You've got a brilliant tool for focus. Here's how to use it.

Is your mind racing furiously, jumping between to-dos - from work problems to personal musts and worries, in a seemingly endless, messy dance? It can seem impossible to stop the cacophony inside your head. But if you notice it, your amazing brain and body offer several ways to help – beyond deep breaths. 

When thoughts are having a party at your expense, try this: Physically slow down and fix your eyes closely on an object, any object. Focus your gaze on it. Study all the details intently, perhaps noticing what you’ve never seen before in something very familiar. You can do it anywhere, and in less than 20 seconds, it can provide the pause that lets you refresh and restart with what really matters. If you need more time, that's ok, too. 

Our sight occupies far more space in our brains than any other sense. What we look at strongly directs our attention – that’s why we’re often asked to close our eyes or soften the gaze when trying to relax. That doesn’t always help with overwhelm, though, as it can leave you even more focused on your thoughts. Actively using your visual focus can be more powerful. 

The other day, I had far too many things swirling in my mind. I went for a short walk to get out of my head, but sometimes one trick is not enough. I stopped at a tree, investigating it intently. Unexpectedly, I found an in-grown not-very-natural cable in the middle of a tender branch. What happened there? 

The next tree revealed beautiful patterns I normally simply walked past. I didn’t just banish the mess in my mind, but discovered something more, too. Wherever you are, try looking a little closer this weekend. It might reveal something magical, as well as getting you out of your head.