9 Slightly Crazy Things That Might Make You Wildly
Productive
Break up your routine with these secret (slightly
off-the-wall) tricks to jump-starting your productivity.
The other day during a
grueling seven-hour car ride, I found myself feeling the stress of fatigue,
impatience, and boredom. Suddenly, my dog, Riley, yawned with an outrageously
funny expression of his own boredom. The sound was remarkably human and not one
I'd heard before; it made me laugh so hard that it brought tears to my eyes.
Instantly, I had more
energy. I felt more optimistic about the day ahead and, with the stress
removed, I suddenly remembered that I had brought along an audio book
that would surely cure my boredom. I was also reminded of some research
I'd read.
In short, it said that
the act of smiling has the power to subtly alter one's brain
chemistry. Feelings of happiness have an even greater impact on the brain
chemistry. We know that happy people are healthier than unhappy people--and an
improved mood leads to an ability to think and act more quickly.
Think of your brain as a
brilliant chemist; more than 100,000 chemical reactions go on in your brain
every second. When the brain produces the neurotransmitter known as
serotonin, tension is eased. When it produces dopamine or norepinephrine, you
are able to focus and take action, resulting in higher levels of productivity.
We also know that
changing our physiology releases these "feel good drugs," affecting
our mood and energy almost instantly. The trick is to change your negative body
language (frowning, slumping, clenching of the jaw, shoulders up to the ears)
and replace it with positive, empowering, joyful actions. Simple things like
acting silly, laughing, reciting affirmations and doing a few jumping jacks can
change your state immediately.
But it's not always easy
to convince yourself to step away from the stress and do a little jig to
release happy hormones from your brain. It takes discipline and lots of
previous, positive experience with a process to make it a habit. So start
small, like I did. Since that car ride, I've been practicing the power of a
simple smile. When you put a smile on your face, all of the muscles on your
face respond. Your eyes brighten, facial muscles loosen and the brow becomes
smooth and relaxed. Even your thoughts may change.
The goal is to break
your current, negative state by disrupting it with something that will
"shock" your internal chemist into action. Here are a few things I
suggest you try to jump-start your productivity by adding some positivity. I
admit a lot of them might make you look like a crazy person, but, in the
pursuit of productivity, I'm willing to try anything.
1. Smile at strangers. Step away from
your stressful environment for a 20-minute walk. Smile at the people you meet
along the way. You will more than make up for the time with your increased
productivity levels when you return.
2. Bust a move. Put on some great dance
music and have a little 5-minute party! That's right, just dance. You don't
even need a partner!
3. Fire up the
YouTube. Find
a favorite funny video on YouTube and take a laughter break. Cute cat videos
have been shown to help as
well. (Not kidding.)
4. Talk to yourself. This sounds nuts,
but take a cue from old-school motivational speakers and books: Pace around the
room reciting empowering affirmations in a positive, confident tone of voice
and great posture.
5. Belt it out. Sing to your animals or
children--just be silly and let them in on the fun!
6. Get physical. Do a series of jumping
jacks with a big smile on your face. (Bonus: 100 jumping jacks is said to burn
100 calories. Have a snack!)
7. Dial a friend. Pick up the phone and
cheer up someone's day with an "I love you!"
8. Hoot and holler. Just let out a
simple "woo-hoo!" and think about a goal or future event that really
charges you up.
9. Do a Julie Andrews. Think of one or
two things that you are deeply grateful for and allow the thoughts to bring a
smile of gratitude to your face. (You should think of a few of your favorite
things several times a day anyway!)
By: Marla Tabaka
Source: Inc.
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