Although our typical British weather is proving to be temperamental right now, Spring is finally here. A new season brings a new, more positive mindset, longer days and all the focus we need to succeed. Spring is the perfect time to get rid of those winter blues and reset. In this blog, I will discuss ways in which Spring can help boost workplace performance, and why you should take full advantage of the new season!
Brighter days
With the clocks going forward in spring and the days becoming lighter for longer, this is no doubt a mood booster. Getting light in as early as possible during your day is so important, to wake you up and make you alert. As the days are lighter for longer, there’s less dull and gloomy weather to get you down. So, no more excuses. Lighter days can boost your mood and happiness. A study at Warwick University found that happiness can boost someone’s productivity by 12%. Therefore, motivation and productivity are automatically positively affected by these lighter days.
Energised earlier
Similar to the above, as you’re waking up to a brighter day than during the winter, it gives you that motivation to have a good day. Also, if you sleep with the natural light and wake up with it, you gain more time to be productive in the mornings before work. Utilise this time wisely, don’t lay around in bed, but get ready, make a nutritious breakfast, tidy that worktop that you would usually put off. Take advantage of this extra time in the morning to get organised for the day. This again will only lead to a better rest of your day, with improved mood and increased productivity.
Nicer weather
The sun is shining for longer, so there is no excuse to not get out into some fresh air. Whether that’s eating your breakfast in the garden, a lunchtime stroll away from your desk, or taking the dog for a walk. Getting in that Vitamin D from the sun is so important. So, sunnier days are the perfect reason for you to get away from your desk, switch off and reset your brain. This can help you wind down and refocus your energies back at work properly. Employers should do their best to encourage getting fresh air on breaks or lunches, as it has significant links to improvements in workplace performance.
Additionally, not only will employers see a boost in productivity, but you can personally make well-being improvements by stepping away from your desk. For more on well-being at work, this blog discusses our best tips on how to improve it.
Making the most of your time off in spring / summer
Holidays
Perhaps you have children who are on their Easter school holiday? Or if not, we have a few bank holidays during spring – so utilise them! Take them as your sign to have a full reset and spend time doing your hobbies, with your friends and family, or taking a short-break. Whatever you need to re-energise away from work, use these extra free days to your advantage. So, that you return to work fully rested and more productive.
There are also so many great ways you can spend your time of doing, that isn’t just resetting to go back to work again. For example, taking up gardening, reading a book whilst sat in the sunshine, exploring a national park, or booking a city break. Making the most of getting outside and in the fresh air will do wonders to your personal wellbeing and productivity. Also, you may find a new love for an activity by giving something different a go!.
Spring Cleaning
The first thing that comes to mind when we think of spring is the big spring clean. This counts for your workspace as well as your home. De-clutter, re-organise, maybe rearrange for more light exposure – but change your workspace! A revamp and a tidy up can do wonders to boost productivity and de-clutter not only your physical space but your mind as well.
New goals
With a new season, comes new goals. Take this ‘fresh start’ as a sign to reassess where you are, where you’ve come since the start of the year, and where you want to be. Have you been setting realistic and achievable goals? Or do they need to be changed? Re-prioritise and set some new goals going forwards.
Written by Ellie Pomfret, Marketing Assistant at the Eventus Recruitment Group. Follow us on LinkedIn for tips to enhance your career and latest job opportunities in Law, Legal Finance, Accountancy and Financial Services.