When it comes to being the best you can be at work, there’s always something productive you can be doing. But some days, you may find it difficult to get into your normal work rhythm. You may feel distracted and struggle to focus on your tasks. You may experience headaches or feel fatigued.
Instead of giving up and watching Netflix for the next few hours, it can be helpful to check in with your body. When you stop to check in with yourself, you may find that a simple fix is all that’s required to get back into your normal productive mode.
Here are three things that can disrupt your natural workflow.
Your Body is Hungry
When you’re hungry, it’s hard to think things through and that makes decision making difficult. That’s why it’s important that you take time to nourish your body. You wouldn’t set out on a road trip with an empty gas tank so don’t expect your body to perform at its very best when you’re denying it much needed fuel.
You can easily remedy this situation by getting something to eat. But steer clear of sugary snacks. They may give you a temporary burst of energy, but that energy will be gone within a couple of hours, leaving your body just as hungry as before. Instead, try to opt for healthier snacks that contain plenty of protein like a handful of nuts or a serving of lean chicken breast.
Your Thoughts are Scattered
You go to work on one project, but get distracted by another one. Then you decide to check your email and catch up on your social media updates. Before you know it, you have twelve different activities open on your screen. And your desk may be just as full with folders, articles to read, sticky note reminders and all the other stuff.
When this happens, you might be experiencing a lack of focus. You have so many ideas and tasks that you don’t know where to start working. In this case, it’s best to pause and make a list. Write down everything you need to accomplish today or this week. Then prioritize these projects by numbering them and start with the most important task first. For the clutter on your desk, look at the Safco Onyx Desk Organizer to get your stuff in order (SAF3254WH).
Your Body is Exhausted
There are many things that can cause you to feel exhausted besides a lack of sleep. Emotional stress, illness, chronic pain, and other problems can deplete your energy. When you’re exhausted, it’s hard to do your job.
The best way to tackle exhaustion is to practice self-care. Look at your life and ask yourself what you really need right now. You might need a day off. You might need a sitter to help watch your kids while you work.
You might need to let go of stressful clients or remove projects that aren’t a good fit for your talents. Don’t hesitate to give yourself what you need. If you take good care of yourself, you’ll find it easier to be more productive.
It’s important that you take time to check in with your mind and body a few times each day. When you do this regularly, you’ll begin to notice your body’s rhythms and be able to plan your work around them.
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