Making time for yourself and establishing a good routine of looking after yourself can be key in helping you to be more productive in the workplace. You know the old saying ‘There are only so many hours in the day’. This is so true, so why not make the most of your time and achieve maximum output and results. Not so easy to do though when we are all working hard and find it difficult to put ourselves first and prioritise our health and wellbeing, but this is when it is most important.
Both employers and employees need a level of self-care to be successful and this is becoming increasingly acknowledged by employers. Companies want their workplaces to increase productivity, and they want better engagement which will increase business success.
Self-care is a very broad term and will mean different things to everyone. It can be exercise, going for a walk and getting fresh air, social interaction, getting eight hours of quality sleep per night, a face mask, drinking water, eating healthy and the list goes on.
Here are some of the most important things I think that contribute to enhanced productivity:
1. Sleep and Sleep Hygiene
As I get older, I really value the amount of sleep I have and also the quality. If I have an interrupted night’s sleep I wake up feeling like I have been run over by a bus and I know my day will tend to be less productive and my concentration span poor. I really feel that if I get a great night’s sleep by the end of the day I feel like I have really achieved a lot and ticked a lot of boxes.
Sleep hygiene is also very important so try to avoid looking at your phone at least thirty minutes before bed.
Reading before bed is also a great destresser and I find I get to sleep much quicker.
2. Drink plenty of water.
I have started the habit of drinking three litres of water per day and I can really feel a difference with not only it helping to lose weight but also my skin is clearer and hydrated. I find then that I drink far less coffee and have also switched to tea.
3. Exercise.
Even just a walk at lunchtime, the exercise and fresh air will do you wonders. It gets the blood flowing and will also contribute to a good night’s sleep.
4. Eat Healthy
Take time out on the weekends to plan and prepare for the week ahead by cooking healthy meals to take to work. You will keep your nutritional intake on point during the week and will save you cooking time when you get home of a night.
5. Write a To Do List
I am a big fan of this and write lists in the Notes app on my phone each day of things I need to do and want to achieve. These can be really small things that you can tick off or delete and is very satisfying to know you are getting things done.
Tip – attack the more difficult tasks first. If you leave them till later in the day you will be continually moving them to the next day’s list.
6. Socialise
Spend quality time with family and friends. We are working to live so we should make time for our social connections in our spare time. Face to face is best wherever you can.
7. Smile!
Everything is always better when you do it with a smile. It’s infectious and will put you in a better mood.
Work out a routine for yourself and give it a go. Importantly, include what you enjoy doing. I guarantee the physical, mental and emotional benefits will increase your productivity!