#co.lab tips

[colabph]

co.lab Tips: Try The Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique

Our coworker, Ray Velez, has been giving us gems of great music to start our day or help keep us productive. Today though, he shared with us the Pomodoro Technique. 

The Pomodoro Technique will help you manage your time and get the most out of it. This reminded me of one of our previous posts about looking away from the computer every 20 minutes for 20 seconds as to not cause strain on your eyes, but this is more about getting your work DONE. Check the link above for more info on how you can utilize this technique and how it can help your productivity!

[colabph]

co.lab Tips: Computer Vision Syndrome THERAPY!

This is the era where the majority of people we know (including ourselves) are on a computer. Whether it is to stay connected through social media, exchange private emails or work, computers/laptops/tablets have become part of our daily lives. 

If you are on the computer for a few hours at time, you may develop CVS or Computer Vision Syndrome. This syndrome may create some uncomfortable symptoms such as headaches, neck pains and blurry vision. BLAH!

But have no fear, co.lab is here! (Haha)

A tip we've heard a few times is the 20-20-20 rule. For every 20 minutes that you've had your eyes glued on a computer screen, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps readjust your eyes!

The tricky part is, when one is so immersed in their work (or scouring youtube for entertaining videos) it's difficult to remember every 20 minutes to do that. We've yet to find a handy interval timer you can download (perhaps someone computer savvy could hook that up for us?! *wink*) but here's a site that has the perfect timer: http://timerdoro.com/#. You can just keep a browser open while you get to work :) 

[colabph]

co.lab Tips: It's Okay to Say No

When you're good at what you do, you'll get to a point where everyone's asking you to do this and that.. and sometimes you'll feel (especially if you're new to the surplus of requests) to oblige. What tends to happen when you're always accepting is that you spread yourself thin which will reflect in your work - and you should never jeopardize your work/product/service! So know your limit and say no if you really can't fit another project into your schedule.  A great and easy way to say "No":

"I'm sorry, but I have a lot of projects I'm working on at the moment. I won't be able to work on anything new until (insert estimated time here). Would we be able to work then?" 

[colabph]

co.lab Tips: Take Your Lunch Break

At times it gets difficult to un-glue yourself from your laptop and your desk chair, etc. But when it's time to take your lunch, TAKE IT!

Some research shows that working through lunch may decrease productivity. The break you take during lunch - paired with a healthy meal - will give you the energy and pick-up you may need to stay productive. Skipping lunch and opting for x-name energy drink with a bag of chips doesn't give you the proper nutrients your body and brain needs to stay alert and energized either.

So be sure to take your lunch! After, you'll feel refreshed and ready to get back to work! :) 

[colabph]

Good read, great tip!

[colabph]

co.lab Tips: Two Heads are Better Than One!

Sharing ideas and getting feedback on a project you're working on can and will help a lot with it's outcome. Perspectives are important! You may be viewing your work from one angle but what about the other 359° angles in the circle? That's a lot of suggestions you can get to improving your work! So ask! Ask a coworker, a friend, a family member. Ask someone who you feel you can get criticism from and not feel offended by, to give you some feedback. It may open your eyes to something bigger and better!

[colabph]

co.lab Tips: Get Unstuck!

Often times we tend to get "stuck" in the middle of our work. The most common expression we hear when it comes to that stuck feeling is probably "Writer's block". But that stuckness (if you would allow me to invent a word) happens in all types of industries - whether you're a writer or not. Here are some things to keep in mind when you wanna Get Unstuck:

Acknowledge that you are indeed stuck. Awareness is the first step to most problems! Once you acknowledge it, you can address it head on.

Relax. Don't beat yourself up because your mind's blank. The more you stress about something, the harder it gets to focus on it.

Clear your mind. Now a blank mind and a clear mind are two different things. Haha. Inhale, exhale. A little meditation may do you some good!

Last but not least, GO BACK TO YOUR WORK. Getting stuck, especially for creative minds, tends to discourage us to even finish our work. But it is necessary for you to push through and finish the job!

Oh yeah, smile. Always smile.

[colabph]

co.lab Tips: Down In The Dumps Coworker

You've probably seen it before. A coworker down in the dumps for reasons unknown. And since it IS the workplace, you don't want to be too nosy. If you aren't that close to this coworker, rather than bringing up their gloomy mood - which could potentially make them feel worse - do something to make them smile :) Or better yet, laugh! :D

Here are some suggestions:

Leave a sticky note on their desk with a joke.

Sketch a quick silly drawing of them. (Best if you are either really artistic or can't draw worth squat).

Buy them a chocolate bar. (Chocolate contains several "feel good" chemicals that can make you... well... feel good).

Smile.