Lifestyle Changes to Improve Your Productivity
Take a VacationWhen was the last time you took a vacation? According to the nonprofit think-tank Center for Economic and Policy Research, nearly half of all US adults did not take a vacation in 2014. Even if an employer gives his or her employees X amount of vacation days per year, many workers simply don’t use them. But vacations are more than just a good time. They provide a critical time during which the worker can rest and recover, returning to work with a greater drive and determination to succeed. So if you’re struggling with low productivity levels, make it a point to take a full week-long vacation at least once per year.
It’s hard to find time for friends and family when you spend nearly every waking hour at work. However, socialization is key to maintaining a high level of productivity. Engaging with your friends and family will motivate you to work harder while also showing you the reason why you are working in the first place. Try setting aside an evening out of the week to spend with friends and /or family. Perhaps you can have a dinner night, or maybe you can go see a movie. The bottom line is that you need social interaction with friends and family in your life.
A person’s health is directly linked to their productivity levels. Unfortunately, many people are stuck into the routine of picking up fast food for lunch and dinner rather than preparing their own meals using fresh ingredients. While there’s nothing wrong with an occasional burger from the local fast food joint, it should be just that: occasional and not a habit. Basing your diet around highly processed foods that offer little-to-no actual nutrition will come back to haunt you in the long run. You will feel tired, sluggish, and with a lower drive to excel in your work. Fortunately, casual, quick-dining restaurants are noticing that people are trying to eat healthier so several offer healthier options and some even serve only healthy foods. If you do need to pick up a quick meal, aim for finding a healthier choice. It’s critical to take care of your body by eating right, drinking plenty of water, and exercising on a regular basis.
Whether it’s in your home or workplace, clutter can have a negative impact on your productivity levels. It will consume your thoughts, distracting you from other, more attentive tasks at hand. Go through your home, office, and anywhere else, tossing out junk and rearranging items so there’s no more clutter. Keep in mind, however, that you’ll need to maintain a clutter-free environment in order to reap the benefits that it offers.
If you were to observe some of the world’s most successful and productive people, you would probably notice that they all have their own unique routines. This may consist of waking up at 6 AM in the morning and brewing a pot of coffee, or maybe it’s heading to the gym for an early-morning workout. Regardless, getting into a routine will allow you to streamline your work in a more efficient manner.
What other lifestyle changes do you think can boost productivity levels? Let us know in the comments section below!
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