Tag: mental-health

A Powerful Productivity Tool: A Notebook

Published on by Sandy Davis

The Surprising Productivity Power of a Paper Notebook

Now that the weather has cooled off, I have taken to writing outside at work. For those of you who don’t know, I work at a university, and there are plenty of tables and benches and trees. I got the advice years ago from Cal Newport that changing up your environment can make you more productive, and writing outside can really help me focus.

But that’s another post. What I want to write about today is that what I’ve noticed has an impact on my productivity more than writing outside is writing in a paper notebook. For me, writing in a notbeook with no digitial tools or devices on hand, can exponentially increase my producvity.

In a world filled with digital productivity tools, the humble paper notebook might seem old-fashioned. Yet many creators, professionals, and thinkers continue to swear by it for good reason. A notebook isn’t just a place to store notes; it’s a tool for focus, creativity, and clarity. Writing by hand slows you down in the best possible way, helping you process ideas more deeply and stay present in your work.

Thinking Better by Writing Slower

One of the biggest advantages of a paper notebook is the way it engages your brain. When you write by hand, you activate more areas of the brain responsible for memory and comprehension. This deeper cognitive processing helps you remember information longer and understand it more clearly. The slower pace also encourages you to think about what truly matters, forcing you to summarize ideas rather than transcribe them word for word.

Beyond memory, the act of writing fosters creativity. There’s something about the feel of pen on paper that invites experimentation: you can doodle in the margins, connect ideas with arrows, or sketch diagrams that might never happen on a screen. Paper offers the freedom of imperfection; you’re not deleting or formatting but exploring.

Clarity, Focus, and Emotional Calm

Using a paper notebook can transform how you manage your time and energy. Without the constant ping of notifications or temptation of open tabs, you’re free to focus on the task in front of you. Many people find that writing a to-do list or journaling by hand clears their mind, helping them prioritize and stay grounded throughout the day.

The physicality of a notebook also makes your progress visible. Watching the pages fill up is deeply satisfying and a tangible record of your thinking and effort. This visual reinforcement builds motivation and a sense of control. It also creates space for reflection: flipping through old pages can reveal patterns in your goals, habits, or moods that you might otherwise miss.

Why Analog Still Wins

A paper notebook makes you an active participant in your own thinking. Each word, line, and scribble reflects a decision, a moment of presence. Whether you’re mapping out a new idea, journaling through a problem, or just capturing the day’s to-dos, that act of writing by hand invites focus, creativity, and calm; it’s a reminder that sometimes, productivity is about slowing down.

The Quest to Improve My Focus

Published on by Sandy Davis

Well, it’s been a minute since I posted here, and although I was very busy at the end of the spring semester (I’m a full-time college professor and mother of two teenagers), I honestly can’t say that I don’t have the time to write, because I spend an inordinate amount of time WASTING my time. Although I successfully quit and deleted Facebook and Instagram in 2019, and haven’t looked at Twitter/X in over a year (I NEVER got into Tik Tok), I’m still hopelessly addicted to doomscrolling on Reddit. After getting into Cal Newport’s books and videos and exploring the concept of Deep Work, I’ve decided to work on improving my ability to focus.

Here are some tips adapted from several sources. I will be putting this into practice over the next month (includuing going cold turkey from reading Reddit) and will check back in on how it’s working for me.

  1. Improve the QUALITY and reduce the quantity of information you consume (instead of getting your news from social media sites):
  • Daily: Have one daily or even weekly “news roundup” source such as a newsletter, news podcast, or physical newspaper (daily or weekly)
  • Monthly: Read 3-5 long-form magazine articles (New Yorker, etc.)
  • Yearly: Read books about topics that interest you

2. Increase your comfort level with boredom:

  • Practice driving, walking, running errands, and doing chores with your phone or without external stimulation (listening to music and podcasts).

3. Cultivate your ability to pay attention

    • Use a timer or stopwatch to practice interval training (increasing the amount of time you are able to focus on a single target)

    4. Create specific environments and rituals to help you get into deep work focus mode (a place to write, to read, to work difficult tasks).

        6. Practice being an intellectual (seek out nuance and uncertainty)

          • Pair primary and secondary sources (More on this soon! I’m thinking of making a video about this concept).

          Finding Peace Amidst the Holiday Chaos: A Guide to Self-Care and Mental Well-being

          Published on by Sandy Davis

          The holiday season is often associated with joy, celebration, and spending quality time with loved ones. However, for many, it can also be a time of stress, overwhelm, and overstimulation. Between the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations, social gatherings, and the pressure to create perfect moments, it’s easy to feel lost in the chaos. In this blog post, we’ll explore ways to stay sane during the holiday season by prioritizing self-care and creating a safe mental space.

          Establish Boundaries: 
          Setting clear boundaries is crucial to maintaining your mental well-being during the holidays. Learn to say no when necessary and don’t feel obligated to attend every event or take on every responsibility. Prioritize activities that align with your values and bring you joy, and graciously decline those that contribute to stress and overwhelm.

          Practice Mindful Breathing:
          When things start to feel overwhelming, take a moment to practice mindful breathing. Find a quiet space, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth. This simple technique can help calm your nervous system and bring you back to the present moment.

          Create a Safe Haven at Home:
          Designate a space in your home where you can retreat and recharge. Whether it’s a cozy corner with a comfortable chair, soft lighting, and your favorite books or a meditation nook with cushions and calming decor, having a dedicated space for relaxation can provide a mental escape when the holiday chaos becomes too much.

          Prioritize Self-Care Rituals:
          Don’t neglect your self-care routine during the holidays. Schedule time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. Whether it’s a warm bath, a nature walk, journaling, or practicing yoga, prioritize activities that bring you a sense of peace and rejuvenation.

          Digital Detox:
          The constant stream of messages, notifications, and social media updates can contribute to feelings of stress and overwhelm. Consider implementing a digital detox during the holiday season. Set aside specific times to check your devices and use the remaining time to be present with yourself and your loved ones.

          Express Gratitude:
          Amidst the chaos, take a moment each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for. Expressing gratitude can shift your focus from stressors to positive aspects of your life. Consider keeping a gratitude journal and jotting down a few things you’re thankful for each day.

          Connect with Loved Ones:
          While social gatherings can be overwhelming, meaningful connections with loved ones can provide a sense of support and understanding. Prioritize quality time with those who uplift and inspire you. Share your feelings with them, and don’t hesitate to ask for help or support when needed.

            Staying sane during the holiday season is about recognizing your own needs and making intentional choices to prioritize self-care. By establishing boundaries, practicing mindfulness, creating a safe haven at home, and nurturing your well-being through self-care rituals, you can navigate the holiday chaos with a greater sense of peace and resilience. Remember that it’s okay to prioritize your mental health and make choices that contribute to your overall well-being.