Eastern cultures often refer to westerners as having “monkey brain”. Our brains are never rested, jumping from one thing to another, and lacking in focus. 

This largely comes from an inability to filter information and the overload of data we are exposed to.  It’s also based on years of being told that multi-tasking is a good thing and, thanks to Thomas Edison, sleep and rest are a waste of time. 

Modern workplaces do little to alleviate this.  Managers and employees are increasingly being asked to do more with less, and stress related illness continues to be on the rise.

A manager I worked with a few years back, scheduled “walk around the block” time in his diary as a way to gather his thoughts, and take some time out each day.  He found this time to be as critical to his productivity, as breakfast was to his health and vitality.

When you are feeling overwhelmed, take some time to pause and breathe.  5 mins should do it.  It will help you collect your thoughts and refocus for the task at hand.