A recent survey found the majority of New Year’s resolutions include a financial goal. Seventy per cent say saving more is their main priority, while many also plan to spend less or reduce expenses in 2026. And considering that one in six of UK adults have no savings at all, many of have little financial breathing room. In the same boat? Here’s five ways to build a small emergency savings pot in just 30 days.

Ring-fence a portion of your income

A short-term emergency fund doesn’t need to be large to be effective. Setting aside even a modest amount can help cover unexpected bills, avoid borrowing for essentials, and also provide a sense of day-to-day security. One starting point is to set a fixed amount to ring-fence on payday. This can involve moving money to a separate savings “pot” or bank space, treating savings like any other bill, or automating transfers so the money is saved before it can be spent. Even setting aside £1–£5 per day can create a meaningful pot over 30 days.

Apply the 50-30-20 rule

The 50-30-20 rule is a budgeting structure that can help free up room for emergency savings. Fifty per cent of your income should be allocated for your needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings or debts. Using this structure for just one month can help identify spare funds and tighten discretionary spending. And even if 20% isn’t possible, using the rule as a benchmark helps guide more mindful financial decisions throughout the month.

Cut or pause discretionary expenses

Small, temporary changes can quickly build up. For 30 days, why not pause subscriptions that are rarely used, switch premium services to lower-cost or free alternatives, reduce takeaways or spontaneous purchases, or review travel, food, and entertainment costs for quick wins. Focusing on just two or three easy-to-trim categories can unlock funds without feeling overwhelming.

Plan ahead for expected costs

Many of us struggle because we don’t prepare for known upcoming expenses. Creating a simple 30-day plan helps toanticipate costs such as birthdays, travel, or bills, spread expenses across the month, and prevent surprise costs from eating into savings. This planning approach makes room for an emergency pot by reducing unplanned spending.

Reduce general household costs where possible

Small, practical reductions can add up within a month. For example, think switching to supermarket own-brand items and use price comparison tools. You could also batch cook to avoid food waste, lower your energy usage with simple habit changes. Then there’s free or low-cost activities rather than paid options. The goal is not to cut everything, but to identify a few realistic areas where costs can be reduced and redirected into the emergency fund.

The post Get your finances back on track with tips from the experts appeared first on Checklists.

According to FSB, there were 5.64 million small businesses at the start of 2025, and, compared with the previous year, the total business population increased by 191,000 (3.5%). That’s a lot of competition. So when you’re starting a company for the first time, you’ll be confronted with real-world issues you’ve never encountered before. Here are some of the things you should know.

Invest in yourself

First of all, do whatever it takes to invest in your company. That means reinvesting your earnings in yourself, through courses, workshops, retreats, and coaching. Why? It’s money well spent, even if you only learn one new thing. Book an online course relevant to your business so it helps improve your abilities. For example, taking an online writing course will help you become a better writer, so you can obtain more freelance writing customers and deliver more value to them. 

Remember to network

You’ll be surprised at how many people are there to help – they’ll be flattered you’ve even asked for advice in the first place. Networking can assist you with free business advice, open doors to possible customers, and even help you find more work. Be sure to engage with the start-up community, too, as it’s also highly supportive. Then there’s the importance of joining organisations like LinkedIn, connecting with people and companies who could very well increase your revenue.

Look at your workload

At first, you’ll be the one who does everything. You’ll most likely wear multiple hats, including sales, marketing, copywriting, and design. You’ll handle all of the work that comes with the concept that your company is founded around, often putting in extra hours. You’ll prepare for strategies to promote your company, deal with administrative activities, and respond to emails. You won’t see stability and a boost in income if you do nothing. Put in your all and get set to reap the benefits.

Keep an eye on customers

If your company doesn’t provide value to your customers, it will most likely fail. It’s therefore essential you’re constantly aware of how you are meeting their demands. Reviews, social media monitoring, and surveys are all great methods to keep track of consumer feedback. If your business is still relatively new, and there isn’t much feedback available, ask for it through direct contact with consumers. Most people are eager to share their stories, and their input is vital.

