According to a report by The New Paper citing World Health Organisation, burnout occurs due to chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is characterised by feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion, increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job, and reduced professional efficacy. Burnout among workers can exact an economic toll on employers in terms of medical expenses, lost productivity and employee morale.
In this piece, I asked my friends who are all achievers in their own right about what their top productivity tip/ hack is.
1) Ms. Adele Lim
People and Organisation Development Consultant, Change Catalyst
Company: Whole Capacity
Website: www.wholecapacity.com
“Plan something I am really excited about and looking forward to after I’ve completed the task at hand, ensuring that the task is one that has been broken down to in the first place. Take 10-15 mins to sync up my thought, breath and body, then move on to act on the first inspiration/impulse following that or if nothing came up then do what I was planning to do before the kriya/meditation/centring practice. Do something small first if the plan seems to big and not very exciting, and take it from there, going with the flow and always encouraging and cheering myself on.”
2) Dr. Lori Beth Bisbey Psychologist, Sex & Intimacy Coach, Author
Company: Dr Lori Beth Bisbey
Website: www.drloribethbisbey.com
“Stay hydrated. When I am hydrated, my energy levels are much higher and I get so much more done.”
3) P Venkatesh Leadership Coach and Storyteller
Website: www.pvenkatesh.com
“Breathe slowly and deeply for 5 minutes or up to the count of 50, before you start the task. It oxygenates the entire brain. It clears the mental clutter and preps your mind to focus on the task.
Repeat the slow, deep breathing whenever you find your attention wandering.”
4) Dr. Soumyadip Rakshit CEO & Co-Founder
Company: MysteryVibe
Website: www.mysteryvibe.com
“Learn to say ‘No for Now’ to the new ideas that popup every day but were not part of the plan, does not add to the goals and have low or uncertain ROI.
However don’t ignore them, rather file them and revisit at a future date when they become more instrumental towards company growth.”
5) Dr. Ng Beng Kwang
Vice President of Malaysian Menopause Society and Consultant ObGYn UKM Specialist Centre
Company: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre
Email: nbk9955@ppukm.ukm.edu.my
“View every problem as an opportunity.
When a specific problem arises, take it as a challenge to improve the overall situation. Instead of feeling deflated, stay positive and think of a better solution. Steer clear from negative people or discouraging remarks. Like the saying goes, every cloud has a silver lining. With the correct attitude and right mindset, each problem poses a chance for better improvement.”
6) Ms. Varin Gill
Company: The Venus Community
Social Media: @varingill.sumeria
“Meditation.”
7) Yasmine Khater Host of the Sales Story Podcast & Chief Storyteller, Sales Story Method
Company: Sales Story Method
Website: www.salesstorymethod.com
“Setting up systems. Procrastination happens when we feel overwhelmed, our to do list starts to scare us and sometimes we even question whether we should continue. Setting up a system makes things easier, you decide on the way and whether to keep the task on your plate or delegate it.”
“Self Care. Without it, you can give your best to the world. Self Care involved pampering, holidays, rest (sleep or a day off).”
9) Ms Alison Pilling Intimacy Coach and Writer
Company: Sex School for Grown Ups
Website: www.sexschoolforgrownups.com
“Focus is tough when I have so many ideas. So when I have a big idea I have to leave home: I wrote 80,000 words in 2 months going to a tiny village In Bali, where I didn’t know anyone. In every day life in the UK, I use a timer set for 25 minutes or leave the house and go to a cafe with a specific task.”
10) Ms. Paulina Lee Financial Consultant
Company: Prudential Assurance
“I’ve a Monthly planner and Mini bullet journal. My bullet journal is sectioned into different themes example Work, Family/Leisure, Ideas etc. my bullet journal is has a To Do List and decorated with Quotes, drawings.
My Planner is for appointments and serve as Birthday reminder for my clients.”
11) Schutz Lee Chief Consultant and Director Company: Investment Marketing Asia Pte Ltd
Website: www.imasia.biz
“Get up an hour before your usual waking time and do something you normally find it hard to fit into your schedule.
Meditate, exercise, have breakfast, go to the market. At that time of the day, many places are not crowded, enjoy the space. Then get back to your schedule feeling refreshed.”
“Before starting anything I like to make a to do list with prioritising the work from most urgent to least urgent.
I keep ticking it off as it gets done… this gives me clarity on what I need to deal with and in which order.”
13) Ms Yuanhui (La’iku) Chen Intuitive Art Healer
Company: Intuitive Art Healing with Yuanhui Website: www.yuanhuichen.com
“I wouldn’t call myself “productive” though I once considered myself to be so when immersed in a work/ corporate culture, which in my personal experience, I found to be draining for my soul. Since about 2015, I’ve shifted from a paradigm of being “productive” to being in alignment with my inner truths, with my higher self, with Divinity.
Allowing and acknowledging my ego and its past hurts, triggers, wounds and repeated patterns, I allow higher consciousness and intelligence to flow through me in a way that is “most productive” to universal flow and divine order. As humanly possible, I now trust, have faith and act only upon divine inspiration, with less consideration over whether it (i.e., the act/the work I’ve put out) is “productive” or not. With this practice, I’ve found myself happier, more joyful and more at peace. Thank you for allowing the space for me to share. Namaste.”
“Meditate and practice breathing to ground and feel centred. This helps me to focus on what I have to do on that day.
I also start practicing « 3-thing-rule », which helps me to focus on finishing the top 3 projects on the list.”
15) Dr. Martha Tara Lee Relationship Counselor & Clinical Sexologist
Company: Eros Coaching Pte Ltd
Website: www.ErosCoaching.com
“Write, write, write. Being a kinesthetic person, I organise my time through 1) a big-picture A3-sized calendar, a hand-held A6 calendar for my handbag; and do-and-throw-away To-do lists. I email reminders to myself as well. I write, write, write so I can keep my mind empty. I don’t like to tax my brain and keep lists in my head – because I rather be living in the present, doing people-watching, day-dreaming and/ or fantasizing about my next project!”
About Dr. Martha Tara Lee
Surrounded by friends who were sexually inhibited and struck by dire lack of positive conversations around sex and sexuality in Singapore, Dr. Martha Tara Lee set out to make a positive difference in embarking on her doctorate in human sexuality before launching Eros Coaching in 2009. Today, she remains dedicated to working with individuals and couples who wish to lead self-actualised and pleasure-filled lives.
She also holds certificates in counselling, coaching and sex therapy, and her fourth degree – a Masters in Counselling in May 2018. In practice for more than 10 years, she is the only certified sexuality educator and certified sexuality educator supervisor by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) in Singapore. She is also a Red Tent Women’s Circles Facilitator from Star of Ishtar.
Often cited in the local media, Dr. Lee is the appointed sex expert for Men’s Health Singapore, and Men’s Health Malaysia. She was recognised as one of ‘Top 50 Inspiring Women Under 40′ by Her World in July 2010, and one of ‘Top 100 Inspiring Women’ by CozyCot in March 2011. She has published four books: Love, Sex and Everything In-Between, Orgasmic Yoga, From Princess to Queen and {Un}Inhibited.
Martha works with individuals and couples in private coaching sessions, and conducts her own workshops. She takes prides in making sure all her workshops are also fun, educational, and sex-positive. This comes easily to her because even though she is extremely dedicated and serious about her work, she fundamentally believes that sex is meant to be fun, wonderful, amazing and sacred. As such, this serious light-heartedness has shone through again and again. For her full profile, click here. Email her here.
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