Optimise Work to Make More Time For You
As we celebrate the right to a 40-hour working week this Labour Weekend β a precious three days off! β itβs time to look at how to make the rest of the year work for you. It may not be possible to turn your job into one long weekend, but here are some tips to help you survive until Saturday.
Donβt check your email as soon as you log on: Unless your job is time-critical, leave your inbox alone. NeuroLeadership Institute director David Rock says that when youβre checking your email, your brain is bombarded with all sorts of different information that makes it hard to focus. He recommends using all that energy to burn through your to-do list first thing, and leaving the emails till afternoon if you can.
Give yourself a break: Time-tracking app Desk time found that the most productive people donβt work eight hours a day β they work for 52 minutes, then take a break for 17 minutes before starting again. Itβs a bit like interval training. Sprinting in bursts makes exercise more effective than a long slog. Drop the emails and give your brain a rest by goofing off, staring out the window, going for a walk or chatting with colleagues every 20 minutes or so.
Use the best tech: Weβre constantly on the go so itβs important to have technology that can cope with all the demands of a busy job. Smartphones such as the Samsung Note8 have such large displays that reviewing important documents, watching video and scribbling notes makes multitasking a breeze. Having the right technology will ensure peace of mind and keep you productive throughout the year!
Hack your snacks: Everyone knows the value of good nutrition when it comes to staying sharp. According to
Psychology Today, protein raises our alertness by releasing dopamine and norepinephrine, while high-carb foods calm us down. Try plain yoghurt (or custard if you like) with fresh blueberries and almonds, lentiο»Ώηε©ε£«
l chips with hummus (theyβre delicious) or crispy chickpeas roasted with harissa, garam masala or Cajun spice. Yum!
Keep it social: When youβre at work, itβs easy just to disappear into your own little bubble, but youβd be amazed how fascinating your colleagues can be when you chat about something other than your boss. Arrange some time just to socialise with your team each week, whether itβs a weekly cafΓ© getaway at morning tea (or anywhere thatβs not your desks), going for a group stroll at lunch or finishing half an hour early on Fridays for a glass of wine. Itβs amazing how quickly you can turn a group of work acquaintances into a support network.