Always stay consistent

Of course you want your company to expand and grow – so it’s here that consistency is key. Show up as the same person and brand every time, publish material regularly and be sure to get your message out there in terms of what you do and why people should want your goods or services. By doing so you’ll quickly establish a reputation for yourself, as well as hopefully accomplishing success in ways you never dreamed of.

Success takes time

Success doesn’t come overnight, so don’t feel tempted to give up if you don’t see the results you expected straight away. There’s no assurance you will accomplish all you want in only a few months. Speak to family and friends who are on hand to offer support, and don’t overdo it, doing your best to strike the right work/life balance. If there’s a market out there for what you’re providing then it’s more than likely you’ll succeed. Because, as the saying goes, good things come to those that wait.

The post Things to know before starting your own business appeared first on Checklists.

Here’s a statistic you may not realise: one in six adults have no savings at all, and many have little financial breathing room. In the same boat? Here’s five ways you can start building a savings pot in 30 days.

Ring-fence a portion of your income

A short-term emergency fund doesn’t need to be large to be effective. Setting aside even a modest amount can help cover unexpected bills, avoid borrowing for essentials, and provide a sense of security. One starting point is to set a fixed amount (however small) at the start of the month or payday. This can involve moving money to a separate savings ‘pot’ or bank space, treating savings like any other bill. You can also automate transfers so the money is saved before it can be spent. Even £1–£5 per day can create a meaningful pot over 30 days.

Apply the 50-30-20 rule

The 50-30-20 rule is a simple structure that can help free up room for emergency savings. Fifty per cent of your income should be allocated for your needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings or debts. Using this structure for just one month can help identify spare funds and tighten discretionary spending. And even if the full 20% isn’t possible, using the rule as a benchmark helps guide more mindful financial decisions.

Cut or pause discretionary expenses

Small, temporary changes can quickly build up. For 30 days, why not pause subscriptions that are rarely used, switch premium services to lower-cost or free alternatives, reduce takeaways or spontaneous purchases, or review travel, food, and entertainment costs for quick wins. Focusing on just two or three easy-to-trim categories can unlock funds without feeling overwhelming.

Plan ahead for expected costs

Many of us struggle because we don’t prepare for known upcoming expenses. Creating a simple 30-day plan helps toanticipate costs such as birthdays, travel, or bills, spread expenses across the month, and prevent surprise costs from eating into savings. This planning approach makes room for an emergency pot by reducing unplanned spending.

Reduce general household costs where possible

Small, practical reductions can add up within a month. For example, think switching to supermarket own-brand items, use price comparison tools, batch cook to avoid food waste, lower energy usage with simple habit changes and take advantage of free or low-cost activities rather than paid options. The goal is not to cut everything, but to identify a few realistic areas where costs can be reduced and redirected into the emergency fund.

The post How to save money in just 30 days appeared first on Checklists.

You’ve spoken about how getting divorced and living back with your mum at 29 inspired you to get your life on track. Now happily married and with an Insta following of over 488k — what is your favourite thing about being Money Mum?

“I love having the chance to talk to so many people online and make them aware that it is OK to not have loads of money. What’s important is that we get people talking about money and sharing any deals to be found. I’m all about raising awareness and spreading the word.”

Were you always financially savvy?

“Yes, I think I was. From the age of seven I remember picking up pennies on the way to school — it was just the way I was brought up. We had to save for everything. I didn’t grow up with a lot of money around me, so putting a little aside was always important.”

You paid off your mortgage by the time you were 37 — were there any sacrifices made to get there?

“During my 20s and up until turning 37, I put every penny of the small amount I earned into investments. I took risks, bought properties, and eventually earned the financial freedom I always wanted. I’ve since moved, so I have taken on a mortgage again, which I am trying to pay off. Me being me, I have already set up an overpayment plan!”

