How many times have you walked through the door in your house only to find a sink full of dishes and the unanswered wish that dinner would somehow cook itself today?
   If you're like most people, this is a pretty regular occurrence in your life. You probably have a list of to-do's that's longer than the time you actually think you have to get those things done, not to mention the routine chores like laundry and oh, yes, sleeping.
   Do you find it hard to focus in those moments and maybe even feel yourself get upset or overwhelmed sometimes?
   Me too.
   Wouldn't it be nice if there were simple ways to help increase focus and productivity while also reducing this kind of emotional stress in our everyday life?
   In today's American lifestyle it's difficult to find time for everything it seems and not be constantly haggard and worn out or feeling like you're behind.
   I took a look at the pile of paperwork I have to get through this week. You know that stack of mail and such that all of us have piled up in a corner somewhere or in that "miscellaneous" drawer that you hope no one opens while visiting - I hate that feeling knowing that I have to get to that soon, manage a deep breath and tell myself that I'll do it this weekend.
   Because right now there are the other to-do's to get to that have been patiently sitting on the list and need to be addressed, right? And honestly, there's that show on TV tonight that I've been looking forward to all week. But that feeling of having too much to do and not enough time is still stressful.
   Until they invent that magic wand we have all dreamed about at one point or another it seems there has to be a way to improve getting everything done and still being able to enjoy some me-time.

More focused, less scattered

   I'm sure we've all heard the same old routine about prioritizing, making lists, multi-tasking or even getting up an hour earlier each day to make more time for things. I don't know about you, but these methods just don't cut it for me. Especially that getting up early bit - I have never been a morning person and the thought of giving up my valuable sleep time just to do more work is really not going to sell that idea to me - how about you?
   What I have found to be most helpful, however, is finding a method to help increase my focus and some breathing exercises to help calm me down. When I'm more focused and less scattered, I automatically seem to get more done in less time. Instead of attempting to do seven things at once (the idea of multi-tasking) when I focus on one thing at a time I know I plow through the projects not only faster, but also with less mistakes and frustration. And when I'm calm and feeling centered, it's even better. It's easier to get a job done when all your attention is devoted to it. I think of it like concentrating the effort instead of diluting it and spreading it around.
    So how do you increase focus, you ask? Well, if I gave it all away in this article then I'd be out of a business! But what I can tell you is that the women I know who have added learning simple focus exercises and implementing them in their daily routines have all reported pretty much the same finds - that they have more time for themselves now, more energy for their families or relationships, have improved their work performance and are therefore enjoying less stress and more happiness.
   I would love to hear how these focus exercises have helped you too - what benefits have you experienced? What benefits are you hoping to gain?
   I still look at the sink of dishes and wish for that magic wand, but until that day, I'm glad I've found the next best thing.
   Oh and did I mention that your partner can learn these methods as well? Maybe that desire to get the dishes done is closer than you think. How's that for a magic wish come true? 

Best wishes,
Barb Marynowski

Barbara H. Marynowski is a Senior Consultant for Internal Energy Plus and a fully certified black belt instructor through Kang Nei Chin International. She is recognized as an expert in stress management, self-care and personal empowerment. Her passion is helping women live healthier, happier lives free from stress, shame, guilt or fear and she believes everyone has the right to pursue and live a happy, healthy, safe and prosperous life. Appointments and private sessions are available by contacting her directly at RoyalDragonIEP@aol.com or 866-PLUS-4-YOU x708. Join her online daily on the Internal Energy Plus Yahoo! Group at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/INTERNAL_ENERGY_PLUS/

Introduction
Ugly is an Attitude
New Year, New List, New YOU!
Spring Cleaning
Get Focused
Stop Wishing, Start Getting
The Words You Say
The Gift You Give Yourself
Love Yourself
Your Top Qualities
Independence
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