives a slight change in perspective.
The piece-de-resistance was having the Royal Harbour Brasserie, situated at the end of Ramsgate harbour wall, to sit in.
I had a table facing the sea, light jazz playing in the background and a drink to hand.
Tick, tick, tick.
And progress was made. Sorting through paper, marking with coloured pens, though happily not making comments out loud – well not enough to worry anyone else, I achieved my goal for the day. With the added benefit of a stroll back along the wall and the promenade, because by then the kite surfers were out playing in the rapidly descending twilight and they deserved an audience.
Even better, this provides a positive memory which can be stored and recalled when needed.
What are yours?
Although I was excited to be getting the new Birth in Mind information pack for Midwifery staff into shape at last. Still very excited. - There came a moment when I realised progress had slowed, the editing process was leaving me a little dazed.
Staring longer at the computer screen wasn’t going to cut it.
So, my usual approach to this is to liven things up a little, normally I switch between any of the following:
- change: view / room / table /desk/ background sounds – even the colour of pen
- have a drink
- switch tasks within the job
- switch medium – from computer to paper / thinking to speaking / writing to drawing
- take a break
- get some air
- get some exercise
Yesterday, I went the whole hog. Printed out the pack, packed some coloured pens and pencils, and set off down the street, heading to the harbour.
Blowing away the co b webs
Walking along the harbour wall certainly qualified as ‘getting some air’! The wind was brisk to say the least and, happily, warm. As always, the waves provided a soothing background and the view back towards the town just gives a slight change in perspective.
The piece-de-resistance was having the Royal Harbour Brasserie, situated at the end of Ramsgate harbour wall, to sit in.
I had a table facing the sea, light jazz playing in the background and a drink to hand.
Tick, tick, tick.
And progress was made. Sorting through paper, marking with coloured pens, though happily not making comments out loud – well not enough to worry anyone else, I achieved my goal for the day. With the added benefit of a stroll back along the wall and the promenade, because by then the kite surfers were out playing in the rapidly descending twilight and they deserved an audience.
Even better, this provides a positive memory which can be stored and recalled when needed.
What are yours?