The Thinker. Image from Wikimedia Commons.
By Kim Kalunian, WPRO News
Summer is a notorious time for zoning out, slacking off and wishing you were at the beach instead of at your desk. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. We’ve got some tips to help you increase your focus, productivity and creativity for the summer and beyond.
Color connection
Research has found that looking at certain colors can help with focus and creativity. Studies say that looking at red boosts attention to detail, while blue and green open people’s minds and make them more creative. The thought is that blue and green are colors we associate with nature, the sky and the ocean…expansive space, expansive minds!
Mozart magic
Listening to music at work can actually be a distraction, unless it’s the right type of music. Research says music with lyrics can pull our focus from the task at hand, but instrumental music – classical in particular – can enhance mental performance.
Chew, chew, chew
Studies have found that chewing gum isn’t just good for blowing bubbles, it also improves accuracy, reaction times and memorization. Chewing gum increases oxygen flow to the brain, which means better brain performance. Pretending to chew gum, however, doesn’t have the same effect.
Look absurd
Well, don’t look absurd…look at something absurd. A study found that looking at surreal or abstract art between tasks helps the brain recharge. The theory behind this is: the mind is always looking to make sense of things, so looking at something that doesn’t make sense puts the brain into temporary overdrive. Instant jolt of creativity!
Coffitivity
This website provides the ambiance of a coffee shop, without the coffee. Visit Coffitivity.com for an endless stream of coffee shop noises. Research shows that this type of ambient noise boosts productivity and focus, so you can get your latte to go.
Reward yourself
Once you’ve finished a task, go ahead, look at that list of adorable animals. Letting the brain relax, and giving yourself a reward is always a good thing. This website, writtenkitten.net, rewards you with a picture of a cute kitten every time you reach a new goal.
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Kim Kalunian
