Everyone wants to do their best at work, but sometimes it can get a little overwhelming. You might start to feel yourself getting into a slump, being less creative, and losing focus at work. It can be difficult to turn this trend around, especially when you’re busy trying to get work done. What some people don’t realize is that there are many things you can do outside of work to help boost your efficiency. The activities we have listed have not only been shown to have positive effects in the workplace, but require little change to your normal day-to-day activities.
Develop a Consistent Sleep Routine
One of the biggest complaints you’ll hear from your coworkers is how tired they are feeling in the morning, especially on Monday. Its not surprising that getting a good night’s sleep is crucial to feeling energized, but its not just the quality and quantity of sleep that matters, but WHEN you sleep also plays a part. Developing a consistent sleep schedule has been shown to not only improve your energy levels, but also improve your mood and memory, increase your concentration, and can even help increase your life span. By sticking to a specific sleep schedule you’ll ensure you’re focused and ready to go, even on those dreaded Mondays.
Get Moving
It should come as no surprise, but exercising is SUPER good for you. It not only improves your physical health, but it has also been shown to help with your mental/emotional health as well. Regular exercise is known to reduce stress levels and anxiety while also boosting self-confidence as well. It also helps with developing cognitive function, which is science talk for helping you focus more on tasks. All of these will benefit anyone who works in a fast paced, high stress environment. If you’re looking for a great way to help yourself physically and mentally, exercise is the best option.
Pick up a Hobby
Another great way to help work out some stress outside of the office is to pick up a hobby. Anything from reading, hiking, casual gaming, or playing an instrument can have amazing effects on lowering your stress levels. In fact, people with hobbies are less likely to be over-stressed or experience anxiety and depression. Music is especially effective as it serves as an outlet for any emotions you may be holding on to after a hard shift at work. So long as you enjoy what you’re doing, any hobby will be certain to improve your mood and your efficiency in all of your daily tasks.
Get Outside
Spending time outdoors has also been found to have a multitude of benefits for us! Looking for a natural energy boost? Studies have shown that spending about 20 minutes outdoors gives the human body the same jolt of energy as a cup of coffee. Been lacking in creativity lately? It has been seen in studies that people who spend more time outdoors are 50% more creative than those who don’t. Walking in nature for short periods has even been shown to increase our focus and decrease stress and the symptoms of anxiety. Long story short, if you start to feel like you’re getting into a slump at work, GET OUTSIDE! It might just be the difference maker that turns your slow week into a productive one.
Have a Work Space and a Play Space
A big part of maintaining productivity is ensuring you create a work-space that limits distractions and keeps you focused on the work at hand. Experts agree that whether you’re at work or at home, if you’re trying to complete a task you need to ensure that you are in an environment that’s conducive to productivity. That means when you’re working, you need to be in a work environment. If you are working from home, don’t do it laying in bed. If you’re on the job and working through lunch, don’t do it in the break-room. These are spaces that your brain associates with relaxation and non-working activities. Try to have a dedicated space where you can get your work done without any distractions.