Here's how you can stay focused on your work and minimize distractions in Patient Advocacy.

To organize your space for patient advocacy, start by decluttering, organizing essential supplies, creating task-specific zones, and personalizing the space. Additionally, manage cables, optimize lighting, minimize noise, and maintain cleanliness. Regularly review and adjust your organization for efficiency.

Coming out of the corporate world as a Patient Advocate, I know that environment plays a major role in concentration. Begin with the basics of decluttering and keeping essentials within reach (snacks, water!). And include elements that promote focus: focus music, time setting, a comfortable chair, and a nearby space to allow for stretching during break times.

One effective method for setting boundaries and maintaining focus is Time-blocking. As the article mentions, designating specific times to complete specific tasks not only helps you accomplish tasks but also gifts you time to fit in anything else outside of work. With time-blocking, you will feel a sense of accomplishment and ease across work and life. A specific tool I use is the POMODORO timer where I block 1-hour of 'focus hour' with a 10-minute break in between. The breaks help me step away from the office/desk, stretch and return refreshed.

One thing I've found helpful for prioritizing tasks is to "batch" the tasks in order of priority. Every week (either a Sunday or Monday), I enter into my organization tool (I use Notion), what needs to be completed by a specific due date. Once the project is completed, I will physically "check off" the task and move on. This can be easily implemented in a Notes app or simple pen/paper. This helps your brain stay focused and avoid overwhelm (those common thoughts of needing to do everything all at once). I've been there!

Mindful use of technology is necessary for patient advocacy. While yes, technology can be helpful for effective communication, it can also hinder progress by inducing distraction. To help counteract the negative repercussions, I will also include time-blocking, and organizing folders and files as such - and set a reminder for when I need to return to them later. Setting reminders through an App, journal or any means of organization will reduce overwhelm, and help keep you focused on accomplish projects in a streamlined manner.

Undoubtedly, mindfulness practices helps your brain and nervous system release negative patterns (thoughts, patterns) that are stuck. Mindfulness is crucial for anyone in a state of overwhelmed or "feeling of being stuck". The more mindfulness you practice will help your mind and body "move the stuck energy", so you can feel free, refreshed, and at your best to support your patients. At a minimum, I need a mid-day 15-minute meditation to help me release tension and regroup. If I feel incredibly low, I will extend to a 30-minute to 1-hour session that involves deep focus on breathing. But, even a short 1-5 minute mindfulness practice can enhance your focus. Give it a try!