Productivity,  Simplify

Comfort and Productivity

Wednesdays are simplicity days at SimpleProductivity blog.


Anything that distracts you from the task at hand is counter to productivity. Have you ever considered how any discomforts in your environment is negatively affecting your productivity?

Just like an itch that can’t be scratched, a little discomfort can grow in our minds until we completely derail our productivity.

The solution is usually very simple, though. Recognize the problem, and move to a solution. Here are some ways to get back on track for some common discomforts.

Comfortable Temperature

In a workspace where the heating or cooling is not optimum, or if you share a space with others, or if you have no control over the temperature, you will find that the temperature can be a distraction.

I find that I have to have portable heat and portable cooling at all my workspaces. This includes a sweater that stays at work, a small heater* for my writing space, and small fans (either regular* or USB-powered*) for all of my workspaces.

Comfortable Sounds

Sounds, particularly irregular bursts of varying types and loudness, can cause our attention to pull away from the task at hand.

I am easily distracted by noise. It is particularly bad if I am trying to concentrate deeply. I always have a set of Skullcandy headphones*with me, and I regularly use pink noise* MP3s to drown workplace noise out.

Comfortable Smells

Sometimes it is the sense of smell that distracts. Whether the person is reeking of cologne or body odor, or if it is just the remnants of someone’s food, smell can distract us, good or bad.

I have a very keen sense of smell (uncomfortably so), so I try to keep some hand sanitizer* or hand lotion* at my desk that has either a lavender or vanilla base. I find that the vanilla, while not masking the odor, is often enough to take my mind off of it. Of course, I have had to go to Human Resources on two occasions and ask them to intervene – once for too much perfume, and once for poor hygiene.

Comfortable Clothes

Clothes that bind, pinch, smoosh or hold in can be a major distraction. If you have to be careful every time you move so that you don’t move into a position that hurts worse, you are not going to be productive.

I will be the first to admit that I am not on the cutting edge of fashion. I prefer comfortable clothes that do not bind or pinch. That extends to shoes and jewelry as well. (After seeing Aunt Loretta’s hammer toes from years of pointy-toed heels, I never had the desire to do that to myself.) Wearing comfortable clothes allows me to not be focused on what I am wearing.

Comfortable Workspace

Physical comfort is something we take for granted when we are working. But if your computer is at the wrong height, your keyboard not a good fit for your typing style, your mouse too big or too small (or for the wrong hand), or your chair uncomfortable to sit in, you will feel it in your productivity (and your back).

Here’s the thing you might not realize: if you work for an employer, you don’t necessarily have to accept their equipment. I currently work using my own laptop stand*, my own wireless keyboard and mouse. I have brought in my own chair and footrests at previous employers.

Being physically comfortable while you work is not only good for productivity, but it is better for your body than contortions.


Discomfort is something that can derail our productivity quickly. Whether it is temperature, sounds, smells, clothes or workspaces, you owe it to yourself to make yourself as comfortable as possible.

What is your most constant discomfort? How does it impact your productivity? Share below.


Photo by King….. Licensed under Creative Commons.