It feels like eighty-seven million degrees in Panama. Don’t even get me started on the humidity.
I knew it was going to be hot and humid, but I didn’t wrap my mind around the fact that the moment I stepped outside, I’d feel like every inch of my body was sweating.
This was especially distracting while I was trying to remember my lines while working with a professional video team when we had to tape without air conditioning at one location. It’s hard to remember what the heck you’re supposed to say while sweat is beading on your forehead.
Thankfully, we took breaks in the air conditioning in between takes. When you’re uncomfortable, your productivity slows down to a crawl, because your mind is distracted. Watch today’s video to see how the comfortability factor plays a huge role in your output.
Start paying close attention to the signals that your body is giving you throughout the day and DO SOMETHING about them, so you’re not distracted.
If you’re cold, put on a sweater. If you’re dehydrated, get some water and start sipping on it. Don’t wait for an hour to pass before taking action, because you’ll be preoccupied for that entire hour.
Love this video, one of my big things with having a hip displacement and being able to so easily pinch nerves along my spine is to make my work area comfortable. I even had floor matts in the areas that I have to stand to work for my plantar fascitius. The hubs is right that was just a bit over the top and creepy…..love ya anyway:)
Yikes…pinched nerves are horrible. I’ve suffered from a pinched nerve in my lower back and in my neck, and it hurts like crazy. It’s really good that you’ve set up your work space to help alleviate that pain.
Hahahahahaha…yeah, I think he was right, too!
Hi April,
Just wanted to let you know how great this week’s video is in particular.
I really like the cold and hot images you layered into the video.
Really steps up the quality of your production.
You do a great job of continually introducing new and creative ways to make your message clear and interesting to watch.
Keep up the great work!
Heidi
Thanks Heidi! I am always looking for ways to improve, and it’s great when it pays off.
I always make sure I have some sort of delicious beverage sitting next to me when I get down to working. In the mornings it’s coffee, afternoons it’s sparkling water, and in the evenings it’s tea. Getting my drink from the kitchen gets my brain to switch over into work mode. 🙂
Love this! I usually brew a cup of my favorite green tea with coconut when I sit down to write. It helps my mindset, too!
music music music… cant work in silence. Love my 80’s music keeps me moving and on track!
I wish I could write with music playing, but I just can’t. I do play tunes when I’m doing other things like working on backgrounds for the videos. Gotta love the 80s!
Another video that seems tailor-made to my life.
When we moved into the 1910’s house we’re renting, I knew I wanted to make the spacious, sunny attic my workroom/playroom. I was so excited to have this area all to myself.
The problem is, it’s not insulated. In the winter, I brought up a space heater and lap blankets and made do. Then summer came. As we got window A/C units for the rest of the house, we realized that the attic windows are too narrow for an A/C unit. So it gets HOT up there.
I’ve tried fans, but in the hottest of times, they only make it somewhat more bearable. It just bakes. Even when the first floor feels great, and the second floor feels fine, the attic is too warm. And I’m a big whiner about heat.
So I’ve had to learn to work around the heat, by going up early or late in the evening when it’s not as warm, or running the fan for an hour before I go up, that sort of thing. And sometimes, I just don’t do anything productive because it’s too dang hot and I don’t wanna. So still a problem I haven’t worked out completely.
(Also, your husband does a GREAT creeper voice. 😉 )
That sounds like a great space when the weather is on your side. We moved from a house with central AC to a house without AC and we installed window units…there are many times where I miss that central AC, but I really love the house and location. I’ve learned to make it work!
{Hahahahahaha…he does!}
Believe it or not, when I start fretting in the back of my mind about bills, or if my kid is making friends properly, or whatever churning happens in there when I’m crafting, I put on a movie! An old movie with good clothes! 🙂
xx
a
This is a really fun tip, especially for getting out of your own head. Your own mind can be the worst distraction of all!
Haha, April, sounds like you’ve been inside my head! For “clothes” movies I’ll watch most anything with Audrey Hepburn and on my Fb page someone suggested Sweet Charity and Funny Girl. I’d love more suggestions if anyone has some!
xx
a
So true – I get hungry and think to myself, I should get some lunch. But I keep blogging or reading an ebook or doing part of a course saying to myself “I’ll get up in a minute”. But I keep letting my tummy grumble and feeling hunched up from working on the computer and next thing I know it is 2pm. I haven’t had anything to eat so my blood sugar is all over the place. This makes me cranky and impatient and basically all over the place at the time. But it also throws out what time I have dinner or if I have dinner at all because I’m still full from lunch.
Unfortunately – I will feel out of sorts for most of the next day too because I didn’t eat properly the day before. So it throws me out for 2 days. All because I don’t want to stop at 12 to take a break. I’ve got to stop learning these things the hard way…….
You crack me up Coral. But, I bet a lot of people can relate to what you said–I know I can. If I’m engrossed in something, I have to FORCE myself to stop to use the bathroom, eat, get a drink…you name it.
You’re so right! If it’s too hot, too cold, or if my clothes are pinching me, then I can’t get any work done. Whenever I want to film a video, that’s when my hair decides it doesn’t want to cooperate! I also notice a BIG decline in productivity when I don’t get enough sleep.
I can’t wait to see what you and Mayi have been working on. The suspense is killing me! 🙂
Oh yes. I suffer from sluggishness when I don’t get enough sleep, too.
We can’t wait to start sharing it!!! We thought we were going to be able to share the first sneak peek video today…but we needed the professional team to make a couple edits and we haven’t gotten it back yet. We’re hoping for Monday!
I agree with Nicole on the Music – I always seem to get more done when some upbeat music is on.
A nice cool drink is essential too – especially when I’m ironing!
I like to stand while I’m ironing and cutting fabric. I’ll have to get an anti-fatigue mat.
I’ve been standing to sew, also, but noticed that I get a sciatic pain after standing on one foot to use the other foot on the pedal. So I’ll have to set up a lower table to sit and sew…
Thank you, April for another great post! I agree that being comfortable really makes the most of creative time!
Thanks for your input Jenn. My problem is the opposite–I’m sitting for most of the day, so I have to take breaks to get up and move around.
love it april! I also hunch at the computer and actually have seriously considered buying one of these to help me sit straight! http://www.skymall.com/shopping/detail.htm?pid=204342885&c= at least i work from home where no one would see me!!
Thanks Claudine! I love your work!!! 🙂
I might need to get me one of those….
I did not thought like you about Environment before, but after reading your article, i think, i need to be careful about it. Thanks for your nice tips.
Great post. One of my favourite apps is workrave (it’s free and can be used on any computer I think) as it reminds you to take breaks from staring at the screen all day and gives you exercises to do if you are unable to get up.
I would also add that if you work at home, if possible don’t work in a place where you can see the washing up; laundry etc as the constant reminder of what needs to be done tends to lead to procrastination.
Those are great tips, Tamara! Thanks for sharing.
This is off topic, but I just joined and saw your apron in your pic… Would you be interested in making an apron for Womyn’s Work The Apron Project?
Hey Shari! I didn’t make the apron in the photo, but I’d love to read more about the project.