I bet you never thought you'd read the words "lazy" and "productivity" in the same sentence, right? Well believe it or not, there are a few ways that small amounts of "laziness" can actually be GOOD for productivity!
I supposed it's not necessarily totally laziness, but more the fact that our environment really does play a huge role in how productive (or unproductive) we are. It's so important that we're not too hot, too cold, too tired, too distracted, uncomfortable, hungry, thirsty, antsy, etc. etc.
If you're curious how you can be just a little lazy and still boost your productivity, here are 5 great ideas to start with!
1. Wrap up in a blanket.
A 2004 study at Cornell University indicated the we actually work better, are more productive, and make less mistakes when temperatures are between 74*F and 78*F. So if your home or office currently isn't that warm, feel free to snuggle up with a cozy blanket — and yes, working from the couch should be just fine!
Comfort is extremely important to when it comes to being productive, so if you're cold, grab a blanket — and if you're hot, grab a fan.
2. Listen to music.
Even if you're like me and prefer quiet to lots of background noise, there are plenty of really great arguments for listening to music while you work. If you do it the right way, it can have dramatic positive effects on your productivity.
If you're working from home, put on a CD or plug your MP3 player into speakers and enjoy the instant productivity boost. And if you're working in an office setting, this post offers a few options for listening to music while still being conscientious of your coworkers.
3. Take a nap.
If you're feeling sluggish and overly-tired, there's a pretty good chance your productivity will suffer as a result. Yes, you can drink caffeine for a quick energy burst — but 2 hours later, you'll be right back where you are again, maybe even worse off.
Instead, try taking a quick power-nap — they really can help! Just 15-20 minutes of rest (even if you don't fall asleep) should drastically increase your energy, your focus, and your productivity. This handy Take A Nap Wheel can help you figure out when you will personally benefit most from a power-nap during the day!
4. Eat a snack.
When I'm hungry, it's all I can think about — so even if I'm in the middle of a project and don't want to lose my train of thought, I'll still take the time to grab a quick snack if I hear my stomach start to rumble.
My simple go-to snacks are often a piece of fruit, pretzels, crackers, or some yogurt. But even a cup of warm tea or a refreshing glass of lemonade might be all you need to recharge and push forward for a couple more hours.
5. Go for a walk.
Taking breaks is SO important no matter what type of work you do. We all need regular breaks throughout the day, throughout the week and throughout the year… and one of my favorite ways to take a break is to go for a quick walk.
Not only do I get to enjoy the fresh outdoor air for a few moments, I also have a chance to clear my brain, refocus, and hone in on the projects I'm currently working on (whatever they may be). When I get back to my desk (or my couch!) I'm ready to get back to work.
Contrary to what many people think, being productive doesn't always require strict schedules and stuffy offices. There are plenty of "lazy" things you can do to boost your productivity… and you can do them all today!
What are your best non-conventional ways to boost productivity?