Taking the time to relax is an essential part of life, and a great business strategy. We may not be able jet out to an exotic beach for some R & R as often as we'd like, but we can build relaxing professional development playlists to rejuvenate our minds and expand our knowledge. The purpose of this post is to provide you with easy tips to create a relaxing personal development playlist that you can customize that will aid in boosting your energy and productivity.
1. Take inventory of your time. We all have different schedules and things to do. We all of time to play with in regards to when and how we get what needs to get done, done. We all also have our own unique process of getting things done. For some the process may be sitting down at the computer and doing whatever it takes to get it done in complete silence. For others, they may use that time for self-development or listening to things that help them get in the zone. Identifying your time schedule and how you go about your tasks, helps to identify the time you would have available to listen to things that matter to you. If you can work with background noise, such as a podcast, TED Talk, or audiobook, this would be a great opportunity to identify the times you would like to add those to your playlists.
2. Identify what you really enjoy listening to while working. We all have a our set genres of music and books that we like. Identifying what you really enjoy listening to and implementing that playlist into your daily routine can be an easy way to relax while working. Furthermore, it can be a great way to learn more about subjects, professional development, or simply explore the world of music. I do this daily. As such, I look forward to the playlists and audiobooks that I have added to my calendar. For example, right now I am listening to my one of my audiobooks, The Science of Mindfulness: A Researched – Based Path to Well-Being by The Great Courses. It is a 13 hour audiobook that I have been looking forward to listening to since I located it on Audible. It is an area that I believe can be informative to personal and professional development. As such, while working on a variety of projects, I have the ability to start, pause, and stop whatever it is that I am listening too. I understand that not everyone can work with background noise. However, for me, it helps me grow and really aids in making a fun and relaxing work environment.
3. Test out the times, days, and topics that you listen to. You may want to put together learning and development schedule. For some, you may be wondering how in the world is that relaxing. Well, the objective is that whatever it is that you select is meaningful to you and by listening to it would be relaxing. This could be listening to podcasts about starting a business, technology, or the latest movie releases. For many, there may be a variety of genres that you listen to or would like to learn about. It could even be brushing up on a foreign language or learning about cultures. The topics should interest you. Test out the times to tune in. Studies show starting your day off with professional development or positive information helps with your attitude, productivity, and simply makes for a better day. This may influence the times you listen to specific topics. For example, in the morning or whenever it is that you “start” your day, you may want to have a playlists that corresponds to such research findings. For example, I start my day off with daily meditations, affirmations, or living in gratitude. This sets the “energy” for my morning and aids in putting me in a relaxing mindset that aids throughout the entire day.
4. Program the relaxing results that you want. People may argue that the media shows people what they want to show them to get the feelings that they want viewers to have. You can be your own media, and whatever it is that you program into your playlist can impact you. Take the time to identify what you want to learn, listen, or experience throughout the day and then strategically program those “shows” into your calendar. For example, I mentioned that I start my day with positive information, such as audiobooks about practicing gratitude. The next “show” is more educational and is about a topic that interests me. The next may be some funk music to get the energy following and pumping me up. I may then transition off to a different audiobook that interests me, but changes the subject to keep my attention span focused. Identifying what works for you may take practice, and proactive mindfulness of identifying and accurately connecting what works for you and what doesn't. The key is to match up what you like and deliver it in such a way that it is relaxing and rejuvenates you.
by Katie Doseck, PhD MBA
Chief Visionary and Strategic Ace Up Your Sleeve | Viral Solutions LLC
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