|  | Mental Health | Stress

How to Maintain Flexibility & Focus

Maintaining flexibility and focusing on the task at hand can be a challenge for any person on certain days. Stress, illness and other distractions can take your mind from your daily pursuits and focus it elsewhere. Lack of focus can lead to poor job or school performance. Inflexibility can keep you from moving forward in life towards goals. Learning to become more flexible and maintain focus can be achieved in life with a few simple steps.

Things You'll Need

  • Paper
  • Pen or pencil
  • Soothing music
  • CD/MP3 player
Show More

Instructions

  1. Staying Flexible

    • 1

      Keep an open mind to the suggestions of others. You may not have the best answer or know the appropriate course of action for a project or goal. Listening to the advice of others can provide you with a different and objective viewpoint on any given subject matter.

    • 2

      Remind yourself things could be worse when something in life does not go as planned. Try to imagine the best and worst case scenarios for the situation you are in; you will find you are probably not at either extreme.

    • 3

      Adopt a "go with the flow" or "take it as it comes" mantra. Allow yourself to let go of strict routines and regiments for a day or two -- or even an hour or two. Stepping out of your element and tolerating a new point of view can help you with becoming more flexible.

    • 4

      Talk with a friend or family member who is able to demonstrate flexibility in times of stress or crisis. You can get tips and techniques from them or use their life as a model for your own.

    Keeping Focused

    • 5

      Remove as many distractions as possible from your life when you are trying to stay focused. Turn off your cell phone alerts, do not check your email and turn off the television or music. Avoid harsh lighting, which may trigger a headache. Use a soft light and silence or play relaxing music in the background to keep you centered.

    • 6

      Take breaks during the day to clear your mind and re-channel your energy. Daily distractions, such as noise and other stressors, can create tension. Tension can result in less ability to focus, making breaks an essential part of your day.

    • 7

      Close your eyes and breathe deeply while you take a break. Imagine yourself performing a particular task or achieving a certain goal. Break from your daily routine and recenter yourself every few hours for about 10 to 15 minutes.

    • 8

      Keep a "To-Do" checklist with you at all times. Write down any goals, projects or other things you need to accomplish. Check off each item as you complete it. A visual reminder of your progress toward a goal can keep you focused and motivated.

Stress - Related Articles