Do you feel like your life is dominated by work? Does the repetitive routine bore you to the point of wanting to quit? If so, you are not alone. A lot of people experience such a feeling, and it can be detrimental to both your personal and professional life. Boring and repetitive work can lead to depression and even job burnout, which can adversely affect your work performance, your relationships, and your overall physical and mental health.

However, quitting your job is not always the solution, especially if you have a chance to grow with the company you work for. The good news is that there are several hacks that you can adopt to help you rise above a boring routine and become more productive, happy, and relaxed at work.

1. Start the day with exercise

Regular exercise is good for your brain. It improves your memory, overall thinking skills, and even your social skills. Engage in aerobic exercise that gets your heart pumping and blood flowing, and you’ll find yourself remembering little details at work, especially conversational details. Regular exercise also helps to relieve stress and improve your overall physical health.

2. Take a different route to work

Taking a different route to work is a simple way to exercise your brain’s memory-building skill. Try a route you’ve never taken before, and one that challenges you. This way, you’ll build new landmarks in your brain, and your memory and problem-solving skills will improve.

3. Hack your desk

Adjusting your desk can have a significant impact on improving productivity. Create a new desk out of bookshelves and a door, and use the shelves to store essential items. Consider adding a table to create an L-shaped space for more workspace. If you have a low stool or a sturdy stack of books, place your monitor on top of it to create a DIY standing desk. Personalize your workspace with knick-knacks that showcase your personality, and use a workspace planning tool to make your desk more ergonomically friendly.

4. Adjust your station’s lighting and colors

Light and color can have a profound effect on your psyche. Blue light makes you more alert and productive, while green light makes you more relaxed and sleepy. The color blue is also associated with logic, rationality, and alertness. Consider adding a little blue to your workstation and see what it does for you.

5. Talk to someone you’ve never talked to

If you work in a small workplace, it may seem as if you have talked to everyone, but there will always be someone new to talk to. Having new conversations allows you to expand your social horizons and improve your social skills, both of which benefit your work performance and overall health.

6. Eat something different

Variation in your diet is key to long-term health. If you eat the same thing at work every day, you won’t be healthy in the long term, especially if you consume processed foods. Make a point of trying something new from time to time. While it may be more expensive, it can motivate you to work harder, make more money, and enjoy a healthier life.

7. Try a pleasant scent

Pleasant scents can create a positive work-related memory, especially if you are more likely to associate the scent with your work. Consider using scented candles, plants, or balms. Please ensure the scent is not one that your coworkers dislike.

8. Learn a new word

If you make an effort to learn new vocabulary, you exercise the parts of the brain responsible for hearing and movement. Involving a coworker can make the process more fun.

9. Take a walk

Walking is great for promoting brain health, especially walking in nature. Studies have shown that walking for 40 minutes, three times a week, can result in similar benefits to those of aerobic exercise. Walking can help to improve your hippocampus, enhance your circulation, and help you to feel more relaxed and refreshed.

10. Learn an instrument when you get home

Instead of mindlessly watching TV or surfing the internet after work, learn to play a musical instrument. Musical training helps to improve memory, spatial reasoning, and language skills. Learning an instrument can also create a whole new social nexus of musicians, and it’s a great way to unwind from the day’s stress and forget about work for a while.

In Conclusion

Incorporating these ten hacks into your work routine can help you rise above the monotony of your work life. Starting the day with exercise, changing your route to work, and adjusting your workspace’s lighting and furniture can help improve your physical and mental health. Personalizing your workspace and trying new things can help you feel more excited about work. Engaging in conversations, trying new foods, and learning new words and skills can help you to expand your social and intellectual horizons. Finally, learning to play a musical instrument or engaging in other hobbies can help you to de-stress and forget about work for a while.