Go ahead...space out.

When we're trying to stay focused all the time and don't give ourselves breaks we're just making our stress worse.

When you feel like you can't concentrate take two minutes, or five, whatever you need, and stare out a window, let your mind go blank, daydream. Doing a little bit of nothing will give your brain a charge and you can go back to work or whatever with new energy and focus.

--naomi

adapted from "Get More Energy in Three Days Flat" in the May issue of Redbook Magazine

Okay.

But will you come defend me when I go to court because some kid punched another kid while I was zoned out?

That's one of the things that's difficult about my job. I have to be on all day. Can't let myself down for a second or something happens. If I turn my back to answer a question another teacher has, I've lost them. It wears you out.

Cindy
who is in a bad mood this morning

Cindy, you might just have to pick the time that you choose to zone out We don't want to have to bail you out of the clink

I agree, there are times that you just can't (hmm...driving for instance, although I know plenty of people who get stressed out while they are driving!), but I think the gist of the tip is to take some time to just remove yourself from your surroundings a little.

Anyone who's had a baby and used Lamaze method of birthing can attest to the benefit of zoning. I still use my Lamaze training (focus on an object and let it be the only thing you see) to get through pain or stress.

Lynn

That's my problem. I haven't had a kid yet.

I'm feeling a little better now. I usually don't like loud music, but sometimes when I'm stressed it really helps. I got the CD I made of some of my favorite uptempo songs, turned up the volume in the car, and just sang along at the top of my lungs all the way to school.

Cindy

And there you have it, a perfect preview of tomorrow's stress buster.



--naomi

Lynn--you too?!?

I've been amazed at how much Lamaze training transfers to everyday life. Naomi's advice to zone being one of those. It just shuts down all the distractors and all those things which threaten to get you more worried or upset than necessary.

Quote:Originally posted by murasaki
When you feel like you can't concentrate take two minutes, or five, whatever you need, and stare out a window, let your mind go blank, daydream. Doing a little bit of nothing will give your brain a charge and you can go back to work or whatever with new energy and focus.

So what do you do when you're stuck in a cube, and the closest window is across the hall in someone's office?

Ailsa
who used to go outside more regularly, but gave that up (when she gave up something else)

Marco!


(didn't someone say she was getting stressed? and I know she'll see this because she reads ALL my posts )

I think I'm going to strap you in teh Hula chair.

:happy0194