How to Become More Productive at Work
Getting all the tasks done and being productive seems to be a pretty straightforward thing. Sure, we can all find a million ways to procrastinate, but when it comes down to it, getting the work done is really just a matter of willpower and finding the right motivation, right?
Wrong. According to recent studies, there’s a lot more to productivity than just having the desire to get things done. Most of us do actually want to be productive, but we’re often not as effective as we could be because we don’t exactly have the proper tools to push us in the right direction.
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How Can You Make Yourself More Productive At Work?
Now, there are all sorts of different productivity helpers out there, from lifestyle changes to organization hacks, but not all of them work for everyone. So instead of giving you a one-size-fits-all solution, we’ve rounded up some of the most popular productivity tips and tricks and broken them down into categories so you can find the ones that work best for you.
Use an Ergonomic Foot Rest
Let’s be honest – sitting at a desk all day can be pretty uncomfortable. From the shuffling in the same chair to the constant staring at the same screen, it’s no wonder that so many of us end up with neck and back pain.
One way to combat this is by investing in foot rest ergonomics. This simple addition can help to take the load off your spine by positioning your feet at a more comfortable angle. You have full control over how high or low your feet rest, so you can adjust it based on your needs. Some people prefer to have their feet completely off the ground, while others like to keep them resting at a slight angle.
Apart from being more comfortable, foot rest ergonomics provide significant benefits to your overall wellbeing and productivity. By taking the strain off your spine, you’re able to sit up straighter and have better posture. This, in turn, can improve your breathing and help you focus more on your work.
The more relaxed position will imminently lead to better blood flow and increased oxygen levels in your brain, which can help to improve your concentration and focus. The improved circulation can also help prevent those pesky headaches and fatigue that often come from sitting in the same position for too long.
Plus, having an ergonomic foot rest helps to keep you from fidgeting as much, which means you’re less likely to get distracted and more likely to power through your work. Your full attention will be on the task at hand, rather than on how much you’d rather be anywhere but there.
Get Enough Sleep At Home
Speaking of rest, it’s important to get enough of it both at work and at home. When you’re sleep-deprived, it’s much harder to keep your mind from wandering and even the simplest tasks can start to feel like a slog. No one wants to be that person who’s constantly yawning and struggling to keep their eyes open, especially not at work.
Since most of us need around eight hours of sleep a night, it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough shut-eye when the time comes. And having comfy bed mattresses is at the heart of a good night’s sleep.
There are all kinds of different mattresses out there, so you should take the time to find one that fits your specific needs. If you have a bad back, for instance, you might want to look into memory foam mattresses that can help to support your spine.
Or if you tend to get hot at night, you might want to consider a mattress with cooling gel that can regulate your body temperature. These usually come in the form of foam or latex models, which are also great for people with allergies.
Once you’ve browsed through the bed mattresses at your local store or online, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about which one is right for you. And once you have a mattress that you love, you’ll be able to sleep soundly through the night and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to start your day.
Diffuse Essential Oils
One thing we know about natural essential oils is that they have been used for a really long period of time in alternative medicine. The main reason for this is the limbic system, which is the emotional centre of our brain. By targeting this area, essential oils can have a profound effect on how we feel, both physically and mentally.
These days, there’s an array of natural essential oils to choose from, each with its own unique benefits. Having them diffused in your office can help guide your mood throughout the day and improve your concentration when you need it most.
For instance, peppermint oil is commonly used to improve mental clarity and increase alertness. If you’re feeling sluggish in the afternoon, this is a great oil to diffuse to help you power through the rest of your day.
Or if you’re feeling stressed out, lavender oil can be incredibly soothing and calming. This is one of the most popular essential oils for relaxation, whether you’re using it at work or using it in a lavender-scented bath before bed.
When it comes to the method of diffusion, you have a few different options. You can get a diffuser that plugs into your computer and takes up very little desk space. Or you can get a larger diffuser that covers a wider area and connects to an outlet.
If you want a more natural route, you can even put a few drops of oil on your wrists or behind your ears. This is a great way to enjoy the benefits of essential oils without having to use any kind of diffuser at all.
Add Plants
Having a few plants around the office can do wonders for your productivity. Not only are they easy on the eyes, but they also help to purify the air and improve your focus. One study even found that workers who had greenery in their office were 15% more productive than those who didn’t.
If you’re not sure which ones are best for your workspace, you can’t go wrong with a classic like the spider plant. These resilient little guys are practically impossible to kill and they’re great at filtering out harmful toxins from the air. They’re incredibly low-maintenance, so you won’t have to worry about them taking up too much of your time or attention.
Another good option is the bamboo palm, which is known for its ability to reduce stress levels and boost your mood. These are a bit larger than spider plants, so you’ll need to have a bit more space for them. But they’re well worth it if you’re looking for a way to de-stress and stay productive at work.
And if you really want to go all out, you can even get yourself a mini Zen garden with self-watering planters. These are perfect for people who need a creative outlet or just a way to relax during their break. The act of raking the sand can be strangely therapeutic, and it’s a great way to take a quick break from your work without having to leave your desk.
