Ah, Wednesday. The day that sits smack dab in the middle of the workweek, often dragging its feet like a cat that's been asked to take a bath. But fear not! If your motivation is sagging like that forgotten bag of salad in the back of your fridge, it's time to give your mojo a much-needed boost. Here are five fun, neuroscience-backed ways to crank up your workplace motivation and turn Hump Day into Pump Day!
1. Dance It Out (Yes, Really!)
You don’t need to be a professional dancer to reap the benefits of moving to your favorite tunes. A quick dance break can do wonders for your motivation. How? When you dance, your brain releases a cocktail of feel-good chemicals like dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin. These neurotransmitters not only elevate your mood but also enhance focus and creativity. So, next time you feel the mid-week slump creeping in, crank up that playlist, shake it off, and watch your motivation skyrocket!
2. Snack Smart: Fuel Your Brain
Ever heard of the term "hangry"? It’s a real thing! Your brain consumes a whopping 20% of your daily energy intake, so it’s crucial to keep it well-fueled. Opt for snacks that provide a steady release of energy, like nuts, berries, or dark chocolate (yes, chocolate!). These foods are rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, which support brain function and keep you sharp. So, when that 3 PM slump hits, reach for a brain-boosting snack and power through your tasks with renewed zest.
3. Practice a Power Pose
Channel your inner superhero and strike a power pose! Research by social psychologist Amy Cuddy shows that standing in a confident, expansive posture (think Wonder Woman or Superman) for just two minutes can increase testosterone (the confidence hormone) and decrease cortisol (the stress hormone). This simple act can instantly boost your confidence and motivation, making you feel ready to tackle whatever challenges come your way. So, go ahead—stand tall, hands on hips, and own the room!
4. Gamify Your Day
Who says work can’t be fun? Turn your tasks into a game to keep your motivation levels high. Set small, achievable goals and reward yourself for hitting them. Whether it’s a 5-minute break for every hour of focused work or a special treat for completing a big project, these little rewards activate the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine and making you more eager to keep going. Plus, who doesn’t love a little friendly competition with themselves?
5. Connect and Collaborate
Humans are social creatures, and connecting with others can give your motivation a serious boost. When you collaborate with colleagues, your brain releases oxytocin, the "bonding hormone," which fosters trust, teamwork, and motivation. So, instead of going it alone, schedule a quick brainstorming session or coffee chat with a coworker. Sharing ideas and working together not only makes tasks more enjoyable but also sparks new inspiration and energy.
Conclusion
With these five fun and scientifically-backed strategies, you can turn your mid-week slump into a surge of motivation. So, dance, snack, pose, play, and connect your way to a more productive and energized week. Remember, a little boost to your workplace mojo can make all the difference in how you tackle the rest of your workweek!
Want a boost for your back to work routine? Join me starting Wednesday September 4th for a 30 day challenge where we’ll be working through Days 1-30 of the 90-Day Guide for Success TOGETHER. I’ll be dropping into your email every day with a quick booster and you are encouraged to follow along with either a copy of the book – or the DECKIBLE APP. I’ll be hosting live calls at the start and end of the week to create a pause and time to focus and share.
1. Dance It Out (Yes, Really!)
You don’t need to be a professional dancer to reap the benefits of moving to your favorite tunes. A quick dance break can do wonders for your motivation. How? When you dance, your brain releases a cocktail of feel-good chemicals like dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin. These neurotransmitters not only elevate your mood but also enhance focus and creativity. So, next time you feel the mid-week slump creeping in, crank up that playlist, shake it off, and watch your motivation skyrocket!
2. Snack Smart: Fuel Your Brain
Ever heard of the term "hangry"? It’s a real thing! Your brain consumes a whopping 20% of your daily energy intake, so it’s crucial to keep it well-fueled. Opt for snacks that provide a steady release of energy, like nuts, berries, or dark chocolate (yes, chocolate!). These foods are rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, which support brain function and keep you sharp. So, when that 3 PM slump hits, reach for a brain-boosting snack and power through your tasks with renewed zest.
