How to optimize the senses for productivity

In today’s post, we’ll explore:

• What is environment design

• Why you should know about it.

• How you can use it in to boost focus

Environment design

This means, to consciously design our surroundings to help with a goal. e.g. if I want to eat healthy, then I should get rid of unhealthy snacks at home. When I don’t see any unhealthy snacks, I won’t have any. Duh!

Ok, but why should I know about it?

In 1936, psychologist Kurt Lewin developed this equation. It says that the Behaviour (B) depends on the person (P) and his environment (E).

So, to change the behaviour, there are only 2 options:

• Change the person

• Change the environment

As we’re trying to improve, let’s look at changing the environment.

How to optimize our 5 senses boost focus

Will - power is good. But we can be intentional about how many calories we allow our brain to burn. By creating an environment that supports focus, we can boost productivity.

Sight 🤩 

1. Switching off all notifications. After reading this article, if you pick only 1 thing to do, do this (you’ll thank me later). Turn off all notifications e.g. your mailbox, messenger and everything else in your phone.

   This helps avoid context - switching. Context - switching increases stress. And you take ~ 22 minutes to return to focus, after just ONE interruption!

2. Declutter your workspace. This will help you focus better, per the research.

3. A minimalistic and aesthetic setup. Here is some inspiration :)

4. Use an Ad blocker. This will block annoying advertisements in websites. You can also configure areas in your screen to be blocked. I use Adblock.

5. Hide all feeds. Ever open Youtube to search for something, and then get lost in the recommended videos feed? You should use a feed blocker. I use the UnDistracted chrome extension. You can configure it to block everything. This way I can research what I want to without getting lost.

Hearing👂️ 

1. Use noise - cancelling headphones. I never work without my Bose QC 45.

2. Music to boost focus. Per the research, listening to familiar music helps with focus. You can experiment, but when I listen to music without lyrics, I can focus really well. In particular I love:

   • One song on loop.

   • Classical music.

   • Lo fi beats.

   These days I listen to the Openheimer soundtrack. It transports me to a different place.

3. 40 Hz Binaural beats for focus. Research suggests that specific audio frequencies can enhance focus and concentration. You can explore using binural beats when getting into a flow state.

Touch🖐️ 

1. Ergonomic chair & table. To be productive, we need to be comfortable. If you spend a lot of time working, please invest in high - quality equipment.

   • Per a study, using a standing desk = 46 % productivity increase.

2. A high - quality laptop / mouse / keyboard.

Taste 😝 

1. Healthy snacks. Keep healthy snacks such as nuts and fruits close by. Avoid sugary & heavy foods which will cause energy crash & poor health.

2. Hydration. Dehydration causes fatigue & poor concentration. Check how much water you need to drink daily.

Smell👃 

1. Aromatheraphy. Sage, lemon, peppermint, jasmine and cedarwood scents promote focus.

2. A Japanese study found that workers made 54% fewer errors when they inhaled lemon oil scents.

How you can start today.

Audit your environment. Look at things which distract you. Make a conscious change to the default.

I hope that designing your environment helps you become better at focusing. If you found this helpful, share with someone who will benefit.