French {Lessons}: Deadlines, Emily Giffin, Don’t be a Grinch

French {Lessons}: Positive Psychology Lessons from France 
Topic: On a Deadline?
Don’t Be a Grinch. Get Positive Psychology. 
by Dr. Robyn McKay

Best-selling American author Emily Giffin is wickedly smart. She’s successful. And she was a guest at my book club after her last book was published (Yes, my book club buddies and I actually interviewed her and got free copies of her latest book!)

But when Emily’s on a deadline, she – like many talented people – gets important feedback from people who love her. For instance, today she posted this entry on Facebook:

{And speaking of writers, I’m on a deadline, too. My first book Smart Girls is being edited right now.}

Here’s the thing: talented people can become so focused on their project that they work night and day to complete it.

{It’s the ability to focus intensely for long periods of time that’s essential for long-term creative productivity.}

BUT…

Talented people also become stressed and isolated and more than a little disagreeable – especially when they are working hard toward a deadline.They can easily forget about the basics in life – like food, sleep, and attending to the people who love and support them.

Here’s the thing: some stress is good. It keeps you focused and on task.

Too much stress? Just like too much caffeine and not enough sleep…  you instantly transform from a normal, loving, and kind human being into the Grinch who Stole Christmas. 
What to do?

Here are 3 Tips from Positive Psychology {& Neuroscience} that I use when I’m on a deadline. Let me know if  your heart grows 3 sizes.

1. Breathe. 
When you sit and work for long periods of time, your breath becomes shallow, which means that your brain is not getting as much oxygen as it needs to function optimally. When that happens, your body beings to panic – and you might be more prone to anxiety and even temper tantrums.

she{ology} action: set a timer that rings on the hour. When the timer goes off,take 5 very deep, mindful breaths. This practice gives your brain a well-deserved hit of oxygen. 

2. …and while you’re breathing, get up and move. 
The human brain can focus for about 45-50 minutes at a time before it begins to fatigue. When your brain fatigues, you’re more likely to make silly mistakes and less likely to do your best work.

she{ology} action: Rest your brain. Get up from your computer and do something totally different. Do pushups, brush your teeth, go for a 10 minute walk, run up and down the stairs.  BTW, checking Facebook and email don’t count. Your brain doesn’t know the difference because you’re still staring at the same darn screen, in the same position.
And for all you procrastinators out there {and you know who you are…}.
3. Sit your butt in your chair & do your damn work. 
she{ology} action: Set a timer for 20 minutes. When you don’t know what to say next, do not check Facebook. Do not go to the refrigerator to fix yourself a snack or grab another diet coke. And no, you do not have to go to the bathroom again. You just went, like 5 minutes ago.

Just wait. And breathe. The muse has not left you. She will return. Have patience. And then begin, again.

After 20 minutes has passed, if you still feel like getting up, then go right ahead.
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