Is it difficult for you to stay focused during winter? Well, you are not alone. According to research, more than two-thirds of workers believe they are less productive and have lower concentration levels than in the summer months.
There are numerous reasons for this, the most obvious being the change in weather. The lack of natural lighting and the generally gloomy days can lead to feelings of fatigue, a lack of motivation, and gloom.
So, how can we stay productive during the cold winter months?
Increase Natural Light in your Workspace
If possible, try position yourself near or by a window to allow yourself to soak up as much sun as you can. Since there are fewer hours of brightness, try take advantage of the hours before dark as much by surrounding yourself in open, natural light.
Spend Time Outdoors
Wrap up and face the cold! Even though it might be harder to motivate yourself, even some chilly outdoor time can boost your endorphins. Whether you head to a park or just around you local area, getting out for a mindful walk can help you get out of the rut you may be in.
Use a 15-mintue list
A 15-minute list can come in handy when you’ve got no desire to draft Tuesday’s team meeting on a cold, grey winter morning.
This is a list of quick, easy tasks you can do in 15-minutes or less, like writing an email, creating an agenda, scheduling an appointment, etc. Doing this at the start of your day will help you gain focus, and give you a boost of positive energy to tackle the rest of your work.
Plan Fun Activities
Winter slumps can be hard to get over; many of us just slog through work and count the days until the sun starts shining again. But leaning into the winter months, instead of fighting it, will be more beneficial to your productivity.
Plan some fun winter events outside of work hours, such as getting hot chocolate, watching a cosy movie under a blanket, sharing good food with friends inside the comfort of your home. Consider taking a long weekend, or planning some a fun social event. Remember, job performance is heavily influenced by what we do outside of work hours. By having activities beyond your professional work, it can help you recharge and refocus.
So, what are the next steps?
If you are looking to enhance your performance and productivity, this practical communication skills workshop will help you get out of the work slump and inspire you to delve into your winter work projects.
Or are you ready to rejuvenate your team?
Elevate your team’s performance with our team building workshops. Our workshops enables your team to come together, build relationships and develop a range of new skills. The perfect way to re-emphasis your team’s work goals in a fun, relaxing, energising way.
Book now by emailing liratwork@thelir.ie.