Today's tips for simplifying your life are taken from the time I spend in Western New York with my family. They live between Amish farms in a really small town about 90 minutes from a city of any size. My parents decided to turn off their internet at home since it was satellite, which meant it was slower than dial-up and really expensive.

Every time I go home now, I have no access to internet unless I drive 30 minutes and my cell phone never has more than one bar of service. It allows me to shut off, unwind and just write. You don't have to visit my parents to refocus; you can do these handy simple tricks. Here's what I've learned:

1. Shut off your internet

• A. Put together your list of things to do.
• B. Turn off the data services on your phone.
• C. Allot a certain amount of time for this exercise.
• D. Shut off the internet capabilities on your laptop/computer.
• E. Start writing & enjoy the lack of interruptions.

2. Save reading material to Evernote
Allowing yourself to read blog posts later will give you time to focus on the content. Once you're offline, it gives you space to not be distracted and you don't have to worry about finding an article you were excited to read.

3. Relocate to refocus
When I have a big list of things to do that doesn't require my second screen, I sit on my office couch with my feet in my chair & focus on writing. I shut off my phone alerts and just focus on my task list. Having a different space to do that allows me to refocus.

4. Take a long walk
My dogs are a great way to force myself to go for a walk. Teresa will sometimes run up and down our entrance stairs. Getting away from the computer and other distractions (even your phone) will allow you to recharge & focus.

5. Block off your calendar
When you know you have to do a few things that require focus, setting it up on your calendar as a meeting will force you to really think about it. Even going into your conference room during that time allows you to feel like you have to be in a meeting with your to do list.

Try one, try them all. If you do, leave a comment and let me know if it helped! It always helps me get back on track to do one or all of these things. If you feel like going for a walk and are in Bethesda, feel free to stop by my office and borrow my dogs.

Happy refocusing & happy Labor Day weekend!