HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Work Life

6 Ways To Boost Productivity

WORK LIFE

When you feel productive, getting tasks done can seem effortless. But, productivity often doesn’t happen on its own. Boost productivity and crush your to-do list.

Cut out distractions

Silence your phone and turn off email notifications. Give yourself 15 to 30 minutes of uninterrupted work at a time. Check your phone or take a stretch break every time you finish a work block.

Write goals down

Take a moment in the morning to write a clear to-do list. Focus on the things you must get done, not wishful thinking. A clear goal is more likely to be achieved.

Break tasks up

Instead of trying to tackle the whole project at once, break it up into smaller tasks. Each piece should feel manageable, making the entire project easier to achieve from start to finish.

Collaborate

Team meetings may seem like a time-waster, but in reality, collaborating with others boosts productivity. Regular check-ins keep everyone on track and hold you accountable for getting positive results.

Take a break

Working pedal to the metal is a recipe for burnout. Regular breaks refresh and energize you making you more productive in the long run. A 10-minute break every hour is a reasonable goal.

Move more

Physical activity during the workday can make you more productive. Movement increases alertness and energy. Try a standing desk, stretching, or walking breaks to get the blood flowing.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Avoiding Distractions At Work

WORK LIFE

We all have days that are more productive than others. But you can be your best each day if you learn how to avoid the biggest distractions at your workplace.

Put the phone away

Is your phone frequently dinging with texts or people calling you “just to chat?” Do you find yourself checking social media or playing with apps when you should be working?

Smart phones are a major cause of work-related distractions. Some employers have policies that prohibit cell phone use on the job. If that’s the case, you’ll need to follow those rules. But if your employer allows cell phones, turn off notifications and put the phone in a place that’s harder to reach. Some phones have an option that filters all calls except those from important or emergency numbers. This is a great way to allow people to reach you when it’s necessary, but to avoid non-essential calls and notifications.

Use white noise

If other people’s conversations or office noises are bothering you, consider ways you can soften or filter some of the sound. A white noise machine, fan or even headphones that play white noise or quiet non-distracting music may be helpful.

Ways to get your focus back

Everyone needs a mental break once in a while. Instead of checking your phone or social media, try these healthy tips that can energize you and help you get back to your work:

* Take a short walk around the building.

* Eat a healthy snack, such as fruits, vegetables, or lean protein.

* Drink a glass of water. Add a lemon or cucumber slice for more flavor.

* Get up from your chair and stretch for 3 minutes.

* Clean or organize your workspace. Clutter in your space can make your brain feel cluttered, too.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Overwhelmed At Work? How To Handle It

WORK LIFE

No matter what your job, you’re bound to feel overwhelmed sometimes. Whether you have new responsibilities, are worried about a certain project, or just have too much on your plate, it’s normal to feel the pressure occasionally. Though you may not be able to change what’s causing these feelings, you can find ways to deal with these situations in a healthy way.

Jot it down.

If your mind is swimming with a list of to-dos, put it on paper. Sometimes seeing the list can help you come up with a plan to get it done. You can figure out what needs to be done first, and then you have a starting point.

Take a break from work when you’re off-duty.

If your life revolves around the buzzing of your phone with emails and work demands, try to take some time each day to turn it off. You may find you feel more relaxed and ready to focus when you return to work.

Start with just one step.

If a huge project feels too difficult to start, then just think about the first thing you need to do. It can be something minor, such as sending an email or writing down a task list. Every big project begins with one step. Consider what needs to be done right now, and do that first. Once you get started, it may be easier to keep going.

Talk to your supervisor.

If possible, bring up your main concerns to your boss. Be specific about your problem, and focus on what you can do to help solve it. For instance, if you have too many tasks, tell them what you are able to do in the time you have, and suggest alternate ways to get the rest done. Perhaps you can ask for more time to get a project done. Or, see if you can delegate the task to a co-worker.

An organized desk gives you control

If you’re feeling buried at work, look in front of you. A messy desk can create more stress and anxiety. Clean up your space by:

* Going through papers as you get them, rather than letting them pile up

* Creating a “pending” or “in progress” folder for things you need to do

* Clean up your space before you leave each day

* Put things back as soon as you’re done using them

A tidy desk can brighten your outlook and boost your productivity.

Source: American Psychological Association

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Avoiding The Afternoon Slump

WORK LIFE

Do you often feel tired and worn out after lunch? It can be hard to stay productive and get through the workday if you’re fighting fatigue and exhaustion. Often times, this afternoon slump can be avoided by making a few simple changes:

*Use caffeine sparingly.A cup of coffee or tea can give you a boost in the morning, but drinking too much can cause an energy crash after it wears off. Finish your last caffeinated drink before noon, and limit intake to four 8 oz. cups of coffee.

*Include lean protein and healthy fats in your lunch.This can help stabilize blood sugar levels and fight fatigue. Examples include turkey, low-fat dairy, avocado, nuts and fish.

*Drink plenty of water.Even mild dehydration can make you tired. Aim for eight 8 oz. glasses per day.

*Get moving.If you can, walk outside at lunch and get fresh air, even for just 10 minutes. This can energize and relax you. But even walking indoors or stretching in your office can be helpful. Sitting at a desk for hours without getting up can make you feel tired. Do alternative activities and walk around when you can.

*Having more energy starts the day before.If you find that you’re tired every day despite these tips, you may need more sleep. Aim for 7 to 9 hours a night.

Sometimes, ongoing fatigue can be a sign of a health issue. If you find that your energy levels are always low despite making healthy choices, talk to your doctor. Problems such as sleep disorders, anemia, depression, diabetes, and many other conditions can cause energy levels to sag. Certain medications can also cause sleepiness. You and your doctor can discuss your health history and make a plan to address any issues to get you feeling better again.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Poor Behavior At Office Parties May Hurt Your Career

WORK LIFE

Too many drinks combined with poor behavior at an office holiday party could signal the demise of employment for some employees, warned Lynne Richardson, dean of the Ball State University Miller College of Business. She said employees should be on their best behavior and treat the annual holiday office party as an extension of work. Supervisors can and will hold employees accountable for inappropriate actions at such events. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, dress appropriately, abstain from discussing sensitive work-related issues and bring a date only if told it is proper.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026