Focus groups
Pick up some new skills to increase your productivity.
Goal Getting in the zone
The solution Daily meditation is said to improve your ability to focus. Translation: You’ll have more time to get shit done. Follow the lead of Sahaja Meditation devotees for free any Saturday from 10am–noon at the Harold Washington Library (400 S State St, 312-747-4999, chipublib.org). The session addresses how to tap into your dormant energy and then takes you through a 15-minute meditation. For more information, call 630-448-0021 or visit chicagoyoga.org.
Goal Speed reading
The solution Learn how to barrel through work reports, homework and even that unread stack of magazines with a one-day speed-reading class. Areas of focus include improving reading speed and comprehension, absorbing technical material, creative note-taking techniques and information retention. $199 with early registration at Iris Reading (230 S Clark St, 312-436-2001, irisreading.com).
Goal Chaos control
The solution Messy desks and cluttered minds can be paralyzing. Get your space in order and learn time-management skills by signing up for the Discovery Center’s three-hour “Extreme Organizing” class. Start off by defining goals , then learn solutions to combat your real-life obstacles. $39 per class, plus $10 for materials at the Discovery Center (2940 N Lincoln Ave, 773-348-8120, discoverycenter.cc).
Goal Quick, easy cooking
The solution Spending hours over the stove will cut into your unwind time when you get home from work. To the rescue: the one-session “Quick and Healthy” class at the Wooden Spoon. You’ll learn how to make good-for-you fare, such as 30-minute minestrone soup, along with time-saving kitchen tricks, such as knife skills and ingredient preparation. $65 at the Wooden Spoon (5047 N Clark St, 773-293-3190, woodenspoonchicago.com).
