Healthy Habits That Can Improve Your Productivity
There is a link between good health and productivity. The World Health Organization believes that a healthy lifestyle and nutrition can raise productivity levels by 20%. Some careers, like security personnel and athletes, require specific health standards to meet a particular level of physical standards. Poor health habits can affect mind, body, and productivity, regardless of what industry you find yourself in. So, do you feel your productivity levels dropping? It may be because of unhealthy habits. Here are some healthy habits you need to adopt.
- Get the right amount of sleep
Yes, there is such a thing as the “right” amount of sleep, and experts say it’s 7 to 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep. There is always the temptation to stay up late, so you can finish up some work or do other things. According to health experts, if you’re giving your body less than 7 hours of sleep every day, then you’re likely suffering from sleep deprivation. Its intensity would depend on how many hours of sleep you lose each night. Getting fewer hours of sleep each night can impair cognition and performance. That means your work quality will also drop as your productivity level falls.
- Don’t skip breakfast
If you live a busy lifestyle, skipping breakfast may be something you’re used to, but you might be doing yourself more harm than good. Breakfast is said to be the most important meal of the day for various reasons.
First, it gives your body the energy boost it needs to keep you functioning at optimal levels all day. It’s challenging to be productive when your stomach keeps growling at you. Secondly, it makes you less reliant on artificial energy boosters like energy drinks, excessive amounts of coffee, etc. Energy drinks contain high amounts of artificial sugars. Together with energy drinks, coffee is rich in caffeine and can cause severe heart and blood vessel problems. Caffeine use may also be associated with anxiety and sleep disorders. Third, eating breakfast also means you’re less likely to overeat lunch or supper, which means you can avoid piling on unhealthy weight. The most important thing is to ensure that your breakfast is nutritionally rich.
- Take breaks
The last thing you want is your body to break down because of a lack of rest. Besides getting enough sleep at night, it is essential to ensure that you give your body the rest it needs during the day. You can catch a short snooze time, go for a walk, listen to music, or do anything that’ll help your mind relax for a few minutes before getting back to work.
- Create (and stick to) a fitness regime
You already know the benefits of exercising, but the challenge could be your ability to stick to it. If you’re too busy with work, try finding ways to incorporate simple exercises into your working hours. Otherwise, sign up with a gym and commit yourself to a fitness regime.
If you have chronic recurring pain that hinders you from exercising, you should visit a doctor, chiropractors, or other health professionals, for thorough examination and treatment.