3. Practice a Power Pose
Channel your inner superhero and strike a power pose! Research by social psychologist Amy Cuddy shows that standing in a confident, expansive posture (think Wonder Woman or Superman) for just two minutes can increase testosterone (the confidence hormone) and decrease cortisol (the stress hormone). This simple act can instantly boost your confidence and motivation, making you feel ready to tackle whatever challenges come your way. So, go ahead—stand tall, hands on hips, and own the room!
4. Gamify Your Day
Who says work can’t be fun? Turn your tasks into a game to keep your motivation levels high. Set small, achievable goals and reward yourself for hitting them. Whether it’s a 5-minute break for every hour of focused work or a special treat for completing a big project, these little rewards activate the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine and making you more eager to keep going. Plus, who doesn’t love a little friendly competition with themselves?
5. Connect and Collaborate
Humans are social creatures, and connecting with others can give your motivation a serious boost. When you collaborate with colleagues, your brain releases oxytocin, the "bonding hormone," which fosters trust, teamwork, and motivation. So, instead of going it alone, schedule a quick brainstorming session or coffee chat with a coworker. Sharing ideas and working together not only makes tasks more enjoyable but also sparks new inspiration and energy.
Conclusion
With these five fun and scientifically-backed strategies, you can turn your mid-week slump into a surge of motivation. So, dance, snack, pose, play, and connect your way to a more productive and energized week. Remember, a little boost to your workplace mojo can make all the difference in how you tackle the rest of your workweek!
Want a boost for your back to work routine? Join me starting Wednesday September 4th for a 30 day challenge where we’ll be working through Days 1-30 of the 90-Day Guide for Success TOGETHER. I’ll be dropping into your email every day with a quick booster and you are encouraged to follow along with either a copy of the book – or the DECKIBLE APP. I’ll be hosting live calls at the start and end of the week to create a pause and time to focus and share.
Jennifer Britton, MES, ACTC – PCC, CHRL, CPT
CEO, Head Coach and Author
Potentials Realized | Group Coaching Essentials
Leadership | Teamwork | Coaching
Contact: 1-416-996-8326
Email: [email protected]
Instagram:@ReconnectingWorkspaces @CoachingBusinessBuilder
Looking for bite-sized boosts to your work as a coach, leader or during your onboarding process? Check out our Card Decks. Now available on Deckible:
90-Day Guide for Success – Deck 1 – Days 1 – 30 (for new leaders, onboarding or those wanting a sprint) – https://bit.ly/90dayguidedeck1
ACTIVATE Your Group and Team Coaching Superpowers (for coaches) – https://bit.ly/activatedeck
Pick up a copy of Reconnecting Workspaces: Pathways to Thrive in the Virtual, Remote and Hybrid World at Amazon – https://bit.ly/reconnectingworkspaces.
Check out my latest TEDx talk – Coaching Teams Through Chaos at https://www.ted.com/talks/jennifer_britton_coaching_teams_through_chaos
Set up a call with myself or my team to learn more about how we can support you through our card decks, customized team development and leadership training, OR award-winning ICF CCE approved Coach Training programs – https://calendly.com/jennbritton/15-minute-exploration-call
CEO, Head Coach and Author
Potentials Realized | Group Coaching Essentials
Leadership | Teamwork | Coaching
Contact: 1-416-996-8326
Email: [email protected]
Instagram:@ReconnectingWorkspaces @CoachingBusinessBuilder
Looking for bite-sized boosts to your work as a coach, leader or during your onboarding process? Check out our Card Decks. Now available on Deckible:
90-Day Guide for Success – Deck 1 – Days 1 – 30 (for new leaders, onboarding or those wanting a sprint) – https://bit.ly/90dayguidedeck1
ACTIVATE Your Group and Team Coaching Superpowers (for coaches) – https://bit.ly/activatedeck
Pick up a copy of Reconnecting Workspaces: Pathways to Thrive in the Virtual, Remote and Hybrid World at Amazon – https://bit.ly/reconnectingworkspaces.
Check out my latest TEDx talk – Coaching Teams Through Chaos at https://www.ted.com/talks/jennifer_britton_coaching_teams_through_chaos
Set up a call with myself or my team to learn more about how we can support you through our card decks, customized team development and leadership training, OR award-winning ICF CCE approved Coach Training programs – https://calendly.com/jennbritton/15-minute-exploration-call
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