Recover Wasted Energy with White Noise

Do you feel completely drained of energy before you even reach the end of the day? We all have those days when we are extra tired, but there are some habits we can change to help retain some of the energy we waste during the day. Try these tips help recover your productivity.

• Maintain Good Posture. Slouching or sitting in an awkward position requires extra work by the major muscle groups in your back and arms, draining you of energy and momentum. Instead, strive to maintain a neutral typing posture where your muscles are at their lowest strain and even relaxed. Ergonomic chairs are specifically designed to support good posture for long periods of time. Also, make sure your back is well supported and add more lumbar support if your chair doesn’t provide enough.
• Start Using White Noise. It takes a great deal of energy and effort to concentrate in the midst of distractions and noise. Most people lose up to two hours a day from interruptions at work, but a personal sound machine can help. Start by establishing a distraction-free time with no e-mail or phone calls – maybe even hang a sign indicating when you will next be available for interruptions — and turn on a white noise machine to block out office conversations and noise around you. It is incredible how quickly and efficiently you can work when you don’t have to spend half your brain power just trying to focus.
• Upgrade Your Keyboard. In the same way that poor posture strains you back and arms, poor positioning of your hands and arms wastes energy and can strain muscles. Ergonomic keyboards are wonderfully designed to improve hand posture and reduce the energy and muscle movement required for typing. You should try the many different designs and sizes to find one that fits your hands and needs.
• Be Aware of Your Energy-Draining Tasks. Do you find that certain tasks or dealing with certain people drain you faster than your normal work? We all have things we don’t like to do and personalities that challenge us. Once you recognize what these are for you, be deliberate about how you deal with them. Find a good time of the day, when you are not too tired or easily irritated. Then set aside a short period of time to tackle these tasks, or calls these people. Afterward, take a break, drink some water and restore your focus before moving on with your day. If necessary, come back to finish the task a little later in the day.

We all encounter distractions and interruptions that drain us of our energy and break our concentration. Try using white noise to cover the constant conversations and noise present in any office. Set aside a distraction-free time and use a personal sound machine to help you focus and make the most of your time. Establishing new habits can help you restore lost energy and remain productive all day long.