With the telecommuting wave as a result of the global pandemic, workers have struggled with staying motivated. How can workers stay productive at home? What life hacks allow you to become more attune with both your surroundings and goals?
- Natural light is a free boost
We have all experienced eye strain when staring at the screen for too long. By properly lighting your area, you may reduce blurred vision and remain motivated. In fact, one of the greatest sources is from the sun! The warmth and brightness are both calming and invigorating.
Researchers found that sunlight in the workplace produces a plethora of positive effects. They recruited 444 employees via an online panel from the United States and India. The sunlight exposure increased organizational commitment and job satisfaction while reducing anxiety and depression.
“Exposure to natural elements is associated with decreased levels of diastolic blood pressure, depression, and anxiety, and increased attentional capacity,” the research article stated.
If a window is unavailable in your home, choosing the correct bulb is key. In contrast to fluorescent lights, LED lights have a longer lifespan by not employing excess energy. In terms of color, cooler blue and white lights are powerful for productivity while warmer orange and yellow bulbs help workers relax. Ideally, the light should start off blue in the morning and transition to yellow when you are winding down.
- Music increases productivity under the right circumstances
Can music make you more productive? In a study by Teresa Lusiuk, a professor in the music therapy program at the University of Miami, she found that those who listened to music developed a greater level of productivity. The research analyzed the effects of music on the performance of 56 software design developers. Listening to music enhanced the perception of design and created more positive moods!
Listening to music while studying, however, is like walking on a tightrope. We either establish a pleasurable workflow or groove all of our assignments away.
In particular, avoid music with lyrics. Focusing on the message of the song is detrimental towards your output. Relaxing music, such as classical or sounds in nature, has the power to engulf you in an enriching headspace.
Do you desire something more upbeat rather than atmospheric? Retro video game music may match the tempo of your task. Of course, the ability for an individual to work and listen is based on trial and error. If you find yourself drifting too greatly when a melody is played, either change the tune or save the song for your break.
- Drink lots of water
One of our greatest tools to remain productive is in our kitchen. Water forms the basis of life on earth, but nearly 80 percent of Americans say they do not drink enough. Even if you do not feel thirsty, drinking about thirteen cups of water a day for men and nine cups of water for women is of utmost importance. Not only does cool water taste refreshing as your body heat is absorbed, you gain the power to complete any tasks in stride.
Dehydration is subtle and insidious, heavily reducing your work capacity. In a 2014 study published in the Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism, researchers tested mice in a lab and found that mild dehydration suppresses blood flow for proper neural activity. When the blood vessels in the brain are disrupted, cognitive performance is reduced. By keeping a glass of water on your desk, your attention and memory are strong enough to overcome all obstacles! Plus, drinking water keeps your skin shining bright.
Sometimes, tasks appear like an intimidating avalanche. If you improve your healthy habits by being mindful, however, the slab of snow melts. Opening the window, playing natural sounds, and drinking water may all sound obvious, but being mindful is challenging during a crisis. When I focused on these helpful tips for my mind and body, I learned how to relax and remain strong.
If you liked this article, check out our podcast episodes: Elatia Abate – Embracing Change with Futurism and Claire Aristides – Visualize Your Way to Success
