Think about your brain as an operating system and local memory storage device.  Like a computer too many concurrent processes slow down performance and like digital memory there is a capacity for the amount of information you can retain.  Unlike a computer you experience physical and mental stress when your mental operating system reaches capacity and fatigues.

Here are 3 ways you can download and back up your brain to reduce stress and increase your productivity:

1. Download your thoughts to reduce mental activity. – You know the feeling of having thoughts swirling around in your brain or trying to juggle lots of thoughts and working to keep all those balls in the air.  For some people this is a stressful experience.  Others experience this as stimulating and energizing.  Regardless of how it makes you feel, it does have a negative impact on your overall productivity over time.  Your brain cannot sustain that level of engagement over time without resting.  You can help your brain rest by downloading your thoughts, ideas and tasks into a list or journal.  Electronic or hardcopy? Choose what works for you.  Just establish a place to capture your thoughts. Having a routine for downloading your thoughts also helps free up brain capacity.  Before you leave work, write down your thoughts and tasks so you can leave them behind and move on to the next part of your day.  Download your brain before bed for better sleep.
2. Schedule time to attend to the things on your mind. – Downloading your thoughts into a journal or to-do list is an important first step.  The next step is to schedule time to attend to the ideas and tasks you captured.  One of the main reasons for mental churning over ideas and tasks is not having designated a time and space to attend to those things.  You keep thinking about it so you don’t lose track of the task and neglect to do it.  This thinking takes up brain power and resources.  Save your energy and make a decision about when you’re going to attend to the idea or task.  Schedule time for it on your calendar just as you would meeting and attend to it just as you would a meeting.  Scheduling time to attend to the things on your mind relieves stress and conserves mental energy.
3. Free up memory by writing down tasks, ideas and worries. – You have a limited capacity for long- and short- term memory. Just as you can free up memory on your computer by quitting applications you’re not using and removing files you no longer need, you can also free up mental memory by documenting tasks, ideas and worries outside of your head.  This is another time to use a hardcopy or electronic list or journal.  Capture what’s in your head so you can release your brain from the responsibility of keeping track of everything.

Reducing mental stress and fatigue is an important part of improving your overall productivity.  Use these 3 strategies to clear your mind so you have the stamina and focus to effectively move through your day and get the rest you need at the end of the day.

For more reading on improving productivity:
Warning: Multi-Tasking May Be Anti-Productive

Keep a To-Do List

Any.do is One of the Best Task List Applications for Mobile Devices