10 Tweets 30 reads Aug 23, 2022
How to activate your 5 senses for deep focus (evidence-based):
1. Vision
• Hide your phone; avoid unwanted visual triggers.
• Use smart bulbs like LIFX to increase blue light for alertness (up to 9000 Kelvin), then decrease to wind down (2500-3000K).
• Design your 'laptop periphery' with artwork that motivates you.
2. Sound
• Loop playlists backed by neuroscientists to induce flow states. Try @focusatwill or Hans Zimmer.
• Turn off mobile and desktop pings.
• Block out distraction with noise-cancelling headphones.
3. Touch
• Set a cool room temperature for optimal productivity (70-73 F or 21-23 C).
• Seek fewer things of higher quality to enjoy product use.
• Add semblances of nature indoors, e.g., plants and wood-grain desks.
👆 As creatures of evolution, we thrive in nature.
4. Smell
• Use an aromatherapy diffuser (with essential oils) to stimulate attention.
Peppermint and lemon oils are focus-boosting.
5. Taste
• Automate food sourcing and meal preparation to save time.
• Stock your environment with healthy snacks and beverages to keep you energized.
• Chew gum for enhanced alertness and sustained performance.
~Bonus Sense~
Proprioception
"An awareness of where our limbs are and how our bodies are positioned in space."
• Try a standing desk (like Fully)
• Stuck on a problem? Alternate standing v. sitting. Notice how ideas flow as you (literally) approach problems from a new angle
Where to Start:
These tips are advanced.
The simplest advice for the greatest impact?
Hide your phone and turn off all device notifications.
You will go deep.
TL;DR Activate 5 Senses for Focus
👁️: Hide bad triggers (phone)
👂: Listen to Hans Zimmer; Use noise-cancelling headphones
👃: Try an aromatherapy diffuser (peppermint & lemon promote focus)
👋: Set a cool room temp for alertness (69-72° F)
👅: Chew gum; Hydrate
Thanks for reading! Follow me @SystemSunday for more content like this.

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