The Hit List - Staying Focused While the World Churns

I’m not going to lie: it is hard to stay focused on your work when the news is full o’ drama. After a meeting on Wednesday, I shut down Zoom and opened Twitter. The first thing I saw was a tweet saying that the “capital had been breached.” Suddenly, I was going down the news rabbit hole trying to figure out what was happening. My ambitious work plans for the day began to slip away from me.

It would be safe to say that I’m not the only one. I spoke to a few people this week who lost hours of valuable work time because they were glued to their screens. Thankfully, I was able to pull myself away – and complete most of my goals. So how do you do it? How can you remain focused on projects, family, or other duties when the world is churning?

Frankly, you can’t completely do that. When the news is too intense, it’s hard to concentrate. Plus, you probably want to know what’s going on. I certainly do. Here’s how I manage to remain productive – while trying to keep an eye on world events:

:: I cut myself some slack. The perfectionist in me can go take a nap. If I don’t get it all done, I’ll reengineer my week to make sure I don’t miss deadlines. This may mean working later or getting up earlier.

:: I always create open spaces in my day. This means I have windows of “free time,” which I can use for grabbing a tea, surfing the web, or texting my kids. If I’ve spent too much time watching the news, these openings in my schedule can be either used for catching up on work – or designated for fretting over the state of the world.

:: When I’m working, all distractions are turned off. Period. You can use a website blocking app like Freedom to keep you off the web. Make sure your cell phone is in another room – or shut it off completely.

:: There are no televisions or radios in my work space. It’s too tempting to take a glance – and get stuck there.

:: I use Focus At Will, which pipes music in the background. They claim that their focus music helps you “get stuff done when you’re stressed and under pressure.” I have been using this service for years – and it works. I swear by it.

Those are my best tips. I will say that I’m not perfect and there are plenty of times when I’m a full-on news junkie. Those days happen and I am not going to beat myself up about it. Neither should you. If you’ve had a hard time keeping your head in the game, take a deep breath, turn off the news right now, and get back on it. You’ve got this!

Now cat distractions are a whole ‘nother matter!

Other stuff:

So sad: The Last Two Northern White Rhinos On Earth.

A reporter shares her experience at Wednesday’s riot: 18 Hours of Chaos and Uncertainty.

Astrologers have something to say about January 20th: What the Astrology of Inauguration Day Can Tell Us About Biden’s Presidency.

Good reading: How to Calm Down: 18 Ways to Reduce Anxiety and Stress.

What about whataboutisms: The Danger Of False Equivalences.

YEP: Josh Hawley’s Lost Book Deal Isn’t Orwellian. It’s a Consequence.

On the latest Tarot Bytes, Jenna Matlin joins me to talk about reading tarot in layers.

It’s Not Vain to Care About Losing Your Hair After Cancer.

Over on Oprah: All the Chinese Zodiac Signs and Their Meanings, Explained.

Bean Dad lessons: Bean Dad Continues a Tradition of Performative Parenting.

Interesting: Shearing Sheep, and Hewing to Tradition, on an Island in Maine.

Meet TeriAnne Tarot, the Sassy Southern Tarot reader.

Wise advice: Ready to Make Amends? Here’s How to Do It Gracefully.

Excellent: Arts workers are building a labor movement to save a creative economy in peril.

Wish I had better luck with plants: 5 Plants (and Plant Trends) That Are Going To Be Very Big in 2021, According to Renowned Plant Expert Hilton Carter.

A friend recommends this book: The Power of Eight: Harnessing the Miraculous Energies of a Small Group to Heal Others, Your Life, and the World</em>.

Check out the newest from T. Susan Chang: 36 Secrets: A Decanic Journey through the Minor Arcana of the Tarot.

Oooo: Kali Oracle: Ferocious Grace and Supreme Protection with the Wild Divine Mother.

This looks interesting: Discover Your Dharma: A Vedic Guide to Finding Your Purpose.

Putting this on the list: Cosmic Health: Unlock Your Healing Magic with Astrology, Positive Psychology, and Integrative Wellness.

New stuff from Julia Cameron: The Listening Path: The Creative Art of Attention.

Tarot: No Questions Asked: Mastering the Art of Intuitive Reading is for tarot lovers of all levels. If you’re ready to get started or want to polish your skills, start here.

The Uncommon Tarot: A Contemporary Reimagining of an Ancient Oracle is so beautiful. See why people are loving this tarot deck!

Feeling hella stressed? Aren’t we all? Grab your crayons and The Tarot Coloring Book – serenity NOW!

Tarot For Troubled Times is the perfect book for times like these.

 Astrology for Real Life: A Workbook for Beginners (A No B.S. Guide for the Astro-Curious) is the book I wish I had when I started studying astrology. It breaks it all down in fun, easy-to-understand lingo. The perfect intro for folks who feel intimidated!

 

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What I’m Grateful For:

Slow mornings

Texts from the kids

Sunlight on a cold day

Musicians

Stickers

 

Soundtrack for 1/9/21:

Bigger by Beyoncé

Blessings,
Theresa

© Theresa Reed | The Tarot Lady 2021

images from stock photography and personal collection 

 

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