[custom_adv] A messy work desk or bedroom is often perceived as a sign of being disorganized. However, recent research published in Psychological Science by Kathleen Vohs and colleagues at the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management, suggests that being messy can boost creativity. Vohs and her team carried out a number of experiments for the paper, "Physical order produces healthy choices, generosity, and conventionality, whereas disorder produces creativity." In one experiment, 48 participants were assigned to either a messy or tidy room. [custom_adv] What benefit could nail-biting possibly give you, right?? Though it’s addictive, no one likes the thought of sticking grubby mitts into their mouths, not to mention the pain that comes with biting off too much and ending up with scraggly-looking nails that no amount of nail polish can render presentable. Been there, I get you.Surprise, surprise. That very thing about nail-biting that makes it so gross is actually what makes it somewhat good for you. Apparently, introducing germs into your body a little bit at a time can build up your immunity to the stuff. Huh, who would have thought? [custom_adv] This is a big one that most people don’t even realize harms their sleep and productivity. Short-wavelength blue light plays an important role in your mood, energy level and sleep quality. [custom_adv] Shouting expletives out in the middle of the street isn’t recommended but studies suggest that in certain situations swearing may actually be good for you.According to a study by the University of East Anglia, swearing at work could help employees cope with stress and maintain solidarity. Meanwhile, researchers at Keele University’s School of Psychology found that swearing can provide effective short-term relief from pain. However, the study also notes that swearing should be reserved for crises only, as the higher the daily swearing frequency was for participants, the less pain relief they experienced. [custom_adv] Watching people chew gum is not a pretty sight, but if English football managers are anything to go by, chewing gum appears to be a stress relieving activity. In fact, there appear to be many cognitive benefits. In the book Senescence and Senescence-Related Disorders, Kin-ya Kubo and colleagues noted that chewing gum immediately before performing a cognitive task increases blood oxygen levels in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus—important brain structures involved in learning and memory—thereby improving task performance [custom_adv] Most of our favorite evening devices—laptops, tablets and mobile phones—emit short-wavelength blue light brightly and right in your face. [custom_adv] Spinning your pen or pencil in your fingers, tapping your foot to some imaginary tune, absentmindedly shaking your knee…these have all been the bane of school teachers even before fidget spinners were a thing, so much so that one of my HS professors tried to convince our class that the latter was a form of involuntary masturbation.Okay, you still shouldn’t wriggle around during high-pressure meetings because it’s seriously distracting and off-putting, but doing so in the comfort and privacy of your desk and cubicle can actually help you burn an extra 350 calories a day, potentially helping you keep off those excess pounds. [custom_adv] Look, this doesn’t make willfully spreading fake news okay, okay? Nor does it condone prying into people’s private lives, especially if they’re going through something painful, such as a divorce or a separation. However, a bit of harmless gossip can actually help you bond with your peers and relieve stress, anxiety, or tension in the workplace.Examples of harmless gossip include speculating about what will happen in the upcoming final Game of Thrones season, or as with me and my staff at my day job, discussing which tenant left a paper bag filled with poop on the fire exit landing and why. (True story). [custom_adv] Ideally, we’d all like to get through our days with laser-sharp focus. While this can certainly get things done a lot faster, letting yourself zone out every now and then isn’t always hindering your productivity.Obviously, unless you pilot a plane or operate heavy machinery for a living, allowing your mind to wander from time to time boosts creativity and can help you stumble upon a solution you wouldn’t otherwise have thought of. It also gives your mind a break, allowing it to regroup so you can actually focus better afterwards. [custom_adv] Research shows that people in a flow state are five times more productive than they otherwise would be. When you click out of your work because you get an itch to check the news, Facebook, a sport’s score, or what have you, this pulls you out of flow.
