Do you often find yourself neglecting your well-being due to work constraints? You are not alone. According to a Michigan Association of Health study, only 26% of Americans prioritize well-being over work.
The truth is, neglecting well-being actually undercuts productivity and spikes stress levels. We’re here to share a few easy, science-backed tweaks to help you enhance focus, boost productivity, and improve your overall health.
The Overlooked Connection Between Health and Productivity
In our always-on culture, it's easy to overlook the link between personal well-being and workplace productivity. However, scientific evidence shows that investing in a few daily wellness practices actually improves work output. Consider the following:
- Hydration Increases Energy: If you need more encouragement to drink up, this study from Healthline discusses ways hydrating can boost energy levels and brain function.
- Movement Yields a Cognitive Boost: This Harvard Business Review article “To Improve Your Work Performance, Get Some Exercise” highlights how even short bursts of exercise, such as walking, can lead to clearer thinking and better problem-solving.
- Mindfulness Practices Enhance Creativity: In this National Library of Medicine study titled “Mindfulness and creativity: Implications for thinking and learning,” researchers point to how small mindfulness practices, such as gratitude sessions, can reduce stress.
- Dedicated Workspaces Decrease Mental Clutter: Having an established workspace yields more productive results; however, occasionally moving one’s workspace can boost mood, productivity, focus, and lead to more social interaction.
- Seek Out Light: A study by Cornell University shows that people working in close proximity to natural light reported less fatigue, eye strain, and headache symptoms.
This isn’t rocket science. It’s also not always easy to adopt habits that improve well being. The key: simple daily rituals.
Daily Rituals for Enhanced Well-being and Focus
No need for a complete routine overhaul! A few tweaks is all you need to integrate health-improving rituals into your daily practice. Here are a few ideas:
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Morning Stretch: A lemon-water followed by a quick morning stretching routine can do wonders to loosen muscles, boost digestion and enhance mood.
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Lunch Walk: A short walk in a nearby neighborhood or green area can reduce stress hormones and enhance mental focus, rejuvenating you for the afternoon's tasks.
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Afternoon Breathing: A 5-minute deep breathing session helps lower stress levels and refocuses the mind, countering the afternoon slump in energy and concentration.
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Evening Gratitude: 5 minutes of gratitude visualization before bed, such as three things you were grateful for during the day, can do wonders for stress reduction.
Even adopting just one of these rituals can begin to enhance your overall well-being, enabling you to experience noticeable improvements in your focus and productivity throughout your workday.
How Gather Addresses Workplace Wellness Challenges
At Gather, we recognize that well-being and productivity go hand-in-hand, which is why we’ve designed all our seven locations throughout Virginia with wellness in mind.
- Light & Hydration: Our coworking locations feature high windows that flood the spaces with sunlight, indoor-outdoor areas such as roof decks for a refreshing change of scenery, and hydration stations throughout, with common areas equipped with fruit-infused water to offer a healthy vitamin boost and a variety of teas and coffee.
- Mindfulness and Movement: Every Gather location is conveniently situated near exercise studios and fitness centers, with varying amenities that include showers, and a dedicated wellness room for meditation, nursing, or simply enjoying a quiet moment alone—ideal for recharging even on the busiest days.
- Dedicated Workspaces with Variety: Whether you require a secluded, quiet office to focus, a sunny nook for a change of pace, or a dynamic common area for networking and socializing, our flexible workspace solutions offer secure, personalized areas while allowing the freedom to adjust your surroundings as your work demands evolve, supporting both productivity and mental well-being.
Gather Workspaces aren’t your standard coworking locations; they’re designed with wellness and productivity in mind, helping you to not only meet your professional goals but also enhance your overall quality of life.
Ready to upgrade your workday wellness? Book a tour.