Confucius makes a good point – if you love your job it doesn’t always seem so much like work. But what about those slumps, bumps, and slow-as-molasses moments we all encounter? For many people, difficult or unpleasant tasks can make the workday seem to drag on forever! This week, we thought we would put out some ideas for improving productivity and enjoyment of the “daily grind” for our followers.

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” – Confucius

Tip #1: Take a step back, and gain some perspective.

Sometimes tasks can be overwhelming when we fail to notice the progress being made every day. Being buried in the work can make it seem larger than it is – so take some time to step back and look at what you have accomplished so far. You will most likely find that you have accomplished more than you realized. That kind of realization can sometimes provide the best motivation for moving forward with those tough tasks.

Tip #2: Try rearranging the order of your work activities!

Routines can be comforting, but they can also create boredom – so if your afternoons are constantly dragging, try changing up the order of your workday. You may even find that a different configuration is more efficient for you.

Tip #3: Stand up!

If you find yourself yawning, drifting off, or getting glassy-eyed, stand up and walk around your office. The movement increases blood flow to your entire body including your brain! Walk to the water cooler for a drink, deliver a file you would normally wait for someone else to pick up, or even step outside for a breath of fresh air.

Tip #4: Do some quick stretches.

This will alert your body to the fact that you are not trying to nap! Much like tip number three, stretching will increase blood flow throughout your body, causing a “wake-up” effect that will help you remain alert. The bonus? You can remain at your desk.

Tip #5: Grab a snack!

Bear with me here, I know this may go against your instincts, but sometimes your body just needs a little “pick-me-up” to get through the afternoon. Try busting out some healthy snacks like fresh fruit, mixed nuts, or even juice. Particularly if you take an early lunch, your body may be craving nutrition well before those dinner plans at 7 pm!

Tip #6: Take Five

The pressures of today’s work environment may create pressure to be always on the go or make short breaks seem unnecessary. However, when your brain is forced to focus on a single problem for too long you may lose the ability to look at the problem from a new angle. Let your mind have a break! Think about your next vacation, your kids, or your plans for the evening for five minutes, and let your brain have a little fun time. Afterward, you may find that the problem that was swallowing your day or week or month doesn’t seem so big anymore.

Tip #7: Keep it going

If you find yourself avoiding a task or taking frequent breaks from it, you may need to just buckle down and finish it! The sense of accomplishment you get when that tough task is completed will propel you forward on your next task or project.

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