Small business owners don't have time to waste.

Procrastination isn’t the only threat to productivity. You can easily devalue your time by allowing yourself to lose focus, concentrate on the wrong tasks, or slip into any number of other focus-related problems. To help keep yourself on task, energized, and focused on the most important work you have to do each day, try incorporating some of the following tips into your routine. You’ll be better prepared to tackle what lies ahead, no matter how many distractions might stand in your way. So get in touch with your Zen side and use these tips to enhance your focus and make the most of your time.

Practice Breathing Exercises

If you find yourself feeling stressed out and limited in your productivity, try taking a few minutes to do some breathing exercises. This can help you calm down almost immediately, helping you feel re-energized and ready to focus on getting your work done well.

• Four-Corner Breathing: Find a window, picture frame, or other four-cornered shape (even your computer screen) and focus on its outer edge, studying each corner for a few seconds. Now, start at the top left corner and inhale for five seconds. Move your gaze across to the top right corner and hold your breath for five seconds. Lowering your gaze to the bottom right corner, exhale for five seconds. Finally, focus on the bottom left corner, telling yourself to relax and smile. Repeat as many times and as frequently as you need to in order to improve your focus.
• Cyclical Breathing: This yoga-inspired breathing exercise will help you focus on your breath, allowing you to forget distractions and find the energy you need to complete the day’s work. Begin with your eyes closed and use your dominant hand for this exercise. Fold the index and middle fingers in to rest on your palm and then block one nostril with your thumb. Inhale through the other nostril and then press your ring finger against it to block it as well. Hold your breath with both nostrils blocked, then release the first one and exhale. Repeat as desired.

Drink Tea

Research has shown that drinking black, green, and oolong teas can help improve your ability to focus. You can find specific blends designed to enhance focus, but any version of these teas will benefit you as you try to concentrate on the important things you need to do each day.

Stay tuned for more tips tomorrow.

Maria Rainier is a freelance writer and blog junkie. She is currently a resident blogger at First in Education and performs research surrounding online degrees. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.

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