MINDFULNESS j w Batch and check emails at specific times rather than responding to each message that comes in . How about once in the morning , once after lunch and once before wrapping up ? w Use ‘ do not disturb ’ features to turn on focus modes while in deep work .
Time blocking
2 This will give you a set amount of focused time to work on critical tasks , keeping you organised and on track . You could develop dedicated time blocks ; planning continuous sections of time for tasks such as planning , reporting or email . Alternatively , try batching similar tasks together . Use segments of time to keep tasks that are alike – such as meeting planning or expense processing – going . Make sure to communicate your boundaries around these new approaches . Let your team know about your time-blocked schedule to prevent unnecessary interruptions . And remember that while sticking to your blocks is essential , it ’ s important to remain flexible for true emergencies .
Prioritisation techniques
3 Knowing what to focus on when is key in your role . Try these proven methods for extra efficiency : w Eisenhower Matrix – Divide tasks into quadrants :
• Urgent and important ( do these immediately ).
• Important but not urgent ( schedule these ).
• Urgent but not important ( delegate if possible ).
• Not urgent and not important ( eliminate or deprioritise ). w Daily top three – Pinpoint your three most critical tasks to be executed each day . w Reassess priorities daily – Change as necessary to meet shifting demands .
Digital detoxes
4 Constant exposure to screens leads to fatigue and lowered productivity . So , insert purposeful breaks to recharge . Try the Pomodoro Technique of 25 minutes of focused work followed by a five-minute break to maintain energy . Consider tech-free zones and replace screen time with mindfulness activities . Could you take walks , stretch or practice deep breathing exercises during breaks ? One more tip … Try to avoid screens after 9pm ( or one hour before going to bed ) for a better sleep and mental recharge .
Workspace organisation
5 A messy desk often equates to a messy mind . Keep your surroundings neat and clean to achieve good concentration and productivity . Invest in efficiency tools , like drawer organisers , labelled folders or apps to manage tasks digitally . Go minimal – keep only your planner , laptop and one small notepad on your desk . Then clean up at the end of the day . Because it takes only five minutes to organise your desk and leave it fresh for the next day .
As you know , you ’ re one of the unsung heroes of organisational success , balancing countless priorities to keep the wheels running smoothly . Yet , the relentless pace and constant distractions of modern life make it easy to lose sight of the bigger picture .
The day my life shifted
My business , One-Minute Reset , came from my own wake-up call moment . It was the moment that changed everything . A few years ago , I was moving at a million miles an hour and thought I had everything under control . I was always working , always on the go and proud of my so-called multitasking skills . But in reality I was just doing a lot of things poorly , all at once .
One moment brought it all to a halt . During a family snowboarding trip to Furano in Japan , I was racing down the slopes on Christmas Eve , desperate to carve out some ‘ me time ’. In one second I lost control . I slipped , crashed hard and broke two bones in my right arm .
Lying there , motionless and silent , was a terrifying epiphany . I hadn ’ t truly been breathing for years . I had been running on autopilot , always pushing through tension , never truly connected to life . That fall was my wake-up call . This painful moment forced me to reassess how I managed stress and distraction . It became the catalyst for creating One-Minute Reset , a simple , powerful tool that would eventually change not only my life but the lives of many others too .
Why one minute ? In a world overwhelmed by stress , burnout and constant distraction , starting with just one minute is powerful . It ’ s simple , accessible and effective . Your brain is wired to change . Every time you practice mindfulness or gratitude , you are rewiring your brain through neuroplasticity . This means freedom from stress and overwhelm is available in just one minute .
While patterns of busyness and distraction may be deeply ingrained , they can be undone . Each mindful moment rewires your brain for calm , focus and resilience .
Harvard research has shown that just one minute of mindfulness can reduce your body ’ s stress response by 30 %. A simple pause and a deep breath are enough to start shifting your brain chemistry …
By incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily life , you could see significant transformations in your professional life – benefits such as improved productivity , enhanced crisis management skills , burnout prevention , a positive influence on workplace culture and improved work-life balance .
The beauty of the One-Minute Reset lies in its simplicity . It ’ s not about finding time . It ’ s about making time – and prioritising yourself amidst life ’ s chaos . As you move forward , let this practice be your steady anchor , guiding you through challenging moments with resilience and clarity . S heidihorne . co
26 Executive PA | Summer Issue 2025