How you can improve productivity, increase focus and reduce stress. Through a very simple practice called compartmentalization.
It may sound fancy and complicated but it’s simple. Simple and effective.
Distraction and loss of concentration are very costly. They drain our time and energy from switching from task to task.
If you’re thinking that you’re a good multi tasker, think again. What you are doing is lots of things poorly as opposed to a set task very well.
And what adds to your stress is the environment you’re in. If it is not condusive to the task in hand then your brain will have to fight more distraction.
The performance of a task in an improper environment is taxing on your grey matter. Or when you are using one room for many tasks i.e. using your lounge for work, exercise and relxation.
To be at your best you want the environment to compliment the task. And to have a designated room for a designated task.
This is where compartmentalization comes in. It aids your orientation perception (taking in external cues such as visual stimulation, perspective and spatial).
Keeping rooms for specific tasks, and not having crossover. Will not only improve your focus on the task but also reduce stress from room/task confusion.
Your brain will begin to associate the room with the task. And that’s when you’ll see your skill of the task improve.
So here is a mantra. I call it the proficient man’s creed:
This is my bedroom there are many rooms like this but this one is for sleep.
This is my office, there are many rooms like it but this one is for work.
This is my kitchen there are many rooms like it but this one is for cooking.
You get the drift!