Physical Focus Cues: Things to wear
If your brain is racing a million miles per minute, it’s easy to get pulled away from the thing you’re supposed to be working on. Adding real-world physical or sensory cues can help remind you to stay on task. These could be clothing, footwear, or even a particular soundtrack.
The key thing is to add something small that feels okay, but also that you will notice if you start to wander off track.
A teenager I know recently bought a pair of knee-high boots at the thrift shop, and immediately started wearing them around the house. Somehow or other, they settled on always wearing those when cleaning up their room. Now they are the “cleaning boots” that help to “lock in”
There are lots of ideas out there. I have rounded up a few to pick and choose from.
Some of these are more suitable for if you’re working on a cleaning or decluttering task, but honestly they work for brain work too! Except maybe the gloves.
Gloves
Disposable gloves, cotton ones or the classic yellow dishwashing ones. Great if you’re dealing with something you absolutely don’t want to touch! Also you can’t use your phone with them on.
Sensible (or Encouraging) Shoes
New Zealand is mostly a “no shoes in the house” culture, but, as the cleaning boots above have demonstrated, they can still be effective. In fact, the novelty makes them even more powerful.
An Apron
Any apron, especially one with a pocket to keep a little notebook and pen. If you are tempted by a side quest, quickly note it down there, instead of grabbing your phone and getting drawn into The Dreadful Void. (Did you know it used to be called “a napron“? You do now.)
A Bracelet or Wrist-band
I’ve seen some folks attach all their chores onto those springy wrist keychains. (Sounds a bit rattly to me, plus I have an app for that!) But any kind of bracelet or wrist-band could work. Maybe choose an inspirational line from a favourite song and make a kandi bead one!
Headwear
A headband or hat can keep your hair out of your face and your baking, as well as acting as a gentle reminder.
Last summer Tim was given a reversible bucket hat that says “Working Hard” and “Hardly Working” on it, and it’s fun to wear when I’m on task.
Ear Defenders/ Headphones
Noise-reducing headphones can help block out some of the sensory overwhelm from any noisy appliances, as well as environmental sounds such as somebody watching TikToks out loud, or playing with an egregiously noisy electronic toy that you haven’t “lost” the batteries to yet.
More from the Experts:
Set aside a “cleaning uniform”, and wear it, right down to shoes, gloves and eye protection. Cynthia Ewer
When I’m wearing an apron, I’m focused on the tasks at hand
Hilary Bernstein
With shoes on those feet of yours, your mind says “OK, it’s time to go to work.”
The FlyLady
SHERLOCK: Can I wear sunglasses and ear defenders?
JOHN: You can wear whatever you want, mate.
Sherlock & Co