Doing Nothing /with total focus.  Does that sound like an oxymoron to you?  How can you focus on nothing?

But,  maybe it is not as contradictory as it seems.

I think all of us, with a job, family, financial stress, and time constraints need a break.  Now that doesn’t mean we go to Disney World on a credit card because: “We need a break!”  No, the type of break I am talking about, is just shutting out the world for just a few minutes- every few hours during the day.  Say a quick prayer, meditate, stretch with a few Pilates or yoga poses.  Walk around your desk, go up and down a few floors worth of stairs, stroll around the block.  Just do something to take your mind off your troubles/job/money problems…..

I can promise you, your productivity will increase.

Another interpretation of the above statement, would be:  take a few minutes every day (or several times per day), to shut out the outside world and just concentrate, or think about what is most on your mind or your most important problem or issue.  We are often so distracted by the “noise” of our day, we don’t allow ourselves to really focus, or concentrate on what is most pressing.

If  you have a problem with a patient, a co-worker, boss or child for that matter, go to a quiet place, take a few minutes, and think about your options, and make plans/steps to deal with it.  Make a decision, so you can then move on to other things you need to do without the constant worry or distraction or “brain drain” that recurring concerns or  automatic negative thoughts (as described by Daniel Amen MD) represent.

If you are working on an important project, this focused quiet time, can allow you to make breakthroughs when you are frustrated.  Make sure you have pen and paper, or a Dictaphone to make notes about your decisions.

So make sure you take time to- do nothing/with total focus-every day.  Clear your brain of cobwebs, and focus it like a laser beam.    Your mind and body will appreciate it.