How To Make Hard Work Feel As Easy As Walking

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Optimize Your Work Environment for Increased Productivity

Step 1: Set up your main working environment for sitting, standing, and walking

1. Standing Desk Setup:

   • Invest in a standing desk to improve spine posture and access to the Flow State.
   • Standing temporarily enhances focus and productivity.
   • Research shows that standing while working reduces fatigue and stress, promoting better oxygen and nutrient delivery to the brain.
   • Recommended ratio: Stand for 50% of your total work time.
   • Use a motion board to prevent leg cramps and maintain good posture.

2. Walking Breaks:

   • Incorporate walking breaks into your work routine.
   • Walk for 25% of your total work time.
   • Consider using a treadmill desk for a seamless transition between walking and working.
   • Take walking meetings to boost creativity and reduce perceived effort.

3. Sitting Breaks:

   • Limit sitting to 25% of your total work time.
   • Use an exercise or stability ball as an alternative to sitting.
   • Change positions frequently to reset perceived effort and combat fatigue.

Step 2: Set up three additional working environments for variety and novelty

1. Create Distinct Workspaces:

   • Establish three different work environments with fixed setups.
   • Ensure each workspace is free from distractions and easy to transition into.
   • Rotate between these environments to reset perceived effort and induce a sense of autonomy and control.

2. Maximize Novelty:

   • Vary your work environment to combat fatigue and enhance focus.
   • Avoid full-fledged offices in multiple locations to maintain novelty.
   • Switch between environments every 10 minutes to keep your mind engaged and reset perceived effort levels.

3. Event-Based Work Approach:

   • Treat each block of work as a separate event.
   • View each change in environment as the start of a new focus event.
   • Embrace the idea of uninterrupted blocks of focus and flow in different workspaces.

Step 3: Implement breaks that boost dopamine and enhance productivity

1. Take Dopamine-Boosting Breaks:
   • Opt for breaks that boost dopamine levels instead of depleting them.
   • Incorporate short breaks that involve physical movement or novelty to recharge your brain.
   • Avoid monotonous breaks that hinder productivity and creativity.

By following these steps, you can optimize your work environment for increased productivity, reduce perceived effort, and enhance your overall work performance. Remember to prioritize movement, novelty, and environment changes to maximize your efficiency and achieve a state of flow in your work.