You’re famous for sharing money-saving hacks. Do you ever splurge?

“I like the odd treat — for example, every couple of years I might buy myself a designer handbag — but only if it’s something I really want and certainly not every year. Treating yourself is important. We work hard for our money, and that’s the purpose of working — to enjoy some nice things, have financial freedom as much as you can and not have to worry as much about paying the bills.”

You sing the praises of having regular ‘no spend days’ — what would your perfect one involve?

“Covid taught us we don’t have to spend to enjoy ourselves. The most important thing is seeing other people. For me, that might be seeing a friend and having them over for dinner and a movie. No-spend days are great to help you set goals and save. They switch your mindset and help you realise you don’t have to buy everything to have a good time. It’s about learning a saving pattern. Many of us find it difficult to manage money. Thankfully, it is something I am good at — especially seeing as I’m not good at most things!”

Are your children aware about the value of money?

“100%, as I teach them about financial freedom. Bronte’s only six, so it’s a case of making sure she is aware that things cost money and giving her choices. Even if I am somewhere like Poundland, I will tell a little white lie and say, “Mummy can only afford to buy you one thing,” so it makes her aware she can’t have everything. With my son, Brody, I give him a set amount of pocket money — and when it’s gone, it’s gone. I never replace it.”

You meet so many interesting people in your job — when were you the most starstruck?

“When I first started Money Mum, I was starstruck with everybody. I’ve calmed down now, but I would say the wow moment for me was when I met Steven Bartlett on the red carpet. I’m a massive fan of his podcast — Diary of a CEO — and it was so cool to meet him.”

Speaking of the red carpet, you always look glam. What’s your secret?

“I don’t look amazing most of the time, trust me — in fact, most of the time I look terrible! I do try to look after my skin, though. I always use a cleansing balm to take my make-up off at night and then double cleanse with a facial wash for oily- to acne-prone skin, as I’ve always suffered with spots. I also try to use a weekly face mask of some kind, be it a mud mask, Garnier sheet or Elemis, when I’m treating myself. At my age, night cream is also so important. It doesn’t have to be expensive. I like a lot of the L’Oréal night creams, which seem to work for me.”

You’ve been refreshingly vocal about your mental health, in particular anxiety and depression. Do you have any tips for others suffering?

“I wish — but there is no magic fix. I suffer with it daily. Even this morning I woke up with this pit in my stomach and felt like I didn’t want to get up. The only thing that ever makes me feel better is seeing other people. Changing the environment I am in — maybe getting outside and going for a walk or even watching something on TV to take my mind off it. Some days I just can’t get myself out of it, and I tell myself that it will go — and it will also come back. That’s my normal. I’m always going to have good days and bad, probably for the rest of my life, and it is something I am learning to accept.”

One last question. With Christmas here, what is your top tip for keeping costs as low as you can?

“Christmas is just one day — a roast and a few presents. If you are on a strict budget, just buy for the children in the family. Charity shops are a must to have a look around, especially for anyone under the age of eight, as they do not care if something comes in a box. Pretty much all of Bronte’s things come from charity shops. It’s only when kids get older — like my son’s age — they start asking for expensive things like an iPad, and that’s when clubbing together comes in. We say things like, “If Mummy and Daddy put a set amount in, maybe you could ask your Nans to also contribute? It is only one day — so before you max out your credit card, ask yourself this: is it really worth getting in debt for one hour of opening pressies in the morning? Hold your nerve. Christmas will be over quicker than you think!”

Follow Gemma for more money-saving tips at www.instagram.com/moneymumofficial

The post Interview: Money Mum social media influencer Gemma Bird appeared first on Checklists.

