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Boosting Productivity at Work – 6 Lifestyle Habits You Should Try

No matter what field of work you are in, striving for perfection and performing at your best should be your number one concern. From the moment you step foot into the office, it’s important that you’re in the right frame of mind, so for those who struggle to get motivated, here are 5 lifestyle habits that you can try which can boost productivity in the workplace.

Take Time to Exercise

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If you’re not taking good care of yourself physically, it’s inevitable that you won’t be putting your best foot forward when it comes to working. Regular exercise comes with numerous benefits, helping to boost both your physical and mental state. Exercise also reduces stress levels, giving you time to focus on other areas of your life. Whether your aim is to sign up to a gym, or you prefer to work out from home, taking 30 minutes out of your day for fitness can make a real difference to your mindset.

Get Plenty of The Right Kind of Sleep

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When you are low on energy and feeling tired, it can be hard to focus on your workload. If you’ve noticed a decline in how you perform in the office, it could be because you’re not getting enough shuteye. With most adults needing roughly seven to eight hours of sleep per night, it’s important that you factor in time for rest.

For those who struggle drifting off, there are numerous tips that you can use to your advantage.

Start off by looking at your sleeping environment. Is it dark enough? Is the temperature right and not too hot? What about distractions? Should you consider moving the TV out of your room and plug in your cell phone out of arm’s reach so you aren’t tempted to check it constantly? If you’re waking up tired and sore, it may also be time to purchase a new mattress, so have a look on ReadWrite.com where you can find reviews on the mattress that is right for you.

Change Your Diet

With processed foods being readily available whenever we want it, many of us opt for unhealthy foods to keep us going through the workday. If you’re the type of person who is reaching for foods full of salt, fat, and sugar, this can have a negative impact on your productivity levels. Opting for healthier alternatives and following a balanced diet can be a great way to boost your motivation, helping you to excel in your job.

Research and opt to include foods with a low GI in your lunch box. They’re great for sustained energy, which will not only keep you feeling full for longer, but will deliver the fuel your body needs over time. This way you’ll be avoiding crashes after sugary or fatty foods. Often, making small but subtle changes to what is on your plate can make all the difference and spur you on when in the office.

Have Some Time for Yourself

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With many of us working more hours than we care to think about, finding the time to relax and destress can be difficult. If you’re the type of person who takes work worries home with them, it’s only natural that you will feel tense and uptight in the one place on earth you should feel the most comfortable. Having work problems on your mind can decrease productivity levels, so it’s important that you switch off from work mode from the moment you walk through the door. Whether it’s by taking up a hobby or having a long soak in the bath, having some ‘me’ time is crucial for your health and wellbeing.

Create carrots for yourself too. Plan fun activities and holidays in advance (maybe even months in advance) so they dangle in front of you like dangling a carrot in front of a donkey to spur it onwards. If you’re in front of a computer screen all day, maybe you need a camping holiday so you can take a break from technology. If you have kids, find and plan a fun and rewarding activities with them. These small breaks from work and thinking about work can do wonders for your attitude and productivity when you’re in the office.

Spend Time with Friends and Family

A strong support network around you can be a big help when it comes to improving productivity at work. If you’re feeling anxious, having loved ones around for support and guidance can take the weight off your shoulders so surround yourself with people who you can relax and have a good time with. Of course, speaking about your feelings and looking after your mental health is important, so don’t feel hesitant to let off steam with your friends and family but don’t overburden them. If talking about your stresses and issues in your professional environment helps, you could consider a work coach or even a counseling psychologist who can teach you valuable personal skills and mechanisms to cope with stress and work/life balance in a positive way.

Work Smarter Every Day

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Productivity means getting more done in a shorter space of time, and that means creating better ways of doing things for yourself. If you can spend less time doing things that make a bigger impact, you’ll be increasing your productivity exponentially, and that means you can stop working into your lunch breaks or staying late at the office. Identify the small things in your working day that take up the time and make positive changes to them. It could be as simple as making a list every morning of what you need to accomplish that day or cut down on distractions like social media. Why not try starting small – like only answering emails between certain hours in the day instead of getting distracted each time you get a new email?

Whether you’re a business owner or work for a company, putting 110% into your work is important. For those who struggle with being constructive in the workplace, there are numerous lifestyle habits that you can adopt which can boost your productivity and give you the motivation you need to succeed.

About David Montano