In the Catalyst office, you will find a group of hard-working individuals, from developers to designers. From those who spend copious amounts of time behind their computer screens coding software, to those who are in client meetings for the bulk of their day. But how can we all feel more relaxed and focused at work?
Put Down Technology
Seems like an odd suggestion, given we are an IT company, right? However, there are negative consequences of spending too much time on our phones, tablets, and computers. During working hours and when meeting tight and important deadlines, it may not be possible to remove yourself from the world of technology. But when you get home from work, kick your shoes off and take some time for yourself, allow yourself some time where you are not on your phone or crafting an email. Connect with those who are surrounding you, be it your partner or kids or a group of friends who you are enjoying a drink in the pub after a long working week.
Social Events and Relaxation
Inside the walls of Catalyst, there are social events that encourage people to step away from their desks on occasion – our weekly Friday afternoon social gathering is an event that many look forward to. We have board games and packs of playing cards at hand for a post-workday games night. Even in a technologically fast-paced world, the newspaper is right by the coffee machine. We encourage staff to make a coffee and take a seat on the couch to read over the latest daily news.
Release Endorphins with Exercise
Take care of your body, it is the only place you have to live in. Living busy lives, we often easily find excuses as to why we can't fit in exercise. It is unlikely you will be able to hit the gym for hours a day, but how about going for a 20-minute brisk walk around the block in your lunch break? How about getting off the bus a stop or two early and walking the remainder of your travel? How about signing up to a sports team? If you struggle to fit these suggestions in then make it the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning. Bring your alarm time forward by just 20 minutes. You can fit in some squats, press-ups, sit-ups, crunches, and a plank – bonus, it will cost you nothing other than a little less sleep. Exercise releases endorphins, helps clear the mind, enhances your focus and is a great stress reducer.
Embracing Physical Activity at Catalyst
Whether you are into solo sports or team sports, at Catalyst we offer both. We have a weekly yoga class amongst other options. We encourage our staff to be active and keep fit. It is not uncommon to have a developer heading up the lift on a bicycle. We are always keen to hear about employees' adventures when it comes to sporting achievements. Plus, living in the capital, all you need to do is step out of the office and you are only a short stroll away from the Wellington waterfront. We all know the saying, “You can't beat Wellington on a good day”. It is free, it is beautiful and it is a great place for a lunchtime power walk.
Prioritise Sleep
If you want to boost your productivity, don't skimp on sleep. Sleep is involved in the healing and repairing of your heart and blood vessels. Ongoing sleep deficiency is also linked to the increase of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, and lots of other “badies”. Without enough sleep, your brain cannot function at 100%. That's why when you are tired you do silly things like putting the milk in the pantry! While you sleep, your mind and body recover from the day's hard work (be it mentally and/or physically).
Supporting Rest at Catalyst
At Catalyst, we understand that sometimes life gets in the way of a good night's sleep. In the Catalyst office, we have a dedicated “nap room”. We believe it is more productive to take a twenty-minute power nap if feeling jaded, rather than sitting at your desk, trying to concentrate while feeling sleepy. Of course, coffee helps too – and at Catalyst, we run on a lot of coffee thanks to our barista coffee machines in our onsite cafes.
Connect with Nature
You don’t need to go to a remote beach or climb to the top of a mountain to get the effects of nature. The closest park or coastal walk will do just fine. Get amongst the sun rays, breathe in the fresh crisp New Zealand air and allow the rugged wilderness to lift your mood and energy levels. Incorporate an outdoor activity each Sunday. If it is raining or cold, rug up and continue as planned.
Prioritise Personal Time
Be it at work or at home, we are often pulled in many different directions as we are part of a team of people or family unit. Make it your mission to do something completely for yourself each week; be it reading a book, soaking in the spa, doing some gardening or enjoying a game of rugby with your mates each Saturday. You can only be the best you when you have allowed yourself time to rejuvenate.
Matt Mullenweg once said, “In the morning, I have aspirations. One of my goals is to avoid looking at the computer or checking my e-mail for at least an hour after I wake up”. Why don't you give that a go?