How a Made Bed Makes Me More Productive

There is nothing better than climbing into a well made bed. The sheets lie flat, the pillows

are plump. It is the perfect end to the day. And, for me, it helps ensure that I am more productive. However, how it contributes may not be what you are thinking. It is not about getting a good night sleep, it is actually more about what making my bed does for me during they day! I am a very task orientated person, a list maker and focused on getting my "to-do's" done. I am not alone. As a society, we pride ourselves for being busy. Think, when was the last time you heard someone say, "I am just as busy as next person!" Out of desire to get work done, I can sit at my desk and find myself not moving for 1, 2, 3, 4 or more hours a day. Now, before your applaud my productivity and focus, this is a good time to note: Working without breaks rarely results in increased productivity. In reality, it can have the opposite effect. Recent studies show that taking regular breaks improve creativity and productivity. The challenge is to retrain yourself to take regular, mental and active breaks. I do this by using a FitBit Alta. This fitness tracker alerts me, with a silent alarm, 10 minutes before the hour, if I have not taken at least 250 steps in that hour. While the tracker's goal is to get me moving, it also creates an opportunity for me to take a mental break.  The same can be done with other tools - an alarm on your phone, a calendar appointment, etc. When I sit back down, I feel refreshed, ready to dive into my work again. The key is to not over think the break or activity. This is not about taking a 3 mile power walk on your lunch. This is about walking away for a few minutes. Here are some quick ideas:

• Stroll through the office. Work with other employees to map a path for all of you to walk and take a break

• If you can, get outside, walk around the block

• Walk to the break-room, refill your water bottle

• Working from home - do a quick pass through your kitchen and put away the morning dishes, empty the dishwasher, or ... make your bed!

So get your body moving, and let your brain rest! Then sit back down, refreshed and ready to dive into your next hour of productivity.

Share with me the ways you give yourself a break during the day!