5 Computer Apps for Enhanced Focus
The internet can be an amazing resource, but it can also be a major distraction in the workplace. There is no shortage of websites that can either help us achieve the task at hand, or make us forget what we came to accomplish in the first place. To deliver our best work, we need to make sure our minds are not adrift and that we can hone in on pertinent thoughts. Here are 5 computer applications designed with the sole purpose to boost our focus and attention span at work.
#1: RescueTime
Do you ever wish you could break down an 8-hour day at work and know exactly how much time you spent on everything? RescueTime does exactly this, and breaks down all of your habits in a day's work. It will let you know just how much time you spent in meetings, on your email, looking at Facebook, etc. If you want to change how you spend your days, a good first step is to see a detailed breakdown of how you are distributing your workload.
#2: RainyMood
Some people are able to focus better when they hear calming sounds and ambient noise. Meet RainyMood, a website designed for comfort and to make you believe rain is falling right outside your window. If you believe rain makes everything better, than this website is for you. If you prefer the busy sounds of a coffee shop, then also check out Cofftivity.
#3: Time Out
Chances are there aren't people reminding you to take refreshing breaks throughout the day. Time Out by Dejal will run in the background while you work, and will serve as your reminder to take a break every so often. You get complete control over how many reminders you would like, and how long you'd like your break to be.
#4: Self-Control
Self control can be hard to maintain online. Sure, you can do research online for hours, but there are websites like Twitter that can be very detrimental to your focus and staying true to the task at hand. With Self-Control, you can tell the internet which websites you trust yourself with, and those which you can not afford to explore. No need to turn off your internet connection when you have Self-Control!
#5:Focus Booster
Sometimes there are so many things on one's to-do list that it's hard to know where to start. The aim of Focus Booster is to help you focus on ONE activity for 25 minutes, and then have a 5 minute break. Here you can upload your daily tasks and ensure that one by one, you'll get them done - while also giving your mind some needed breaks!
Do you have any app suggestions or techniques to maintain greater focus during the workday? Share them with us!
School Lounge Makeover: Apshawa Elementary School
EON recently completed another school lounge makeover, this time for Apshawa Elementary School in West Milford, New Jersey. Apshawa was awarded the $7,500 furniture and design makeover by California Casualty, which founded the national School Lounge Makeover contest in 2011. Read the full press release here.
Why to Take Your Lunch Break & 5 Ways to Use It
It has become increasingly apparent around many workplaces that lunch breaks are becoming shorter, and in some places even non-existent. While you may be extremely busy and it might be tempting to forgo lunch, doing so could be a big mistake. Skipping out on lunch altogether can be detrimental to your productivity and mood for the rest of the day. By taking a lunch break and other small breaks throughout the day, you will be able to concentrate much more effectively. Here are 5 things you can do on your next lunch break to make the most of it.
#1: Eat!
While this may be obvious to some, other busy people might forget the true purpose of a lunch break - to eat and give our bodies the proper nutrition they need. Fish, nuts, avocados, blueberries, carrots, and whole grains are terrific brain-powering foods your body will thank you for. It is also important not to simply shovel down food at your desk. First, this risks getting crumbs in inopportune places, such as your keyboard. It also doesn't provide much of a mental break if you are staring at your computer monitor while you eat.
#2: Go Enjoy Nature
It may be tempting always to go to your favorite spot downtown for lunch, but doing so might cause unwanted stress by throwing in burdens like traffic and crowds. Try bringing a lunch to a park or your favorite nature spot to truly refresh your perspective and attention span. When it is nice outside, you will likely appreciate getting to spend some of your day in the beautiful outdoors.
#3: Relax
It's hard not to think constantly of a mental checklist and what we need to be doing at all times. Make a lunch break easy on yourself - take some deep breaths to relax, and let your worries go for a while. By putting yourself in calm state, you'll be refreshed and find it much easier to focus on tasks at hand when you return.
#4: Errands
Some of us are very quick eaters. If you have a full hour for lunch and find extra time on your hands, there are many ways to use that time to your advantage. For example, it can be a perfect time to run errands that you might not have time for in the morning or evenings, such as going to the post office or the bank. Crossing errands off your list will also give you a great feeling of accomplishment.
