5 Ways to Boost Your Workday Productivity That Aren't Caffeine

Hello, you. Monday morning rolled around again, and you're feeling as sprightly as a sack of potatoes? We get it. There's just something about the start of the week that can feel a little daunting; especially if productivity is low after a weekend of doing, well, not much.

Thankfully, besides running an excessive amount of pods through the Nespresso, there are ways you can boost your productivity for the work week ahead, sans nervous breakdown from caffeine. Here are some of our favourites.

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Sleep, Sleep, Sleep

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Find it hard to tear yourself away from Netflix each night? Chances are, it's having an effect on your productivity. One of the best ways to boost your work efficacy is to go to bed early. When you get enough sleep, you're more likely to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day ahead, no matter what Steve from HR throws at you.

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If you find it hard to make bedtime a priority, you can make it more enticing. Try taking a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to calming music in the evenings to help you wind down.

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Waking with the Sun

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Night owls you won't like this one, but one of the best ways to boost your workday productivity is to wake up with the sun! When we wake with the sun, our bodies release a hormone called cortisol, which helps to wake you up and prepare you for the day ahead. Cortisol also helps to regulate your blood sugar levels, which can help to improve your focus and concentration for the onslaught of emails coming your way.

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In addition, waking up with the sun can help to improve your mood and energy levels. When you get enough sunlight your body produces more serotonin, helping to improve your sleep quality and further boost your productivity. If sunrises aren't temptation enough, surely serotonin is?

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Morning Movement

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One of the best ways to boost your workday productivity is to exercise before work - we know, easier said than done. However it might be worth the extra effort. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting and stress-relieving effects. This can help you feel more positive and energised, which can make it easier to focus and get work done.

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The best thing is, it doesn't need to be gruelling - or long. Even a short workout, such as a brisk walk or a 10-minute yoga routine is enough to get all the brain benefits.

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Brain Food

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Look, we're not suggesting going full Popeye. But trust us on this - protein in the morning boosts brain function.

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that people who ate a high-protein breakfast had better cognitive function and mood than those who ate a low-protein breakfast. If you're running on caffeine alone; you're doing yourself a disservice.

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Make Your Workspace Pleasant

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We know you know, but your mounting pile of papers and calendar stuck on March isn't helping your brain to focus at your desk. Our brains react to clutter and mess more than you might think. One of the best ways to boost your workday productivity is to keep your workspace aesthetically pleasing.

Don't think it can make a difference? A study by the University of Exeter found that employees who worked in an environment that was decorated with plants and artwork were 17% more productive than those who worked in spaces that were functional but bare. Another study by the Harvard Business School found that employees who were allowed to personalise their workspace were 32% more productive than employees who worked in bare spaces.

We're just saying, look after your workspace and it’ll look after you.

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Now go get 'em, tiger

Truth is, we all face slumps from time to time. Sometimes, they're beyond our control. But more often than not, by instilling practices that benefit our mind and body; we can start to boost our productivity at work and beyond.

Which of these 5 tips are you implementing first?