Listen to a minute and a half of loud rock music per day at 11.30(01 of12)
Open Image ModalPeople often experience periods of distraction throughout the day, which can impact on their ability to get the job at hand done. The more extroverted you are the more external stimulation you will need to be productive. At 11:30am, most office workers will experience a slump – it’s been quite some time since breakfast and lunch still feels far off, so this is an ideal time to use music and background noise to keep you going!Be careful not to get distracted though - a minute and a half of a song will be long enough to stimulate you, but any longer may end up diverting you from your task. If you need to keep background noise, try rainfall or a constant white noise that won’t impact your concentration too much.
Allow time for a power-nap during the day (whether it’s for five minutes or an hour!)(02 of12)
Open Image ModalJog to meetings and lunch to boost endorphins(03 of12)
Open Image ModalEverybody knows that exercise enhances mental activities, but the most effective way to use exercise to boost productivity is to embed it in your working life. Invest 30-60 minutes per day on enjoyable exercise to switch off from routine or boring problems and re-charge your batteries – and it is always better to re-charge them in the middle of the day.Even if you don’t have time to get to the gym, go for a run, bike ride or a brisk walk to grab some lunch. Not only is this beneficial physically, but you’ll get those all-important endorphins working for you which will improve your mood and keep you positive throughout the day.
Write in different colours and fonts (but not red!)(04 of12)
Open Image ModalLooking at the same thing for a long time will bore you. Since we spend most of our working hours in front of a computer – if you don't, consider yourself lucky – it is important to implement visual changes to create a more stimulating and exciting work environment. In fact, very simple and small changes such as modifying the font or the colour of font we use in our word processor can enhance attention span and boost creativity.If you don’t work on a computer, use a different colour of pen or marker when you write. Even if you’re planning out the school run, you’ll be surprised what a change in routine can do if you’re starting to feel like motivation is weaning.Make sure you implement these changes regularly, but try to avoid using red, as research has shown that writing or reading in red font enhances anxiety and stress levels.
Indulge in social media for five minutes at a time(05 of12)
Open Image Modal“Many companies are obsessed with banning social media sites. The reality is that in moderation, cyber-slacking (wasting time on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter) can have a positive impact on performance.First, our attention span is limited. Second, social media is a great window into business-related opportunities and personal life management.So, if you can use it rather than abuse it, spending time on your favourite networking site – say, five minutes for every hour you work – will provide some necessary distraction and keep you entertained at work; plus you can make that type of entertainment quite useful if you use it to organize your leisure time.”
Start a hobby that improves self esteem (to make the things that ‘have’ to be done, like going to work, feel easier)(06 of12)
Open Image ModalDoing something to ‘better yourself’ will make you feel more positive about your life in general and make it easier to do the things that you ‘have to do’ like going to work, chores around the house, running errands, etc.Of course, not everyone has the time to take up a new activity that’s going to cut into family / personal life time, but you’ll reap the benefits of this one even if the new hobby is something small like signing up for the ‘word of the day’ or the e-version of your favourite newspaper so you can read during your morning commute.
Get up on the wrong side of the bed(07 of12)
Open Image ModalEven with our sleeping patterns, we can get into a routine which is just a little too comfortable. Try sleeping on the wrong side of the bed to switch it up. You’d be surprised what a little change in routine can do to give you a fresh perspective on a problem.Also, try to avoid ‘bedtime brainstorms’, as thinking about work or a problem that you’re not going to be able to solve overnight will keep your brain active when it should be going into sleep mode.
Set New Year’s resolutions in July(08 of12)
Open Image ModalInstead of waiting until after the holidays to get your resolutions sorted, set them and start working towards them in the summer, this way, when January rolls around you’ll have a massive head start and be more likely to see them through.When the holidays finish, most people find it difficult to keep motivated because not only is the time off and party season over, but now you’ve got the unpleasant experience of sticking to those pesky resolutions. To avoid this, get started in the summer when the days are longer and the cold won’t be getting you down. You’ll be more likely stay on track and achieve your goals.
Tube surf on the way to work(09 of12)
Open Image ModalYou can’t change the fact you need to be at work in the morning but you can change your mindset. Taking a new route will give a different perspective on your whole day.Getting too heavily into a routine can stunt creativity and motivation, so mix it up by getting out of the rut!
Get a personal mantra (and stick to it!)(10 of12)
Open Image ModalWhen work and your day-to-day isn’t enough to keep you motivated, you’ve got to find other ways to keep you going and not lose too much heart. Try looking at historical or literary figures you admire and adopt their personal mantra. Say it to yourself in the mirror; have it taped on to your computer, loaded on to your iPod, whatever will be the most accessible for you so that you can repeat it when in a moment of need.
Eat a piece of fruit at 3pm to combat the afternoon ‘slump’(11 of12)
Open Image ModalAlthough your instincts may tell you that you need to have a coffee or tea break when you are tired, it is actually a lot more useful to have a fruit break. Fruit consumption will provide a healthy sugar kick to your system that will boost your concentration and give you extra energy levels. In addition, you will enjoy it and consume essential vitamins for your immune system, which pays off in the long term.Focus your breaks around typical ‘slump periods’ in that day. For example, have an apple at 3pm or an orange at 11am (or both), get yourself into the habit of consuming fruit, and make a ritual out of it. It is also useful to use this ritual to replace whatever processed or unhealthy snack you have been using so far.
Let imagination and creativity run wild by reading your favourite childhood book(12 of12)
Open Image ModalRe-living movies or books we enjoyed when we were younger replicates the same emotions and thoughts we had then. It is an excellent way to let your imagination run wild if you’re looking for a little extra creativity throughout the day.Maybe you need some inspiration when getting that DIY project done or some creative new ideas for a client, either way, getting back into a child-like mind-set may be just what you need! (credit:Alamy)