Take stock of your finances

Effective saving starts with clarity. That means setting realistic goals – figuring out how much you can afford to save each month, and how much you feel you need to put aside – and then working backwards to figure out a budget that will get you there. Establishing a clear goal makes it easier to track progress and stay disciplined. If things change (if your childcare costs go down when school starts), don’t let any extra cash get lost in lifestyle creep.  Protect your finances by allocating any amount that is freed up into savings.

Choose the right account

Some are designed to provide flexibility, letting you access funds at short notice, while others reward you for committing money for a fixed term. If you need quick access, an easy access account is probably best, but if you can lock your money away, fixed-term accounts can provide higher returns and certainty. Reviewing the trade-off between access and interest rate is key – and for many savers, holding a variety of accounts can provide the best of both worlds. And if you think tax on your savings interest is going to be something you want to avoid, consider tax-efficient options, like an ISA.

Shop around

The UK savings market is competitive, with challenger banks playing a growing role. These providers often operate with lower overheads than traditional high street banks, which can allow them to offer more attractive rates. For savers, it pays to be proactive: compare different providers, read the fine print, and don’t assume your existing bank is offering the best deal. The difference between accounts may look small on paper, but it can make a meaningful impact over time.

Watch the Autumn Budget

Government policy also has a role to play in shaping the savings environment. The upcoming Autumn Budget could bring measures that affect savers: from tax thresholds to allowances or incentives for particular types of savings. While the exact outcomes are uncertain, it’s worth keeping informed. Being aware of potential changes means you can adjust your approach if necessary and avoid being caught off guard.

Review your finances regularly

Never become complacent. Financial circumstances change at individual and national level. A savings plan that worked a year ago may not be optimal today. Reviewing at least once or twice a year ensures your money is still aligned with your goals and that you’re making the most of available opportunities. The savings market will change – interest rates rise and fall, government policy shifts – but the principle remains the same: money left idle loses value. By staying engaged and making small, deliberate choices, you can put yourself in a stronger position for whatever comes next.

The post Make your savings work harder appeared first on Checklists.

Volunteer

If you can’t afford to give money to your charity – how about you give your time instead? Pitch in at your local charity shop, give a few hours to a food bank or even dust off your trowel for a spot of community gardening! Alternatively, if you have professional skills such as finance or marketing, perhaps a charity would welcome your input? Contact your charity of choice directly or visit The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), which is great place to find opportunities near you.

The Salvation Army

Give when you go

Adding a charity to your will’s a great way to leave a lasting legacy – and can also reduce the amount of tax paid on the rest of your estate! State whether you would like to donate a specific item or fixed amount, or give whatever sum remains after other gifts have been given. In order to be legal your will has to be formally witnessed and signed: The Charity Commission has a massive online database of UK charities; so whether you wish to help medicine, children, animals or the planet, your money will be so appreciated.

Give your gear

In a time when everyone and their dog are selling everything but their dog on Vinted and Ebay, charity shops and refuges miss out. So instead of earning a couple of quid on what you no longer want, give it to someone who really needs it. Charity Wrap Up collected 15,000 pre-loved coats for over 90 front-line charities, including family centres and women’s refuges last year; and drop off points for The Hygiene Bank will find grateful homes for unwanted toiletries and cleaning products.

St Barnabas

Donate what you can

The most obvious way to help your chosen charity is to give a cash donation. You could give a one-off amount or set up regular payments through your charity’s website. You could even use Payroll Giving or the Give as You Earn (GAYE) scheme, which allows you to give a set amount from your salary or pension pot each time you’re paid. Ask your employer or pension provider if they provide the scheme. If they do, you will be able to make regular, fuss and tax-free payments that make a big difference.

Hold a fundraising event

There are some national fundraising days you can participate in – such as the Macmillan Coffee Morning, or the MS Society Walk – or get creative and organise your own. Kids at school? Arrange a bake sale or ‘mufti’ day – when students can wear casual, everyday clothes instead of their uniform. Work in an office? Suggest a silent auction or a sponsored walk. There really are 101 different ways to raise: just check your charity’s fundraising guidelines first to ensure everyone has a smooth-running – and ultimately fun – day.

