the Perfect Mid-Day Refresh

These days, we spend so much time sitting at our desks working electronically or studying! It's easy to become unmotivated, uninspired and uncomfortable after sitting for hours in the same place. So that's why we're here to help. We've collated some simple, yet effective ways to refresh, re-inspire and re-focus yourself during a long work day. From essential snacks, facial sprays and essential oils to the a subtle 5 minute pilates sequence to get you up and moving. 

Click 'Read More' to explore all of our suggestions and be sure to let us know which ones you enjoy the most! This is perfect for students, office workers or even those who work from home! 

Now that the work and the school year is in full swing, things may be becoming a little out of hand. Our once organised desks from the new year may be covered with papers and, if you’re anything like me, your perfectly organised (and coloured-coded) filing system has probably gone out of whack too. We all need a bit of a refresh, not only our desks but also ourselves! This blog post is a quick guide on how to refresh ourselves and our desks to get us through the first half of the year!

These are perfect for your lunch break, or for the 5 minutes in-between study sessions. Refresh your desk and refresh yourself and a productive afternoon!

​Here are 5 quick things you can do to freshen up your desk -

1. Organise your papers:

I have a hatred for messy papers. They can quite suddenly become overwhelming and tangled, while you’re left wondering what piece of paper you’re even looking at and you certainly can’t find the one you’re needing. So give yourself a moment to sort through everything and give every piece of paper a home. I’m a lover of a good file storage system, my favourite it a colour-coded one which I found at Kmart (gosh I love that place). It enables me to sort all my files into categories and then only leave the remaining few which need my attention out on my desk. However, if the piece of paper doesn’t serve you anymore. Get rid of it. Also, take the time to work through your filing system regularly to cleanse out any unnecessary papers. File systems are an easy trap for excess mess and can be a great way to disguise a whole lot of useless papers. So go through each pocket regularly to make sure you’re only keeping what’s currently relevant.

If you’re a student, remember, there isn’t that much benefit in storing old notes and textbooks. Return the textbooks (or sell them for some extra cash) and unless you’re implementing the notes or referring to them regularly, thank them for the knowledge they gave you and let them go!

2. Tackle the Inbox:

I love when my inbox hits zero. Much to people’s confusion, you can actually have your inbox at zero and still have an organised system of relevant and current emails! My inbox is simply that, a place where new email come IN to be sorted. ‘Inbox’ isn’t a ‘storage box’. Have a very simple filing system that enables you to drag and drop relevant emails accordingly. I also like to have a ’To-Do’ file of emails where I’m currently waiting on a reply, or I need to give them my attention. Once complete, these emails are moved to another file or discarded. Much like your filing system, your email storage system needs to be refreshed and cleaned out regularly. Perhaps you dedicate 20 minutes on a Friday afternoon to sorting through and clearing out any emails that are no longer relevant. It’ll do wonders for your email storage and makes it a whole lot easier to find emails when you need them!


3. Clear the Surfaces:

Having the ability to make use of the space on my desk allows me to work more efficiently. So clear any rubbish off the surfaces (empty your trash bin too if required). And organise any books or pads so you can see what they are but they don’t take up any unnecessary room.
In the hustle and bustle of the day, it’s easy to feel like your cords get all over the place. If required, get a shoebox to try and organise your cords and disguise them well. Finally, do a pen pick up and put everything back in its home.

​4. Write a Plan:

Clarify where to from here. Write down what you need to complete throughout the remainder of the day. Or even better, write down how long each task is expected to take you. If you’re feeling a little stuck with the task you’re currently completing, find something you can do in the meantime which is productive but also gives your brain the chance to refocus. Having a plan for the rest of the afternoon will really help inspire you to make it through, it’s like drawing the finish line for the end of the day. The day will be over before you know it!


5. 2 Minute Rule:

Once you have a plan, find any quick tasks on your list which only take you approximately 2 minutes to complete. Whether that’s dropping off some papers to someone, or making a phone call. Tick off a few of these quick and easy tasks on your list to get yourself feeling confident and productive. Make sure that you tick these tasks off once you complete them, it feels great and will get you inspire to keep going!

5 Steps for a Mid-Day Refresh for your mind -

Your desk isn’t the only thing that needs a refresh. To keep yourself working well, don’t forget to take some time in your lunch break to refuel your mind. A little self-care never hurt anyone either!

1. Have a Snack!
​
Fuel yourself - literally.

Here are 5 Snack Ideas that are easy to eat at your desk!
1. Banana Snack Sundae: simply peel a banana and spread it with some nut butter, honey or maple syrup then top with cacao nibs, cinnamon or even berries for a sweet little sundae!
2. Pico de Gallo Avocado Float: this is a gorgeous little salsa to bring to work and use to top a halved avocado. All you need for the salsa is to combine a tomato, clove of garlic (minced), small handful of coriander, zest and juice of a lime, 1/2 a red onion and a pinch of salt!
3. A Handful of Nuts: think walnuts, cashews or almonds
4. Cinnamon & Apple Slices: slice an apple however you like and sprinkle over a little cinnamon for a treat that tastes like a crumble!
5. Blueberries: not much can beat this simple snack. When the time of the year is right, all you need is a handful of blueberries to get you through the afternoon.

2. The Perfect Facial Spray:

A facial spray is a lovely way to wake yourself and refresh your face. In a spray bottle, I love to simply combine distilled (or tap) water (rose water works really well for this too) with a few drops of rose essential oil and Isagenix Frankincense Oil.

Check out our post all about Essential Oil DIY's where we include a pillow spray tutorial which you can simply recreate with a mister and essential oils of your choice!

This is such a treat and will make you feel amazing.

3. Use Essential Oils:

I have a diffuser sitting at my desk, so during my afternoon refresh, I love to add some Isagenix Soothing Essential Oil or the Isagenix Content Blend to the diffuser. This helps relax me and eases me through the afternoon. If a diffuser isn’t handy, essential oil rollers are a super easy and discrete way to utilise the power of oils from your desk! Roll on your favourite blend or individual oil to relax, calm and inspire you for the work ahead.

Isagenix Lemon or Isagenix Peppermint - refreshes and uplifts
Isagenix Eucalyptus - revitalises and stimulates
Isagenix Frankincense - decompress & for skin health (combat that office air conditioning)

See the complete DIY for Essential Oils Rollers here.


4. Top Up Your Water:

Fill up your water bottle and try to polish off at least 2 litres a day. This will just help you functioning well and feeling awake. If required, pop some fruit into your water. This is another great way to get some blueberries in! If berries aren’t in season, try a squeeze of lemon or some mint.


5. Get Moving with this 5-minute Pilates Sequence:

Get up and get that blood moving. Sitting (especially looking at a screen) does terrible things for your neck, shoulders, and posture.

​Try these opening pilates moves to help wake up these areas and protect your posture through the afternoon:

We hope you love these suggestions and they enable you to refresh and uplift yourself during a busy work day.

Thank you so much for popping in to read our blog!

From our work desk to yours,