10 Non-Productive Ways To Boost Your Productivity
Posted on November 14, 2011 by LJ Earnest
Categories: Productivity
Mondays are productivity days at SimpleProductivity blog.
We all have lulls, where we just don’t want to keep doing what we’ve been doing. At the same time, it may not be possible to stop our task at hand for long. Productivity isn’t all about being busy and getting things done. In fact, being non-productive can go a long way to making your productivity soar. It’s all about choosing activities wisely. Here are 10 things you can do to boost your productivity:
1. Take A Walk
If you are working on something that is sedentary, getting outside and breathing fresh air can make a world of difference. I like to walk in the morning as a way to set up my day, but if I have a particularly thorny problem in my work, I will walk around the building to get a break. I find that the change of scenery and fresh air can clear my mind and make it possible to get back on task.
2. Stretch
If you can’t go for a walk, you can stretch. Work your shoulders to get the kinks out. Roll your neck. Breathe deeply. Arch your back. Getting muscles moving can jar your thinking into another path.
3. Socialize
Getting away from your desk can allow you to get away from your work. Why not build relationships at the same time? Chat with co-workers. Make a quick phone call you’ve been putting off. Write a (real) letter.
4. Drink Iced Water
This is a favorite of mine when I am feeling groggy. I fill a cup with ice and then pour in chilled water. Then I drink it quickly. The cold waked up my internal core and gets me back to a place where I can focus.
5. Switch It Up
Productive doesn’t mean doggedly sticking to one task. If you have two tasks that are somewhat different, alternate between the two. Just make sure that your alternate task is productive to get the most benefit.
6. Listen To A Tune
Reset your brain with some music that perks you up. Depending on what I am working on, this can span from classical to doo-wop to pop. Close your eyes and concentrate on the music for five minutes.
7. Do Something In Another Location
It never fails to amaze me how just picking up and moving — even a few feet — can spur productivity. Try it. Do some work in another room. Pick up your work and take it outside. Even changing chairs can have a boost effect.
8. Take A Nap
The ultimate in non-productivity, a nap, can actually give you what you need to get on track. Too many times I will power through a task, even though I am tired. Power napping gives a great boost.
9. Or Meditate
I’ll be the first to admit I’m not good at this one, but I know someone who claims that even five minutes of focusing on her breath gets her as much energy as if she hadn’t been tired at all. There are others that claim you can meditate and nap at the same time (which is much more my speed).
10. Vegetate
If you don’t want to become unconscious, you can still vegetate. By this I do not mean to stare at the television. I mean closing your eyes, without falling asleep, and gently pushing your thoughts away. Or you can lose yourself in a repetive task.
What are your favorite non-productive ways to boost your productivity? Share below! I’m always interested in adding to my toolbox.
Photo by basykes
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Comments (2)
So true! Breaking the rhythm for a moment can make all the difference in the world.
In a new FranklinCovey workshop (“The 5 Choices”) they are emphasizing the need to keep energy high, and I notice that most of the five areas they highlight (movement, sleep, relaxation, human connection, and diet) are covered in your list. So there’s a little independent validation for you!
(Now, time for a break!)
-Max
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