Staying Focused When Anxiety, News, and Stress Take Over

Publication Date

July 5, 2022

Summary

Here are five strategies to help you get work done when your emotional capacity feels maxed out.

1. Take a Cold Shower (or Sauna Session)

If your anxiety, depression, or stress manifests physically, cold showers can be a surprisingly powerful reset.

Cold therapy has been shown to:

Improve focus
Bring your body back to homeostasis
Reduce the intensity of stressful feelings

You can start with a free mini-course on cold therapy or check out this YouTube video where others share their cold shower experiences.

Even better—if you have access to a sauna, use it. Many YMCAs and pop-up wellness centers have affordable sauna sessions. Pairing heat therapy with a cold plunge maximizes the benefits for your body and mind.

2. Do What You Want—First

Give yourself a few hours in the morning to do something you genuinely want to do:

Lounge in bed
Go for a spontaneous adventure
Clean your space
Work on a hobby

The key is to get your “I’d rather be doing this” activities out of your system. That way, when it’s time to work, you’re less likely to procrastinate.

3. Nourish Yourself

Your brain can’t function on fumes. Focus on:

Eating whole, nutrient-dense meals
Staying hydrated with plenty of water
Moving your body—preferably outside

If that means rescheduling a meeting to get outside or grabbing a healthy meal, do it. Your work revolves around your life—not the other way around. You became a freelancer for this flexibility.

4. Try Co-Working

One of my favorite productivity hacks is co-working.

For virtual sessions, I use Flow Club (I’m even a host now—join one of my sessions with this free trial link).

In-person co-working can be just as effective. Reach out to other freelancers in your area through Instagram, LinkedIn, or local Facebook groups. A simple “Want to grab coffee and co-work?” can open the door to new friendships and accountability partners.

5. Turn Off Your Phone

Distraction is productivity’s worst enemy. Try turning off your phone completely for one hour.

When you instinctively reach for it and realize it’s off, you’ll become more aware of how often you check it. Set a timer on your computer or watch for an hour and see how much you get done.

If you have dependents or family who might need to reach you, set up a free Google Voice number. You can forward calls from your phone or use it directly in your browser for emergencies while keeping distractions at bay.

Final Thoughts

These tips aren’t a substitute for rest—they’re a toolkit for those unavoidable “must work” days when your emotional bandwidth feels depleted. Protect your energy, meet your deadlines, and most importantly, remember that your well-being matters more than any client project.

FAQs About Staying Focused

Q: What if I’m too emotionally drained to work at all?

A: If possible, communicate with your clients and ask for an extension. If that’s not an option, use the quickest mood-boosting activity from this list to reset before tackling urgent tasks.

Q: Are cold showers safe for everyone?

A: Most people can try cold therapy safely, but if you have heart conditions or certain health concerns, check with your doctor first.

Q: How can I find local freelancers to co-work with?

A: Search LinkedIn, Instagram hashtags like #FreelancersNearMe, or join local Facebook/Meetup groups for independent professionals.

Looking for something else?

Cancellation Policies