Physical cues, such as what we wear, are important for how we feel and can help us get into the right work mindset. A simple example is how clothing affects our mental state. During the COVID-19 pandemic, people noticed that working in pyjamas often led to poorer mental health. This shows that wearing regular work clothes can help you feel better. Dressing in the morning is a ritual that helps us transition from ‘waking up’ to ‘working.’ Such rituals, like putting on shoes before heading out the door, can prepare our minds for what we need to do.
Besides clothing, other physical cues can also help us concentrate better and be more productive. For example, tidying up the kitchen or making your bed in the morning can signal to your brain that it’s time to focus and get to work. These actions create a sense of order and structure, promoting a productive work environment. The saying “a good start is half the battle” emphasizes how important these small but meaningful rituals are in our daily routine.
Related:
- Add some art to your workplace for reduced stress and increased creativity and productivity
- Choose a workplace where you can see other people focused on their tasks. This will help you concentrate better.
- Take regular ‘thinking walks’ to change your brain to enhance thinking, creativity and memory
- Do the right thing, in the right way, and at the right moment
- Link the desired behavior to a clear signal
- Messy work environments have no effect on either creativity or executive functions
- Interruptions aren’t intrinsically distinct from other events, they’re just events most professionals don’t want around. The distinction is in our head.
- A habit is unconscious behaviour that is automatically triggered by an impulse
