Getting More Done by Doing Less

Let’s talk about something most of us struggle with—FOCUS.

Not making assumptions, but if you’re anything like me (and so many of the people I work with), focus feels harder than ever these days. It’s no wonder. Our nervous systems are constantly bombarded—emails, notifications, to-do lists, group chats, and the subtle pressure that we should always be doing more.

We’ve normalized running on overdrive. And whether that’s a trauma response, a way of avoiding uncomfortable feelings, or simply a belief that constant busyness equals success… it’s draining.

The “Always On” Problem (and Why It’s Not Your Fault)

Here’s something fascinating from a neuroscience perspective:
When we’re multitasking or constantly switching tasks, we’re triggering the amygdala—the part of the brain that processes fear and keeps us alert for danger.
This keeps us in a low-level state of fight-or-flight.

In small doses, that’s manageable.
But if we’re living this way every day—juggling ten different things, jumping between tasks—it wears down our focus and energy.

Our prefrontal cortex (the rational, decision-making part of the brain) gets overwhelmed. Result?

Brain fog. Stress. Distraction.

We get stuck in survival mode, and ironically, the more we try to “power through,” the more scatterbrained and burnt out we feel.

My Own Focus Struggles (and What Finally Helped)

A few weeks ago, I noticed it:
I was juggling projects, client sessions, classes, life admin… and felt like I was always on, but not really moving forward.

I wanted to work smarter, not harder.
And what I noticed was that my lack of focus wasn’t because I wasn’t trying hard enough—it was because my nervous system was overstimulated.

So I made some shifts.
And I can’t believe I’m saying this…
But I’ve been getting more done, in less time—while feeling calmer and more grounded.

Here’s what actually worked for me (and might help you too):

1. Cinema Mode Focus

When you go to the cinema, you’re all in.
You’ve switched off your phone, got your snacks, settled into your seat—your full attention is on the film.

Can you treat your work (or anything you’re focusing on) the same way?

Set yourself up:
• Put the phone away
• Close tabs
• Clear distractions
• Fully focus on one thing

Then when you’re done, take a proper break—step outside, move, reset.
This simple shift stopped me from jumping between tasks and allowed my nervous system to actually feel calm.

Why it works:
Switching between tasks constantly increases cortisol (your stress hormone) and tires out your prefrontal cortex.
Sticking to one thing allows the brain to enter “deep work” mode, where focus feels easier and more satisfying.

2. Batch Your Tasks

Task switching equals low-level stress for your brain.

Instead of replying to emails as they come in, I batch them.
Instead of trying to clean the kitchen while half-writing a blog post, I batch similar tasks together.

Let things pile up a little.
Then handle them all at once.

It’s not laziness—it’s efficiency and it keeps your nervous system regulated.
Less chaos, more clarity.

3. Avoid “Pre-Work” Work

I noticed myself spending time on things that felt productive… but weren’t.

Answering messages that could wait, reworking things that didn’t really need it, doing little admin tasks just to feel like I was getting something done.

But when I paused and asked:
Could someone else do this?
Does this really need to happen before the real work?
It became pretty clear how much unnecessary stuff I was cramming into my day.

Clearing the fluff made space for what actually mattered—and saved so much energy.

4. Meditate (Even for 9 Minutes)

Yes, I had to mention this—and yes, I’d fallen off the habit recently. It happens.

When building new habits (or bringing back old ones), I always try to stack them onto something I’m already doing.

For me, it was the snooze button.
(Yes, I know we’re not supposed to hit snooze—but guilty as charged.)

Now, when my alarm goes off, instead of lying back down, I sit up and use those few extra minutes to just breathe, check in, and be still.

It’s simple. It’s not fancy.
But those 9 minutes genuinely set the tone for a more focused, grounded day.

And here’s why: research shows even short bursts of meditation help reduce activity in the amygdala (your brain’s threat center) and strengthen connections in the prefrontal cortex—the part responsible for focus, decision-making, and emotional regulation.

Basically, it helps shift your brain and body out of survival mode, so focus feels easier and more sustainable.

Why This Actually Matters (It’s Bigger Than Productivity)

Most of us try to fix focus issues by working harder.
But the real issue often lies deeper—in an overworked nervous system stuck in stress mode.

When we’re in that survival state, everything feels harder:
Focus, clarity, energy, even rest.

A few small shifts—whether that’s batching, reducing task-switching, or taking a moment to breathe—help reset your system.

From that grounded place?
You’ll get more done.
Feel less overwhelmed.
And have more space to actually enjoy your life—not just tick boxes.