Things to do when you are bored at work (but don't tell the boss!)
We've all been there...
Most people work between seven and eight hours a day, but when we’re waiting for a response to a message or can’t move forward on a project, we often have time to kill.
Read more: China moves to curb and censor rare, nationwide protests
Here's five ways to keep yourself occupied...
1. Learn a new language
We used to have to take classes to learn new languages, but now we can use our phones.
Several easy-to-use applications have been created to help us learn a foreign language or improve our language skills.
If you're bored at work, why not join Duolingo?
Read more: Popular app Duolingo has added isiZulu to its list of languages you can learn
With over 300-million users, it’s one of the most popular applications on earth.
Indeed, Duolingo saw its heyday during the first periods of confinement prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, so that's proof it's one of the best things to do when you're bored.
2. Do a light workout
Several very effective strength-training exercises do not require being outside or having a large space.
'Self' is a YouTube channel featuring easy weight-training videos you can follow while sitting at your desk.
Also on YouTube, 'Desk Yoga' teaches work-friendly yoga poses.
3. Take online quizzes
Online quizzes are often thought of as entertaining, but they can also offer help and professional guidance.
Adobe, for instance, has developed a quiz called, Creative Types.
Fifteen questions assess your habits and interests to help you identify your creative personality.
Similarly, taking a simplified version of the Myers-Briggs 16 personalities psychological test could offer a good way to articulate your personality traits.
In fact, targeting your strengths and identifying which personality types you’re most compatible with could help you at work.
To access thousands of online quizzes and tests, visit the website Sporcle.
4. Clean up your email inbox
Sorting through your emails will not only help you be more organised, but may also uncover important information that you thought was lost and weed out unnecessary messages to gain more storage space.
On another note, sorting through emails and unsubscribing from unwanted mailing lists is good for the planet.
Indeed, running the servers linked to our email inboxes requires a lot of energy, and sending one message consumes on average 4g of CO2e.
5. Take a walk
Research from the UK shows that taking several short walks during the day could boost physical and mental energy while reducing anxiety.
In addition to the physical and psychological benefits of walking, research conducted at Stanford University in California concluded that walking, whether indoors or out, stimulates creativity.
MORE ON EAST COAST RADIO:
Main image attribution: Unsplash