What will it take to make your day 1% more… of what you need?
Working life for is busy and keeping a grip on things takes a lot of energy and focus. So what do you do when you grip on so tightly that you can’t see beyond what’s in front of you?
This post is inspired by some recent coaching sessions which prompted me to reflect on how you can make small, incremental changes when adopting a new healthy habit or tackling a big change may seem out of reach. What would make a real difference to my clients, either in the way they work or how to disconnect from work?
Starting with very small increments, even just 1%, can lead to quick wins and solve niggling issues along the way. Whether you feel like trying out a playful or pragmatic approach, you can always find ways to make yourself 1% more comfortable, even on a bad day. And along the way, you might gain a little more awareness and distance from being lost in digital productivity curves.
Getting started
Here is a little inspiration to get you started. Make a small change, or maybe two, and see how things shift:
Add a sprinkling of analogue…
- a plant
- a nice coaster
- photos/pictures/art
- a rock or shell from somewhere you like
- record player
- scented candle or a diffuser for aromatherapy oils
- music
- new flavour hot (or cold) drinks to try such as new herbal teas or coffees
- a secret snack stash (healthy or not)
- something tactile like a soft throw or a fidget toy
Get 1% more comfortable…
- a new mouse mat or a mouse you like
- wrist rest/mouse rest
- glare protector
- foot rest (cushion or yoga bolster can work, too)
- headphones that suit your ears
- eye mist and glasses that help filter blue light
- a water bottle
- cleaning products for your workspace, i.e. eco wipes, disinfectant, screen cleaner
- find a window sill or high shelf you can use as a place to have meetings with your laptop or a sit stand desk or desk shelf
Step away from your screens
- an alarm or similar that reminds you to take regular screen breaks
- a physical reminder to go to a different room/downstairs/outside
- cushioned slippers or shoes (particularly handy for standing desks)
- a paper planner/diary you can use away from the screen to think/plan
- a lunch date/appointment with someone away from your desk
- plant care
- play with your pet