Debra: The Butterfly Skin Charity

Use Gift Aid

Finally, don’t forget to say yes to free cash! Gift Aid is a government scheme which allows charities to claim an extra 25p for every £1 you donate, so signing up is just good maths. Basically, if you give a charity £100, they can claim £25 tax relief, making it a £125 donation for your good cause. This is straightforward to do – your charity will give you a short declaration to sign – but you can only do this is you’ve paid enough tax to cover what the charity is claiming. As some great philosopher (or supermarket) said – every little helps!

The post 6 ways to help your favourite charity appeared first on Checklists.

What is it?

“The NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is a package of care arranged, and funded solely, by the NHS for individuals18 or over who have significant ongoing health needs. Unlike social care, which is means-tested, CHC is free at the point of delivery. It can cover the full cost of a person’s care, whether in their own home, a nursing home, or another setting.”

Who’s eligible

“Eligibility is not based on a specific diagnosis, age, or condition. Instead, it depends on whether the person’s primary need for care is a health need. To assess this, healthcare professionals carry out a comprehensive review using the Decision Support Tool (DST). This looks at different areas such as mobility, breathing, nutrition, cognition, and behaviour, and considers the nature, intensity, complexity, and unpredictability of needs.”

How are you assessed?

“The process often starts with a Checklist ‘screening’ assessment, which determines whether a full CHC assessment should take place. If someone is found eligible after the DST, the NHS will fund their care in full. If not, they may still receive support via their local authority, but this could be subject to financial means-testing.”

Does that mean you’ll always get it?

No, it’s important to understand that eligibility is reviewed regularly, as a person’s needs may change over time. Families often find the process complex and daunting, but knowing the basics and being prepared can make a big difference as care fees will be paid by the NHS and even care fees can be reimbursed.”

What is someone was eligible but has passed away?

“Claims don’t end when someone dies. If a person should have been eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare but was wrongly denied or not assessed at all, their estate can bring a claim for retrospective funding. This means the NHS may reimburse care costs that were wrongly charged, even after the individual passed away. While these cases can take some time, many families find them worthwhile especially where large sums were spent on care.”

Five top tips for navigating the NHS Continuing Healthcare

1. Know Your Rights

“CHC is not limited to certain conditions like dementia or terminal illness – anyone with significant health needs may qualify. Don’t be put off by myths or assumptions.”

2. Be Prepared for the Assessment

“Evidence is key. Keep detailed records of medical history, care plans, and daily challenges. Real-life examples of needs (such as risks of falls or medication management difficulties) can strengthen the case.”

3. Challenge if Needed

“If eligibility is refused, you have the right to appeal. Many families are successful on review, especially if they can provide additional evidence.”

4. Seek Professional Guidance

“You don’t need to navigate the system alone. Charities, advocacy groups, and solicitors can help you understand the process and present your case effectively and even attend assessments with you.”

5. Think Long-Term

“Needs can change, so even if you are not eligible now, you may be in the future. Keep records up to date and request reassessments if health declines.”

“Just remember, the NHS Continuing Healthcare can make a huge difference for families, removing the stress funding care and ensuring loved ones receive the funding and support they are entitled to,” continues Lisa. “The process may feel overwhelming at first, but with persistence, preparation, and the right advice, you can navigate it successfully. And even if the opportunity was missed during their lifetime, it’s never too late for families to see justice through the retrospective claim.”

For more help, contact the specialist team at Hugh James who have 18 years of experience in assisting families in securing CHC funding and have recovered over £250 million for our clients.

The post Legal advice: NHS Continuing Healthcare appeared first on Checklists.

Add perimenopause, years of putting yourself at the bottom of the list, the comparison trap that social media intensifies, and a natural dip in confidence, and it’s no wonder many are asking, is this it?

