When I think of ways to increase workplace productivity, it reminds me of my collegiate track years. Our coach would talk about ways we could do better on the track by how we performed off the track. The same could be said about your athletic department job. What could you do away from work to help you be more productive at work? Here are a few productivity tips that could be done at home.
The Bed is for Sleeping
As written in our previous article “Wellbeing is Built on Small Changes,” it is almost impossible to get away from your work. A tip discussed in that article advised athletic department employees to change out of school attire once at home. Great tip, but even then, you are still plugged into work in some capacity. Smartphones, laptops, and television shows like SportsCenter constantly keep people connected to the collegiate sports world. These devices are easily carried around in hand and pocket and consume our idle time as much as they consume our work time.
One of the biggest issues is how technology affects our sleep patterns. A big mistake is the use of these devices while lying in bed. Studies have shown that these devices used before bedtime keep the mind alert instead of unwinding from a hard day’s work. Make a rule that the bed is for sleeping only. No smartphone. No laptop. No television. Just you and your pillow.
A Morning Glass of Water
Hydration is a common topic throughout collegiate athletics. The NCAA website has dedicated a section to hydration. They used this section to inform NCAA members about data, research, and resources associated to this topic. Although these resources are for student-athletes, these recommendations could be followed by all athletic employees.
For instance, a typical night’s rest and a morning topped with caffeinated drinks can put people on the wrong side of hydration. What’s worse is many employees only think physically active jobs should worry about drinking water. To the contrary, experts say office work and travel are areas where dehydration are a concern. Did you know that even mild dehydration can decrease cognitive function and fluctuate blood pressure? Combat dehydration by beginning your morning with a tall glass of water. It’s a great way to kick-start both your mind and metabolism for a busy workday.
Eat to Perform
An athlete’s performance and productivity is no doubt affected by what he or she consumes. Each sport and position calls for specific dietary needs. Distance runners eat high carbohydrate meals for endurance, while powerlifters eat more protein for muscle repair. Thus, your job demands and personal attributes like age, sex, weight, and physical activity should be used in developing a proper diet.
A female administrative assistant may endure a normal workday that involves prolonged sitting at a workstation. Her diet should consist of low-calorie, nutrient dense food such as lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and nuts to combat low physical activity at work. A female athletic trainer may endure a normal workday that involves limited sitting, work indoors and outdoors, and manual handling of items. Her diet, in comparison, may aim for a higher total calorie intake and involve more carbohydrates to fuel her movement throughout the day. Starting your day off with a proper breakfast would go a long way in fueling your body for the rigors of your specific work demands.
Everyone wants or hopes for productivity while at work. But to be the standout player you were hired to be, it is important to take the steps necessary at home that maximize your chances to succeed at work.
About Walter Whitfield
Walter Whitfield is an employee wellness consultant and founder of Lavoro Workplace Wellness where he helps businesses improve their workplace through employee wellness strategies. He has worked with corporations like Chevron, BP, and Seadrill. Walter is a former college athlete for Louisiana’s Ragin Cajuns where he competed in cross country and track, winning Sunbelt conference titles in the 3k Steeplechase and 5k. He is married, has 3 kids, and loves all things New Orleans Saints and Louisiana’s Ragin Cajuns.
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