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How to Get More Done with the Nonlinear Workday
Humans were not meant to sit in front of a screen for hours and hours…
While a traditional workday is 9 to 5 with a break or two built in, most of the rest of the time is filled with tasks specific to the work.
But what would happen if you took more breaks that are not work related?
According to studies, people with the best memory, focus, sleep, mood productivity, and creativity- are those make a lifestyle change to a nonlinear workday.
We experience different energy levels at different times of the day. A nonlinear workday is one that works with your natural energy levels.
If you’re more productive in the morning, you can start your day earlier than 9am and maximize those morning hours of productivity. Forcing yourself to put out good work during the afternoon isn’t going to be the best use of your time.
If you’re more productive in the afternoon, you can start the workday later and use the morning for less important work.
Forcing yourself to work at a time of day that is not optional for you can have a compounding effect. It can create stress that impacts your sleep. Before you know it, you’re caught in a vicious cycle where you’re not sleeping well, and it impacts your mornings.
You can also build in breaks when working at your high energy levels. A study found that brain health was higher in those who had a consistent daily routine of physical and mental breaks built in — this can mean walking, meditating, or socializing.
During your breaks, the most important thing to do is to get away from the screen. Do some sort of physical movement and give your eyes a break. Breathing fresh air and stretching are also recommended.
You can relieve a little stress with meditation or breathing exercises. Talking to friends and connecting with colleagues can provide positive social connectivity.
We are humans; we are not meant to sit in a chair for extended amounts of hours looking at a screen. The breaks don’t have to be long. So, step away, regroup, move your body, and get off the screen.
