The coronavirus pandemic, stock market plunging, with more and more travel bands and lots of fun things getting canceled. Yes, the whole world looks chaotic right now!

But hey, life needs to move on. No matter you’re working from home or just got back to your work force, try to get back to normal life is important.

Take a deep breathe, and say...

Multitasking is not for everyone

While some people can manage multitask, most get carried away by all different thoughts popping into their minds while working. Checking WeChat, Instagram, Taobao or taking phone calls and sending Emails. 

Research showed that multitasking does not help us to be productive, while working on different things, we need to switch our mind constantly. Scientists find that it takes 4 different areas of our brain to manage this. 

• Prefrontal cortex shifts the attention and selects the task to execute

• Posterior parietal lobe is responsible for switching the rules for each task

• Anterior cingulate cortex checks errors

• Premotor cortex will coordinate our body’s movement

All the shifting can be done within just 1/10 of a second. However, after switching form task to task several times a day will slow down your performance up to 40%.

Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique was invented in the early 1990s by developer, entrepreneur, and author Francesco Cirillo. Cirillo named the system “Pomodoro” after the tomato-shaped timer he used to track his work as a university student. 

Pomodoro In 5 Steps

1. Choose a task to be accomplished

2. Set the Pomodoro to 25 minutes (the Pomodoro is the timer)

3. Work on the task until the Pomodoro rings

4. Take a short break (5 minutes is OK)

5. Every 4 Pomodoros take a longer break (15-30 min), and start again

   
   

This method will eliminate distractions and try to focus on one task at a time. By repeating a few rounds through out the day, you may easily check off the to-do list faster than usual. Having the breaks in between also help relax the mind a bit and get focus again on the next round. You can also alter the time to 20 or 30 min each period, according to your need. 

"Stay Focus" Herb Tea

Besides using a great technique to saty focus, I also got you a nice herbal tea to nourish you body and mind. This special formula can help you focus, boost your energy and calm your mind all at once.

黄芪 30g   枸杞 15g   远志 20g   

茯神 15g   合欢皮 15g   党参 30g

Astragalus root 30g

Goji berry  15g

Thinleaf milkwort 20g

Poria cocos 15g

Albizia bark 15g

Codonopsis root 30g

1. Put all the herbs in a pot, rinse under running water to get the dust off the herbs.

2. Soak in 1.5~2L clean water for 30 min.

3. Cook until start boiling and turn down the heat to let it simmer for another 20~30 min.

4. Drink through out the day as tea. Add sugar or honey as you like.

5. You may add some more water and brew it again.

   
   

Have a great weekend y’all!