4 Ways to Become More Productive

In the first of this series on Embodying Productivity, I talked about how the contraction of the distress response is the antithesis of productivity. I shared three techniques to bring you back to centre and to a place where you can be ready to do well.

So what next? What is doing well?

The answer is it depends on what you’re doing. There is no ideal state to be in. You need to access different qualities in yourself if you’re about to run a marathon or go on a date, if you’re doing a big presentation or planning an event.

There is no single ‘right’ way to be productive, contrary to what most productivity gurus would have you believe.

The ‘how’ of your productivity is in direct relationship with what it is you’re doing. You need a different way of being in order to be the right kind of productive so you can be effective, no matter what youre doing. A ‘productive’ meeting looks and feels different to a ‘productive’ idea-storm or a ‘productive’ writing session or even ‘productive’ rest.

Some tasks require you to be meticulous and precise - hello, tax return - in order to achieve them. Other things on the to-do list might need you to collaborate or go with the flow. If you’re trying to solve a problem, then creative thinking is going to be much more productive than doggedly sitting in front to the computer for hours - chances are, you have your best ideas in the shower or out for a walk, anywhere your body is more open and relaxed. Whereas that piece of work you keep putting off might benefit from a bit more focus and determination.

Here are some exercises, depending on what you need

To build a sense of stability, order, trust, structure, and reliability, try this

Ground yourself down into your roots by feeling your feet on the floor and your body on the chair. Relax a little more into this support. Breath slowly into your belly. Imagine yourself as a mountain or the roots of a tree.

What would it feel like to be a little more square?

Ask yourself “what is true?".

To generate more focus, determination, passion, vitality, courage, and direction, try this

Engage more of your forward fire by leaning slightly forwards in your chair. Take 2 or 3 breaths into your chest, pushing and pulling the air. Focus your gaze on a single point. Feel the tone of your muscles and the heat and movement in your body - can you sense your heart beating in your chest?

What would it feel like to be a little more triangular?

Ask yourself “what needs to be done?".

To cultivate more flexibility, collaboration, acceptance, receptivity, empathy and ease, try this

Relax into your flow by sitting back, softening your spine, belly, jaw and gaze. Breathe slowly into the area around your stomach; emphasise the out-breath, perhaps with a sigh. Sense the fluidity of your body.

What would it feel like to be a little more circular?

Ask yourself “what needs to be accepted?".

To tap into your creativity, spontaneity, humour, playfulness, and vision, try this

Lift up with your wings by sitting upright and allowing your head to be light on your shoulders. Bring your awareness to the top of your head and face; pay attention to the air moving at your nostrils. You can even imagine you’re breathing rainbows.

What would it feel like to be a little more spacious or shapeless?

Ask yourself “what is possible?".

*This has been inspired by Liz Peters and her book Own It! and teaching from Mark Walsh on the Embodied Facilitator Course.

want some more?

Get out of your head and develop a trusting relationship with your body’s wisdom with my Rebel Guide to Listening to Your Body (as well as your brain).