"Poor communication skills can
condemn you to a life of mediocrity and
frustration. Good communication skills
can unlock your dreams of success."
Dr. Robert A. Tracz

How to Get More Done In Less Time - Relax

Writers call it writer's block. Workers say they're burned out. Athletes call it a slump.

Regular mental and physical relaxation is essential for your health, happiness and effectiveness. A change is as good as a rest. Here are some techniques used by successful people for relaxing mentally and physically.

Work for minutes not hours. The attention span of most adults is twenty minutes. I don't know if this has been documented, but I have found that I'm more productive by working for three twenty minute periods with a five minute break in between than when I work for 2 ½ hours without a break. Go figure.

Meditate. My grandpa Nesbitt called it a power nap. I call it meditation. What ever you call it get 20 minutes twice a day to slow your brain waves.

I used to work seven days a week and found myself getting stale. Now I work six, but I'm not sure five wouldn't be better. Again a change is beneficial. I don't know if it's because you focus better when you don't work as long or because your unconscious mind continues to work on your challenges while you relax, but what ever it is you will be more productive.

Do something else. Again a change is as a good as a rest. Go talk about something else. Work on something else. Listen to relaxing music like solitudes or do something physical like going for a walk or exercise but what ever you do shut your off what you were doing. Get in touch with nature by going outside to get fresh air.

Take a long weekend quarterly, perhaps a mini-vacation. I like top book a room and go to the theatre in Toronto or New York. Sometimes I stay home and have movie catch up where I rent all the videos I haven't seen and catch up. If I can find a two or three vacation sell off I might even go just to get away.

Don't forget to actually vacation as well. I have a friend who hasn't taken a vacation in 16 years. She's entitled to 3 weeks a year but has never taken them. She has just undergone major surgery and has a whole new lease on life. She says she'll never miss another vacation and I agree.

You cannot perform well mentally if you are in a difficult relationship or emotional state of mind. When you feel emotions like guilt, anger, rejection or fear stop what you're doing and allow the feeling to surface. Don't fight it - let it surface and feel it. Then breathe deeply and rhythmically and say it's OK to feel this way and forgive the person if someone is involved - especially if the person is you. Then refocus on what you're doing and get busy doing it.

Eat smaller amounts of food and more often. It's healthier and better for you. I'll order a full lunch or dinner in a restaurant but ask for half of it to be boxed before I even see it. I'll eat that later. Eat more fruits and vegetables. They are lighter and easier to digest. You'll feel lighter and more active.

You'll never get out life alive so relax and enjoy the time you have.