12 Office Desk Hacks to Improve Your Productivity
It’s no secret that when we improve our productivity, we get things done faster and more efficiently. This article we found on Entrepreneur gives great tips and ideas for how you can become more productive.
12 Office Desk Hacks to Improve Your Productivity
Sitting at a desk all day long can get tiring. However, if you set up your space just right, it doesn’t have to be. In fact, a few small changes can make major differences in maximizing performance and productivity.
To start, add a nice plant to your area — research shows that exposure to the color green makes you more productive. You should also try to ramp up the lighting — when you have more light around you, you’ll be more alert. So purchase a lamp or small light that you can place on your desk, and turn it on when you first start your day.
Chewing gum, noise-canceling headphones, and stress toys are other great tools to invest in. It’s been said that chewing gum can boost your concentration, and toys will help relieve any stressful feelings during tense moments. And being able to block out noise when the office gets busy is a key to boosting productivity.
To learn how you can revamp your office space and improve productivity, check out Business Backer’s infographic below.
1. Add a Plant
Research published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science suggests that exposure to the color green makes you more productive.
Tip: Try an air plant or a succulent, as they don’t require too much attention.
2. Purchase a Sad Light
Researchers at Northwestern University found that office workers with greater light exposure are more alert.
Tip: Light therapy is most effective early in the morning. Start by switching it on for the first 30 minutes of the day.
3. Use Peppermint Oil
Using scents and essential oils can stimulate your brain and make you more productive. Peppermint, in particular, has been found to enhance cognitive performance.
Tip: Try applying a few small drops to your temples and on the back of your neck.
4. Chew Gum
Research published by the British Journal of Psychology found that chewing gum boosts your concentration.
Tip: Keep a pack of peppermint gum on your desk. Sugar-free is best!
5. Use Noise Canceling Head Phones
Studies by Cornell University has shown that prolonged noise has serious health effects on office workers.
Tip: Use them when the office gets busy. It can help block out unwanted noise even if you’re not listening to music.
6. Use a Gaming Keyboard
Gaming keyboards offer more options and shortcut possibilities. Using shortcuts can cut down on the time it takes for you to complete tasks.
Tip: Personalize your keyboard with your own hotkeys – it’ll be quicker to memorize them.
7. Have a Throw Blanket
Ergonomic studies at Cornell University found that warmer office temperatures have been proven to make you more accurate and efficient.
Tip: Keep a large scarf or blanket in your desk drawer for chilly office days.
8. Add a Letter Tray
Having a cluttered and unorganized desk can slow you down and send the wrong messages to colleagues.
Tip: Keep the tray on your desk where you can easily reach it.
9. Get a Stopwatch
Research conducted by Cornell University found that workers who use reminders to take short breaks are more productive.
Tip: Keep a stopwatch on your desk. Set a countdown for each break you plan to take.
10. Gaze into the Distance
To avoid fatigue, the Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends you look away from your screen every 20 minutes at something that is 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Tip: Pick an object in the distance and look at it when your eyes feel strained.
11. Install a Notification-Blocking App
A study by the University of British Columbia found that people who limited their daily email use had significantly lower stress levels, which made them more productive at work.
Tip: Put a new message on hold so they won’t appear until you are ready.
12. Get a Stress Ball
Research conducted by New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering found that stress toys or “fidget widgets” help improve focus and support productivity.
Tip: Keep a few different stress balls in your desk for those tense moments.
Being at your desk all day can often make you feel unmotivated and unproductive. These simple and easy to apply desk hacks can really make a difference. Give them a go and see for yourself just what a difference they can make.
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