Getting Things Done the ToDoist Way
I have a “bright shiny object” problem. I love all the new web tools and programs and websites out there and I probably sign up for way too many “free trials” of task managers and to do list sites just to get a look at how they work. Most of the time the free trials are about as long as I stay because they are either way too involved or they don’t have enough integration for me. BUT this time I have fallen in love with a new interweb tool and I thought I would share it with you!
I heart ToDoist
ToDoist is my new favorite task manager! It’s super simple to use and integrates with Gmail, Google Chrome and there’s even an app for my Android phone!
You can create as many projects as you want as well as adding projects under projects for even more organization!
and then create tasks under each project!
Read MoreTaking Time to Breathe
Source: modernhepburn.tumblr.com via mrs. french on Pinterest
The holiday’s are taking their toll on me this year.
I’m not really a scrooge but the past few years I’ve just not been into the whole holly jolly atmosphere but this year my daughter has kind of perked up my inner elf. She’s just at the age where she’s getting really excited for Santa and the other holiday festivities so it’s helped me get excited about the holidays as well. Holiday crafts, special outings to see Santa and special family baking fun times have all been weaved in with a new product launch over on Your Chocolate Banana and my regular client work! I may not be the best at taking time to breathe but I definitely know its one of the things I need to do in my life, especially at this holly jolly time of the year.
Along with the obvious reason of “you need to breathe to live” (yes thank you Captain obvious…) taking time to sit with yourself and just breathe and let the world around you go is one of the most important tricks you can have in your de-stressing tool bag. At some points of my day I am so stressed I have to just walk away and collect myself. Sometimes though I don’t have even the time to walk away so just being able to breathe and collect my thoughts is completely satisfying and completely necessary for me.
It doesn’t need to be done sitting lotus style on a Persian rug with incense smoking in the background while you’re listening to Celtic music on your computer(even though that actually sounds like a great idea…) It could just mean closing your eyes and breathing.
Try this:
Sit with good posture (head up and back straight) but be comfortable.
Breath in deeply through your nose and fill up your lungs to the count of 5.
Breathe out, completely depleting your air, through your mouth.
Repeat this as many times as you need to feel calm. I usually do it about 5 times.
Best case scenario: You take some time to center and then plunge right back into your work with a renewed sense of vigor!
Worst case scenario: You do the deep breathing exercises and you turn into a hippy. (I’m not saying it’s a really good chance. I’m just throwing it out there…)
Most of the time when I take a step back to re-energize myself I come back to my work more excited to get stuff done. Plus I don’t get as flustered by computer OR people problems when I come at them from a calm place. It may take you away from working for 5 minutes but I can almost promise your work will not fall apart in those 5 minutes and it will totally be worth the time investment. (Unless you are a card/tooth pick house creator. In that case you may want to wait until the glue dries to center your thoughts…)
- What are some other ways you’re been able to collect yourself and get back into your work?
- If you’ve tried deep breathing techniques how have they worked for you?
Image Source: modernhepburn.tumblr.com via mrs. french on Pinterest