Move.

Exercising daily increases energy and wards off fatigue. To help fight off the afternoon slump, try incorporating some seated stretches into your day. Opt to get up from your task chair and talk to a coworker vs. emailing her or take the stairs instead of the elevator.  You can also try printing your next document to a different printer and get your blood flowing. Keeping your body active during the day also keeps your mind active.  Lastly, moving helps elevate tense muscles and that pain in your neck, keeping you focused on the task at hand.

Hydrate.

One of the biggest fatigue fighters is hydration. Water helps your blood carry oxygen throughout your body. Water also makes up a large portion of your brain. Stay alert by hydrating your body and, subsequently, your mind.  Keep hydrated at work by opting for water over soda and always having a water bottle nearby. The Institute of Medicine recommends that women intake 91 ounces of water and men intake 125 ounces of water in food and drinks each day.  So, grab a bottle of water because staying hydrated doesn’t just help your productivity; it also helps your overall health.

Put your phone away.

Hide your cellphone. Stick it in a desk drawer or your bag and leave it there until breaks. Texts, social media, and email have a way of sucking you in. If you want to meet that next deadline without staying late, hide your phone.

Snack in moderation.

I think we can all relate to stuffing ourselves silly with a holiday meal. It usually makes us sleepy and lethargic. The same is true of over snacking. Always pack a portioned snack. Bringing a whole bag of chips (or any whole packaged item) thinking you’ll just eat a handful is a sure fire way to over indulge. Stick to light snacks at work like a piece of fruit or some crunchy veggies. Anything too filling and dense can have your head hitting the keyboard before you know it. And when you’re asleep, you are certainly not productive.

Earbuds.

If your job allows, have a pair of earbuds handy. Listening to peppy music while you work can increase your productivity by keeping you motivated and helping you stay focused. Earbuds also help drown out loud conversations going on around you, ringing phones, or outside traffic. Whether it is a music boost you seek or the noise blocking benefits of earbuds, they can certainly improve your work productivity.

What are your go-to tips to stay productive at work?