Those of us who have office jobs know that even though it might not be physically demanding, sitting at a desk all day can be extremely taxing on the mind. You're stuck in one place all day, often in front of a computer that allows you to access websites that are far more entertaining than the ones you actually get paid to use. It's no wonder so many office employees find themselves feeling tired and unmotivated throughout the day. But if you really want to be a more productive worker, there are some techniques you can use to increase how much you get done every day.
It can be hard to figure out exactly what leaves you feeling so distracted at work. If you believe it's because you're not getting enough sleep, these natural fixes can help you get more rest when you lay your head on your pillow at night! But if you believe the cause to be something else, it's still important to find a remedy. If you're willing to put forth the effort, you might not only find yourself completing more work and impressing your boss, but also undoing many of the harmful effects of sitting in a chair all day.
If you want to up your productivity at work, check out these easy and useful ways you can be more focused and energetic even in the most boring office jobs. Number 7 might seem like a pain, but once you get used to it, you'll never go back to your old ways!
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10. Put your life in 'airplane mode.'
Flying might not be everyone's favorite activity, but for those of us who like to be forced to disconnect from everyday life, it can mean a few hours of quiet time: perfect for reading, working, or sleeping. Try switching off distractions at work, too. Turn off your phone, and use an extension like StayFocusd to temporarily block all the websites you know you waste too much time on. It's amazing how much you can get done when you don't have all those distractions!
9. Take a walk.
Get that blood flowing by moving as much as you can while you're at work. Use your lunch break to take a stroll around the block, walk to your coworkers' cubicles to talk instead of e-mailing them, and get a drink from the water fountain every so often. Forcing yourself to get up and move will keep you from falling asleep at your desk.
8. Stay hydrated.
Even though coffee is the beverage of choice for many people who struggle to stay awake and focused at work, the stuff you get from the sink might be even more effective. Staying hydrated (and that means drinking water even if you're not thirsty) isn't just good for your body — it can also help you feel less tired and more attentive. Keep a refillable bottle on your desk, and drink up at least every 30 minutes.
7. Stand up.
Put on your comfy shoes, because standing won't just help you be more productive — it could also save your life. Studies have shown that sitting for extended periods of time can drastically increase your rate of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and other health problems. Getting an adjustable desk can help you stand while you work without being hunched over for eight hours a day, and you can always take a sitting break when you really need it. Try it out for yourself and see just how much more work you can get done!
6. Fix the lighting.
Or at least, try to convince your boss to do so. A lot of the orangey lighting used in offices is hard on the eyes and can make you extra-tired. Try to get as much sunlight in your office as possible, or install lights that mimic sunlight to trick your mind into thinking it's the middle of the day even if the sun is already going down.
5. Put an exercise ball at your desk.
Yes, it looks a little silly, but no one will be laughing when you start putting out way more work as a result of your new "chair." Swapping your cushy chair for an exercise ball will help you improve your posture, burn more calories while sitting, and keep your mind attentive as it focuses on keeping you balanced.
4. Reward yourself.
If being able to pay your electric bill isn't enough of a reward for your hard work, then think of other incentives to convince you to chip away at that project you really don't want to work on. Did your coworker bring in donuts? Cool. You can have one after you respond to all your emails. Dying to read that article about the latest Game of Thrones theory? Go right ahead… but not until you've completed an hour of uninterrupted work. Knowing you have something to look forward to after your work is complete can motivate you to buckle down and do what you need to do.
3. Break up your goals into smaller pieces.
Putting together a huge presentation is a daunting task. Completing one PowerPoint slide is a lot less intimidating. Gathering the data needed for that one slide is a piece of cake. Breaking down your larger tasks into smaller goals can help you feel more motivated and capable… especially if you write the smaller tasks down. After all, it's a lot more satisfying to see 10 things checked off on your to-do list than just one!
2. Keep (healthy) snacks nearby.
It's hard to get anything done when you're hungry. Lots of people wait until lunchtime to fill up, at which point they eat a large amount of food. However, eating too much in one sitting can cause you to crash later. To combat this, keep snacks such as fruit or veggies and dip near you so you can munch throughout the day and prevent your blood sugar levels from spiking.
1. Don't be too hard on yourself.
In the end, nobody is perfect. It's OK if you have a lazy day at work every once in a while. Putting too much pressure on yourself to be the perfect employee will just stress you out, and after a while, you'll end up burning out. Relax, breathe, and remind yourself that even though we could all stand to be a little more productive, we're all still human.
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