01: The effort of remembering
It takes an awful lot of mental effort to simply remembering everything we need to do.
In recent coaching conversations and tea tasting sessions, people have been talking about feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of things they’re carrying in their heads. Often, the same tasks and concerns keep coming up again and again.
Earlier this year, I did a brain dump with a large sheet of paper. I spent nearly an hour writing down everything that was occupying my mind. I was surprised by how much I hadn’t captured anywhere else.
Some of it needed action, so I moved those things into a system I knew I’d return to. Other things had been taking up space without needing anything from me.
I’ve found that having somewhere reliable to keep the important things makes it easier to concentrate on what’s in front of me.
Perhaps if we stop wasting time on remembering things we don’t need to keep in our heads, it will be easier to actually to action on those things that deserve our attention?
p.s. Your pause for tea this week is brought to you by The Contented Mind - discover more teas here and listen to this week’s podcast to learn more and brew together.
© eteaket
02: Why your long list of unfinished work tasks takes up so much time
Ever notice how an unfinished task can keep returning to mind, even when you're nowhere near your desk? Psychologist Elaine Kinsella looks at why this happens and how unfinished work can continue to occupy our attention long after we've moved on to something else. A useful explanation for that feeling of never quite being finished.
Read Elaine Kinsella's article
03: How to tackle your to-do list if you struggle with attention
Getting everything out of your head is one part of the process. Working out what to do with it afterwards is another. This practical piece looks at how lists can reduce mental load and why struggling to focus isn't always a question of willpower. Some useful ideas for dealing with the page once you've finished your brain dump.
Read the BBC Science Focus Article
Thanks for pausing for tea with me today.
If this helped, I’d love a quick comment, a heart, or a share. It genuinely helps this post reach more people who need a calmer next step.
Erica x
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