#5: Break Away from the Routine
Be spontaneous and mix it up! By trying out new places and activities on breaks, you might enjoy a thrill of spontaneity that has been missing from your workday. Seize the opportunity to enjoy those moments - the rest of your workday will thank you!
Sources:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2013/09/16/16-things-you-should-do-on-your-lunch-break-every-day/2/
Office Design Trends for 2015
With 2015 still newly upon us, here are some office design trends we think you can expect to see in the upcoming year.
Integrated Technology
Sometimes less is more! With recent advances in technology (i.e., the latest smartphones, tablets, and hybrid computers), you might be noticing less clutter on your office desk. And with so many wireless products available, gone might be the days of having to worry about tripping over cables around your workstation. Expect to see more technology built in to the workplace this year, as well. From built-in charging stations and USB ports and outlets in furniture, to a new big-screen in the conference room for wireless video presentations - there is no shortage of upgrades you can expect to see around a modern office.
Open-Concept Design
With the current speed and connectivity of technology, open communication is more vital than ever to business growth. Many employers strive to foster creativity and brainstorming by utilizing an open-concept office design. Comfort is always key, and these designs should ensure that employees will feel relaxed both standing and sitting in the office for long intervals. Privacy is still needed, so expect to see "phone booth" concepts and other separated enclaves to provide individual privacy. Open-concept design is also ideal for networking and welcoming clients and prospects to your office. This year, expect to see fewer cubicles and more open and inviting workplaces.
Environmentally Friendly
Also expect to see more integration of eco-friendly practices in office design this year. Natural light and energy-efficient lighting are essential to a "green" workplace; technology (such as computer monitors) may also be updated to become more energy efficient. Environmentally friendly office furniture and supplies are also key; a wide variety of products with recycled content and other eco-friendly features are becoming more prevalent and affordable. Even nature-inspired office color schemes featuring earth tones and greens may become more prevalent this year.
Do you have some predictions for office trends in 2015? We would love to hear them!
Marsala for your Office Life
"Sophisticated and glamorous, yet earthy and organic. Warm, and universally appealing. Dramatic in an unexpected way. Full-bodied and fulfilling." This is how the LA Showroom describes the 2015 Pantone Color of the Year, Marsala. Yes, Marsala is the 2015 Pantone Color of the Year, and we'd like to offer some ways to integrate it into your office life.
First, you might be wondering: what exactly is the color Marsala? It's depicted below, and can be best described as a red and brown shade mix. Here are three ways you can represent this color well around the office.
Fashion
Marsala was selected as the 2015 Pantone Color of the Year because of its versatility in appealing to a multitude of ages, genders, and lifestyles. What better way to support the color at your office than by wearing it? Women can sport this color in a variety of ways, from boots or a scarf to a sharp-looking dress. Men can also integrate Marsala into fashion by wearing it in a tie, polo shirt or a button-down to the office.
Business
While you look great wearing Marsala, your company can also stand out with this premier Pantone color. Try integrating the color Marsala into your next presentation or report. The color makes for a great heading, and can be refreshing when you feel you have over-used your standard black fonts. Marsala is also a strong accent color and can pair well with a variety of other colors to help your logo and branding stand out more. To use Marsala, just enter the RGB values of 150,79, and 76.
Celebrations
You can't truly celebrate the 2015 Pantone Color of the Year without getting to celebrate for yourself. Before it was the color of the year, Marsala's roots date back to 1773 where the color could be found in Italian red wine. You might want to enjoy a glass of Marsala wine when you get that promotion, or finally close that deal you have been working on. For non-drinkers, a little Marsala wine makes a great ingredient in cooking (think Chicken Marsala) - and a special meal prepared for the office could help add to a very colorful celebration.
#StickyNoteLove
Happy Valentine's Day from EON Office! We've been spreading the love around the office, as well as all over Denver. If you see any of these Post-its around town, feel free to write your own words of encouragement or love, snap a photo, and upload to your favorite social media networks using#StickyNoteLove.
