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Workplace Discussion Point: Does Frequent Mental Drifting Boost Workplace Efficiency?

Pondering the possibility of leveraging human propensity for mental drifting for beneficial outcomes.

Enterprising female entrepreneur momentarily pauses her activities and enjoys a coffee beverage.
Enterprising female entrepreneur momentarily pauses her activities and enjoys a coffee beverage.

Workplace Discussion Point: Does Frequent Mental Drifting Boost Workplace Efficiency?

Business dictionary defines 'productivity' as the pace at which a business or nation manufactures goods, typically gauged considering the number of workers and materials used.

Successful entrepreneurs consistently assess, evaluate, and monitor productivity levels not only for their staff but also for their business as a whole. Higher productivity levels lead to enhanced efficiency and overall prosperity. To put it simply, productive employees are crucial for generating profits. Nevertheless, many employees face challenges in staying productive throughout the workday.

So, how can business leaders improve productivity in the workplace? While improving time management is often the first suggestion, recent research suggests it's not the root cause of the problem. According to an article published on our website, the shift from time management to focus management is necessary. The article highlights, "The ability to direct attention emerges as a fundamental skill for individuals and organizations."

Preserving focus and focus in an organization can be difficult. Even the most astute business leaders cannot control their employees' thoughts, and according to Neuroscience News, "Mind wandering is inevitable over time." This article references a study suggesting, "regardless of task difficulty, people’s minds increasingly wander with time, reaching a 50% distraction rate towards the end of activities."

This makes sense. We start the day with focused intentions, to-do lists, priorities, and goals that we aim to accomplish before the day's end. We are filled with enthusiasm and energy to be productive and complete tasks. But how long until your mind starts to wander? When do you notice the enthusiasm and energy starting to fade? When does boredom set in, and distraction takes over? Our goal-oriented mind initially locks onto targets but eventually succumbs to the endless unintended thoughts that pull us away.

What if we could leverage the human tendency of mind wandering in a productive way? Since most of us are prone to it, what if instead of trying to force sustained focus, we use the uncontrollable streams of thoughts to our advantage? Focus and concentration are essential, but I would argue that allowing our minds to occasionally wander can refresh, refuel, and reinvigorate, ultimately boosting productivity in the workplace.

So here are three tips to balance focus and concentration with constructive mind wandering:

1. Get up and move.

As you go about your workday, notice when feelings of boredom set in. When minor distractions become significant distractions, and you find it hard to focus on the task at hand, take a break. Go for a walk. Find a quiet spot in the office or outside on a bench or under a tree. Make a cup of tea and enjoy a few relaxing moments. Interrupt the activity and the brain pattern that is pulling towards distraction by doing something different.

When you return to your tasks, choose a different one if you wish. It can be easy to conclude that one task must be completed before moving on to the next, but sometimes moving to something new can renew our focus.

2. Relax.

There are several relaxation techniques that require controlling the mind and breath. However, some relaxation techniques do not require a still mind or controlled breathing. A media publication called Mindful describes a meditation/mindfulness process that allows one to be calm, still, and relaxed while enjoying a wandering mind and natural breathing.

Access Bars is another stress reduction and relaxation technique that encourages the mind to wander. It involves a practitioner lightly touching 32 different points on the head. Businesses worldwide are offering Bars sessions to their employees throughout the workweek, and many are reporting increased productivity. With Access Bars, focusing on breathing and controlling your thoughts is not required – it is not the goal.

3. Practice positive-constructive daydreaming.

Another term for mind wandering is daydreaming. Psychologist Jerome L. Singer spent most of his career studying it.

Essentially, positive-constructive daydreaming involves allowing your mind to let go of focusing on external tasks and following the random thoughts, sensations, and distractions that emerge for a set period of time.

How do you practice positive-constructive daydreaming? There isn't a "how." That's the point. Designate an amount of time, sit comfortably, and rather than trying to bring your thoughts under control, allow them to roam. For instance, you could take a walk alone (without headphones). Use that time to observe all the details around you.

Try various things, and see what works for you. While this is not something you should do all the time, focus and concentration need a rest. Positive-constructive daydreaming not only provides that rest but also increases creativity.

Solving difficult problems and coming up with innovative ideas and inspirations often happens in a relaxed and less focused state of mind. When you notice your mind starting to wander, take a break and move around. Explore relaxation techniques. Set aside time to stop controlling your thoughts and allow them to flow freely. Extreme brilliance lies within. Tap into it, and set it free.

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Dr. Terrie Hope, a prominent figure in the field of positive psychology, agrees with the concept of balanced focus and constructive mind wandering. She emphasizes the importance of allowing the mind to wander occasionally to refresh, refuel, and reinvigorate, ultimately boosting productivity in the workplace. According to Dr. Hope, when faced with boredom or distractions, taking a break to walk or engage in relaxation techniques can be beneficial. She also suggests practicing positive-constructive daydreaming, allowing the mind to wander freely for a set period, which can increase creativity and solve complex problems.

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