But this doesn’t have to be a cause for concern: instead it’s a chance to reclaim your confidence, rediscover your authentic self and craft a future that truly aligns with who you’re becoming. This isn’t about settling; it’s about strategic reinvention for the woman you are now. Here’s Claire’s five essential steps to move forward.

Give yourself permission to pause, as you don’t have to orchestrate a complete life overhaul immediately. Creating space for reflection allows you to think clearly and silence the external noise that clouds decision-making.

Reconnect with your essence – not just your achievements. Spend time exploring your core strengths, values and interests, asking yourself when you feel most energised and what genuinely matters to you at this stage of your life.

Challenge the limiting narratives you’ve internalised. “I’m too old to pivot,” “I must maintain constant productivity” question these inherited beliefs because most of them are outdated constructs that no longer serve your evolution.

Experiment with intentional exploration by trying something that sparks curiosity. Whether it’s a creative course, meaningful volunteering, or passion projects, these low-pressure experiments build clarity and confidence whilst honouring your desire for growth.

Finally, curate your support network thoughtfully. Be it through professional coaching, peer circles or trusted confidantes, don’t navigate this transition in isolation – external perspective provides clarity and momentum when you need it most.

“This stage of life isn’t the conclusion of your story,” adds Claire. “It’s the opening chapter of your most authentic era, an opportunity to prioritise yourself, rebuild unshakeable confidence and create a future that genuinely excites you.”

For more information head to see www.drclairekaye.com or @drclairekayecoaching

The post After your career: what’s next? appeared first on Checklists.

After disbanding in 1986, Stewart was far from done, composing soundtracks for blockbusters and with subsequent near-four decades at the forefront of contemporary music. We sat down for a chat to find out about his incredible career.

How did you end up where you are today?

“Music’s always been in my blood: my dad was a jazz aficionado, and my brothers Miles and Ian pretty much brought the English New Wave invasion to America. They started IRS Records, which gave us The Bangles, The Go-Go’s and REM. Sadly we lost Ian to melanoma in 2006. I miss him every day.”

Where did you come in to all this?

“I was 12 and playing drums in a school band. I noticed a girl, Janet Roberts, grooving to my beat – to me she was a Goddess and out of my reach. But she was dancing to my groove! I was playing in the band and she was dancing and I couldn’t believe I was causing her to move. It was an epiphany. I was the runt of the litter but banging on the drums turned me into an 800lb silverback, swinging through the trees.”

What happened next?

“I was 15 and playing drums during a school Christmas service at Wells Cathedral. I’ll never forget my music teacher pointing his finger at me to begin. For a moment, I was leading this magnificent artistic enterprise that I’d just been absorbing so profoundly. I was now the boss of it – and that told me there was a higher purpose in music, higher even than 15-year-old girls called Janet.”

Moving on to The Police: do you really think you where conquering the world?

“It’s a bunch of statistics. The interesting thing for me about that era is the world of fame and what that looks like. You’re not yourself: life’s guardrails are removed and that’s why so many come a cropper because they’re not limited by the normal rules of social intercourse.”

But what about your audience’s response?

“The phenomenon itself is incredible. It’s such good fun. You do something and get an immediate response. You bang something, and 80,000 people cheer. It was everything we dreamed of, and it was wonderful to be the centre of that attention. But there’s a point where there’s such a thing as too much love and adoration, and that becomes oppressive.”

So how did you cope?

“Most of the time we were fine; we could handle it because we were young, egotistical and confident. We were in our late 20s by that time, so we’d lived some experiences. For the next eight years that was all we knew. We were riding that rocket ship.”

We’ve read recordings with The Police had ‘become hell’ – is that true?

“It was, so I went off to record a film score for Francis Coppola. I was struck by the relief and joy of that music. The lack of judgment and tension was incredible. To just be making music myself was a pleasure. Francis would come and say: ‘Great, great, great.’ It was heaven to learn there was a world outside of The Police.”

