Productivity isn’t just about time management — it’s deeply influenced by your physical environment, body posture, and sensory inputs. Dr. Andrew Huberman, one of my favourite neuroscientists on God's green Earth, has shared valuable insights into how small adjustments to your workspace can lead to enhanced focus, creativity, and alertness.
In one of his episodes, Dr. Huberman broke down the science behind these factors, offering actionable tips for anyone seeking to maximize their work output. I won't be sharing the entire block of information worth nearly two hours of podcast, but I sure will be listing some relevant points to illustrate the true complexity of productivity beyond simply wanting really hard to stretch the time that's given to us.
• Lighting: The Key to Phased Focus — Dr. Huberman emphasizes the importance of adjusting lighting based on the phase of your workday. This shift in lighting mimics natural daylight patterns and can enhance cognitive function, allowing your brain to transition seamlessly between intense focus and creativity.
• Body Posture and Workspace Arrangement: Your physical posture plays a pivotal role in your ability to maintain focus. Dr. Huberman notes that alternating between sitting and standing can help prevent fatigue and keep your brain engaged. Additionally, he suggests that the arrangement of your workspace should be tailored to the type of work you're doing. Creative work thrives in open, spacious environments (a concept known as the "Cathedral Effect"), while analytic work benefits from more confined spaces.
• The "45-minute work, 5-minute break" Rule: It helps maintain focus without overtaxing your cognitive resources. Regular movement, like brief stretching or walking, can further boost your productivity and prevent the mental fog that comes with prolonged inactivity.
• The Impact of Sound: Dr. Huberman explores the effects of sound on productivity, citing research that shows how ambient noise can either enhance or hinder cognitive function. This sound-based tool can create an optimal environment for learning and working, without the distractions typical of traditional background noise.
While personal productivity is important, businesses can also benefit from optimizing processes. Lean Consulting Solutions can help with areas like supply chain and manufacturing, where efficiency is key and has a significant impact on productivity at an organizational level. By streamlining operations, implementing lean practices, and managing projects effectively, your company can improve their overall performance and bottom line. Contact us NOW to get your first Discovery Session at no cost!
To learn more about how you can enhance your workspace and productivity, we highly recommend checking out Dr. Huberman's episode— and honestly the entirety of his work —where he dives into the science of these optimizations and other tools.
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