Now the clocks have gone back and the days feel much shorter and darker, it can be even more difficult to stay focused at work towards the end of the day. We can feel more sluggish and tired, especially once 3pm rolls around and it feels like you’re hitting a wall.
The good news is that a few simple changes to your daily routine can help you fight the slump and feel a bit brighter on grey days.
Let in as Much Light as You Can
Natural light is a huge factor in how alert and focused we feel. Even if it’s grey outside, it’s still natural light, so making sure you’re in a room with lots of it is key to productivity. Open your blinds and put your workspace near a window if possible. Taking short
Sometimes it’s not always possible to take a break or have as much natural light as you’d like, so adding a daylight lamp and making your room brighter using artificial light is a good idea.
Create a Dedicated Workspace
When you’re working from home, you need to have a space cut off from distractions and relaxation. If you’re working on the sofa or in bed, it’s easy for your body to start associating this with relaxation time and your productivity will start to wane. A boundary helps your brain to distinguish between work and relaxing.
A dedicated e-space when you’re a small business or entrepreneur is a really good option for having a distinct, private space to knuckle down in. It also gives you a change of scenery and a shift of mindset when visit and helps to draw that line between your business and personal life.
Plan Around Your Energy Levels
It’s completely natural for people’s energy levels to start dipping in the afternoon, so because of this, you can schedule things around it and plan your most demanding tasks earlier in the day when energy and focus are highest. More creative work that you can ponder over might be better later in the day.
Organising your day in blocks with regular breaks can you help you to keep focused and rewarded.
Keep Moving
Never underestimate physical activity for focus – getting your blood pumping with a quick burst of activity or stretching can help shift your mental energy and give you a bit of extra energy to help push through the afternoon lull.
Stay Warm, Stay Comfortable
Keeping yourself comfortable can help you to stay focused. If you’re too warm, you might get sleepy and too cold will make you fidget, so finding the right temperature for working at is key.
Productivity naturally dips when the days get darker, but lean into it, reorganise your day and make use of office space. Smart tweaks can make winter days feel more focused.
For more info and advice about flexible working spaces, contact our team at Hyde Park House today.