Over the past few weeks, we’ve been posting various tips on social media to make your way of working more brain-friendly. We have now collected all our tips so far here below.
Focus on one thing at a time
- Nowadays you often have to multitask – but it’s hard for the brain, especially if it’s continuous.
- Reserve 1-2 hours for uninterrupted work a day, so you can focus on one task at a time.
Take mini-breaks
- Do you feel like you don’t have time for breaks? Taking mini-breaks doesn’t take much time – and it won’t reduce productivity, quite the opposite! The more energetic you feel, the more productive you’ll be.
- Close your eyes and take deep breaths between different tasks.
Try mindfulness exercises
- Many people are aware of the benefits of mindfulness training but may find it hard to get started.
- Link relaxation with certain locations and certain times. Do mindfulness exercises after your meetings or lectures, for example.
- Choose exercises that suit you and that relax your overactive brain. Good ideas include listening to relaxation recordings, physical exercise and working with your hands.
Remember that your brain needs daily and weekly variety
- It’s good for the brain to take breaks from working. Take time off during your day at work to go for a short walk, for example.
- Discuss brain-healthy ways of working with your colleagues or fellow students.
- Take time off working for recovery.
Get enough sleep and eat brain-friendly foods
- Lack of sleep will rapidly impair your brain function, ability to concentrate, memory and creativity. Sleep is the most powerful and cheapest way to improve your brain health.
- The brain needs healthy fats to work well; eat fish 2 to 3 times a week.
- Eat regularly, as it keeps your blood sugar and energy levels steady.
- Choose colourful vegetables!
We will talk more about cognitive ergonomics on Wednesday 22 March 2023 at 2pm on the FSHS day, when we will organize a webinar called Armoa aivoille via YouTube.
The brain researcher, professor Minna Huotilainen lectures on cognitive ergonomics. The webinar is organized in Finnish. You can join the webinar via the front page of the FSHS YouTube channel or via a direct link.
