The phrase "slacking off" rarely goes well with office productivity. Many surveys tout how much workers check personal social media accounts, sneak a peek at the latest sports scores or take personal calls while on the clock. However, taking some "me" time while at work may actually be a good thing — if you do it properly, that is.
The reason you should practice slacking off at work is burnout. People who show fatigue and workplace burnout tend to make more mistakes and actually become less productive. Try these five techniques to avoid burnout by giving your mind something new to think about on a daily basis.
Unplug from the Matrix
Set aside five minutes each day, perhaps in the early afternoon after a busy morning, to disconnect from every electronic device you handle at work. Find a quiet corner, turn off your cellphone, get away from your computer and just sit there quietly for a few moments. Use this time for breathing exercises, mindful meditation, stretching or simply thinking about what you're going to do when you get home. After this time is done, stop slacking off and get back to work for the last three hours of your day.
Work in a Different Location
Take your laptop into an empty conference room, connect to the office Wi-Fi and find a new location to do your work. Sometimes all you need is a slight change of venue, even though it doesn't feel like slacking off, to increase your office productivity. Instead of staring at your cubicle wall, for an hour each day you can have the expansive skyline view you've always wanted. Make sure to tell your boss where you're going first.
Forget Multitasking
Multitasking is a myth, because while you might think that you're doing two or more things at once, in reality, you switch back and forth from one task to another rapidly. Some psychologists refer to this as "switch-tasking." Doing so actually decreases your efficiency and uses more time and energy. Instead, focus on one task until it's done, and celebrate with a quick two-minute breather.
Use New Tools
Motivate yourself with new productivity tools to vary your routine at the office. Download that new mobile app, or write down a to-do list with old-fashioned pen and paper. Once you finish one task on your list, don't forget to celebrate your small success with a little walk around the office or jaunt up and down the stairs to get some exercise. This really isn't slacking off, but it does get you excited by using a new technique to motivate yourself at work.
Vary Your Lunches
Bring something new for lunch each day to give your body a break from the normal lunch routine. Instead of inhaling your tacos from Taco Tuesday while checking your inbox, take your food to the break room, shut off all of your mobile devices and simply enjoy lunch. A well-balanced meal with meat, vegetables, dairy and carbs works great to maintain your energy level for the rest of the day.
Slacking off simply gives your brain a rest from the daily 9-to-5 grind of your normal day. In doing so, your mind doesn't get stuck in a rut, you stay more refreshed at work and you become a more valuable employee.
Photo courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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