photo courtesy of flickr user, Glen Scott
I love my job, but I have one big complaint about the work I do. It’s unhealthy. And by that I mean I sit in front of my computer for hours each day which drains my energy and allows little opportunity to move around and get my blood flowing. I’m sure by now everyone’s read something about the studies done on how sitting for eight hours a day affects your body. My line of work is no exception.
The majority of my PR job is answering e-mails, doing research online and making phone calls. Sometimes I can go hours without standing up and, sadly, seldom realize how much time has passed. (Sad for my body, good for my work. You know what they say, “time flies when you’re having fun!”) I’ve begun to notice the days I’m glued to my computer are the days I feel the most exhausted when I get home. And not because those days are too stressful, but because hours staring at a computer screen coupled with hours of barely moving is simply not good for my wellbeing.
Now that I’ve recognized this I try to make an effort of not sitting for too many hours at a time. When I make this effort to be more active during the day, I not only notice that I get more done, but I’m also less tired when it’s time to wrap up. Here are a few of my tricks to keep active and energized during work hours.
1) Walk around throughout the day
I make it a point to get up every few hours and walk around the shopping center where my coworking space is located. I usually do it for about 15 minutes anytime I start to feel tired or lose my concentration. The fresh air and movement help to give me more energy and regain focus.
If you can, also consider taking phone calls outside and use the opportunity to stretch your legs. If I know I’m going to be on a conference call I use my Bluetooth and take the call outside while I walk around. It helps with movement and also keeps me from getting distracted by the computer.
2) Leave for lunch
While I still eat lunch at my desk, I’ve started scheduling lunches with friends during the week to break things up. It’s a small change that’s made a big different. Having lunch away from your desk clears your head, refocuses you and makes the day go by much faster.
3) Meet with people in person
Much of my work can be taken care of via phone or e-mail, but I try to schedule as many “in person” meetings as I can. If we have a set agenda and reason for meeting, or if the situation calls for brainstorming, a face to face meeting is a great opportunity to accomplish more. Working with another person can also help keep things lively and engaging which encourages harder work out of both parties once the meeting is over.
When I have meetings I’m also in a better mood and have a greater feeling of accomplishment at the end of the day.
4) Find things to do that don’t involve your computer
Ninety-nine percent of my job is done on my computer, but sometimes it’s nice to complete tasks away from the keyboard. For example, when I had to figure out a schedule for a Glamtreprenuer event I’m doing later this month I opted for writing everything out on paper rather than using Google calendar or word.
Putting pen to paper is a great way to brainstorm as well. Whenever I have to brainstorm for a blog post, article I’m working on, or client I write all my ideas down first.
Too funny that I came across this while taking a break (procrastinating) on Facebook. I fall into this pit all the time. Taking breaks is SO important. I don’t do it often enough but I always take some mental time at lunch. I don’t know how some people just work straight through.
Others things I want to do more often:
– move locations. I focus better on certain tasks when I’m not at my desk or in front of my computer. Sometimes I move to the couches in the back of the office.
– write and brainstorm. This often gets blown off as not straight work because you don’t have clear and immediate results but it is so necessary to take this time. David Kadavy has a great exercise called Prefrontal Mondays that I try to do at least once a month. Search for it and take a look at the entry on his blog!