I have read a very interesting article by Jeffry Harrison from The Muse.  Let me summarize it and share with you here.

 

We are busy people in a busy world.  Our to-do-list is always as long as it could be.  When our minds are overwhelming with phone calls, conversations, computer monitors, phones/blackberries and etc., we are automatically reacting to the external stimuli.  Thus, we cannot focus on what really matters.

 

Harrison’s trick from his military training may be useful to your office job.  The magic words are “SLLS”.  It stands for Stop what you are doing; Look around; Listen to your surroundings; Smell your environment.  This simple trick allows you to take a timeout and refocus.

 

When things around you is moving too fast and you cannot control your rhythm, take a SLLS break!  After five minutes of stopping whatever you are doing and refocusing with SLLS, Harrison finds it easier to reprioritize tasks so to increase efficiency.  He even mentions SLLS helps his personal life to be more mindful and focused as well.

 

So, are you going to try this?  I am in!