How can you make your work healthier?
I'm not going to talk about the "longevity" trend.
I'm talking about simple, practical hints that can make your life and work a little better.
Here are a few things that have improved my daily routine as a social media manager (sedentary work):
No electronics first thing in the morning – otherwise, I'll end up spending the next two hours scrolling Reels, checking emails, reading articles, and getting distracted.
A 15 – 30 minute walk in the morning – to get some sunlight and vitamin D, especially since I've been dealing with hair loss.
Changing my working position throughout the day – a standing desk and sometimes even working while lying on my stomach in the sphinx pose to give my back a break.
Working on a laptop instead of my phone – constantly staring at a tiny screen isn't doing my eyes any favours, it is better to have a big screen.
Alternating work with physical activity – luckily, I have a flexible schedule, so after a couple of hours, I'll get up to exercise or do something away from the screen.
What small habit has helped you stay focused and also take better care of your body?
Replies
Amazing @busmark_w_nika For me, it's blocking the first hour of the day for deep work before opening Slack, LinkedIn, or email. That one habit has probably saved me more hours than any productivity tool.
but will surely plan a detailed list, to feel more in control
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@arshita_sharma I am happy that another person is aware of how important it is to focus since the morning :)
Scarlett.
For me the biggest improvement has been creating clearer boundaries around work.
1. Spending time with my family helps me disconnect and recharge.
2. I also try to check my phone only at specific times instead of reacting to every notification throughout the day.
3. Another thing that helps is working in dedicated blocks for different tasks. When each type of work has its own time slot, it becomes much easier to stay focused and avoid constantly switching between things.
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@byalexai how much time do you spend over work daily?
The "phone in another room" idea is something I started doing recently too. I used to keep it face-down on my desk, but I'd still end up checking every notification.
One thing that's helped me is blocking out an hour where I only work on one problem before looking at messages or emails. I get a lot more done than when I'm constantly switching contexts.
It's funny how the biggest productivity improvements often come from changing habits rather than buying new tools.
@pranay19 Nice! Simple habit, but surprisingly effective.
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@vijaykanna56 It is cool with phones, but what about laptops? Because 95% of my work is done there :D
I love the 'go for a walk'/'work on yourself' type suggestions - but I personally really struggle to do that if I have a to-do list looming, it'll occupy my mind and I get frustrated as opposed to calm.
I often need to get one achievement ticked off, one thing from the list DONE before I can start to orchestrate the rest of the day better. It's like an itch otherwise.
Saying that, if you can, I completely agree. Some of my best brain waves have come whilst doing exercise etc. It's a road hump I wish I could navigate better. Physical activity is undeniably a wonder-drug when it comes to productivity if you can get disciplined with it.
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@danielboardman the thing is that when I do not have anything to do, I always create something because I like to have my mind busy. I think that I have a workaholic problem. :D
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@pranay19 I am trying to optimise my life just by doing what I love! :)
I'm grateful I have a beautiful backyard and gardens that I can enjoy. I take a few small breaks throughout the day - I take the dogs out with me, go feed the chickens, harvest some veggies, and enjoy the sunshine :)
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@anna_ludwinowski This is not so often (in my circles at least), and I honestly admire anybody who has these hobbies :)
@busmark_w_nika Love this list! It turns out we have quite a few habits in common))
Like you, I avoid small screens whenever possible - I work either on my PC or with my laptop connected to a large monitor. I find it much easier to stay focused and navigate everything without getting frustrated.
I'm also a big believer in balancing work with movement. I spend about 1.5 hours a day exercising, and although it takes time away from work, I'm far more productive during the hours I do work.
Another one I'd add is staying hydrated. Having a big glass of water next to my keyboard helps me stay focused throughout the day.
I never scroll social media - not before bed, not after waking up, and not during the workday.
Protecting my sleep quality is another non-negotiable for me.
It's interesting how many of these "small" habits end up having such a big impact.
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@adana To be honest... I scroll a lot, but what can I do? Scrolling is a part of my job? :DD
Love this! One small habit that has helped me is taking short movement breaks between focused work sessions. It helps me avoid getting stuck in front of the screen for hours and usually makes me come back with better focus.
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@stephanie_t0317 They are the best for refreshing our minds! :D :)
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@new_user___15220260fd153a4893b7802 GL with the building! :)
One habit that's made a real difference for me is designing my work so I don't have to rely on willpower.
Every 60 to 90 minutes, I get up, walk for a few minutes, refill my water, and let my eyes focus on something far away. It only takes a few minutes, but it helps prevent that mental fog that quietly builds up during long hours at a desk.
I've also found that automation is surprisingly good for health. The fewer repetitive tasks I have to do, the fewer hours I spend glued to a screen. Saving even 30 minutes a day adds up to more movement, less stress, and better focus.
I'm always looking for practical ideas that are easy to stick with. What's one habit you've adopted that gave you the biggest improvement with the least amount of effort?
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@md_khayruzzaman I need to start practising that too – that thing with having a look in the distance. Because I am pretty blind from constant starting at the screen :D