So composing became your lifeline?

“The Police was like a Prada suit made out of razor blades. Outside of the band I was an employee. I worked for hire in a studio creating music for money. Two different things. Guess which one made me happier?”

You’re now travelling the world with your Have I Said Too Much? tour. What can we expect?

“Simply put it’s me, in conversation, talking about my career from the early days until today. Because it’s been quite a ride during my 72 years on Planet Earth.”

Buy tickets for Stewart’s Have I Said Too Much? tour here.

The post Interview: Rock star legend Stewart Copeland appeared first on Checklists.

1 Dare to daydream

Sounds counterproductive, we know, but some scientists believe allowing a specific time for daydreaming’s good for our health – and helps us pay attention when needed. “Ironically, a lack of time to daydream may even hamper our capacity to pay attention when we need to,” says Professor Mary-Helen Immordino-Yang from the University of Southern California.

2 Have a laugh

Our brains are naturally drawn towards fun activities, and some scientific studies have shown that by allowing ourselves to have fun, we can potentially concentrate better for longer. In one report, those who were shown a funny video then asked to do an activity tried harder and were focused on the task for longer, than those that simply sat straight down to work. 

3 Play the right music

That’s right; tune in to the beat – just make sure it’s the right kind. Certain music provides non-invasive noise and evokes pleasurable feelings, which temper our subconscious ability to get distracted. A surprising choice? Video game music! Rhythmic and designed to keep us in the game for as long as possible, its sole purpose is to stay in the background but also keep us in the zone.

4 Stop scrolling

An obvious one, but most people ignore the fact that it’s almost impossible to concentrate with constant pings and dings from those hard-to-resist apps. Having said that, there are apps you can use to pop them on mute. Another tip is to not install social media or chat-based apps on your desktop, removing email notifications in favour of giving yourself an allocated time to go and check them.

5 Get physical

Certain exercises like walking or jogging are known to aid concentration. However, because the effect only lasts about an hour, scheduling regular opportunities during the day could benefit you more. Studies have also shown that just five minutes of intense activity can also impact obesity levels and BMI. It all adds up to being more productive, with a healthier body and a healthier, more focussed mind. 

6 Remember to breathe

OK, so breathing’s something we all do without even thinking about it, but the truth is most of us don’t fully utilise the power of our breath. That’s where slow, deliberate breathing exercises come in, improving our ability to focus as a result. As your lungs take in more fresh air, your blood oxygen levels rise, then, as your blood pressure rises, more oxygen reaches your brain, enhancing your ability to concentrate.

7 Get your coat

Back during lockdown – as well as jumping up and down to Joe Wickes in front of the TV, and those well-deserved claps for the NHS from your front door – much was made of the psychological effects of getting dressed over working in your PJs. There’s science behind the theory that what you wear affects performance – one study even found wearing a lab coat like a doctor helped people to focus better!

8 Concentrate on colours

According to the colour theory, beige and grey can create feelings of depression, whereas red demands attention. So it’s important to think about the colour or shade you choose to wear or even surround yourself with, be it working from home or in the office. What’ve we discovered? The best colours to aid concentration are green and blue.

9 Find your focal point

It’s widely accepted that people find it easier to concentrate at different points in the day – which type you are, is known as your chronotype, and is something we’re born with. It’s mainly genetic, albeit it could alter slightly at different points in our development. And, now that workplaces are a lot more flexible, you can be a morning person or a night owl; at least to a certain extent.

10 Take the right supplement

There are many health supplements thought to aid concentration and provide balance and harmony to both body and mind. Some CBD products are reported to support concentration thanks to a unique combination of terpenes and herbal extracts such as maca root and ashwagandha, which are thought to calm the mind and limit distraction from external sources. Go on, think about what works for you.

To see your company in any upcoming features email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

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