How to operate more effectively and get stuff done at work

A while back, a reporter reached out to me to ask for pointers on how to operate more effectively and get stuff done at work. I sent off a response, which ended up not being used. So I thought I'd share my thoughts here. Open for others to add - what do you do to get stuff done?

First of all, it's important for your readers to know that the brain works best when it's working on one thing at a time. So it's important to set aside dedicated time for important tasks and not to be distracted by emails, phones, etc. 

The brain can only focus for chunks of time and that differs by individual - it might be 20 minutes, it could be 45 minutes, and if you're really "in the zone" and getting good flow, it could be longer. Readers should get to know their own best energy times, and save their hardest work that needs the most focus for those times - be it in the morning, afternoon, evening and so on. By keeping a 'focus journal", people can track their energy levels and see patterns and then make use of that.

The basics are also important - people need good quality sleep, good food, hydration in the form of water (not coffee!) and exercise (ideally time outside in nature as part of that exercise) in order to have the brain stay healthy and prepared to do focused work. Without the basics in place, brains won't do their best work.

Finally, it's important to take mindful moments to prepare the brain to work - a few deep breaths, a minute or two of meditation, setting the intention to work. All of these will help the brain prepare and be ready for the work that's coming.

Happy to discuss any of these further!