Cats can make you more loving and more giving. But what if I told you that your feline friend could make you more productive? Whether you’re a writer trying to pump out more words, a worker wanting to finish the job faster, or are just looking for ways to be productive around the house, cats may be the ultimate secret to boosting your productivity. Here’s why:
1. They Make You Happier
A few years ago, a research study found that watching cat videos made you more productive. That idea, at first, seems counterintuitive. Cat videos tend to be a distraction, right? There is truth to that, but as it turns out, cat videos can also brighten your mood, leading you to be more productive once you’re done procrastinating. Of course, having a real cat in your life will do the same thing.
2. They Reduce Stress
When your work or chores are stressing you out, it creates a horrible cycle – you’re stressed, so your ambition to finish your projects wanes, creating even more stress. However, cats are well-known stress relievers. Whenever you’re feeling stressed, simply petting or watching a cat can lower your stress levels, making it a little easier to tackle your jobs.
3. Cats Can Boost Your Immunity
If you’re prone to getting sick, it can be a nightmare on your productivity. When you're reaching for that multivitamin to improve your chances of fighting off disease, think of getting a cat as well. Cats can give you an immunity boost, and having one around the house will keep you away from the crud. In addition, when we do get sick, a cat can make the healing process a lot easier.
4. Cats Teach Cleanliness
If you’re always having trouble cleaning up the house or the office, cats can be the best motivator to keep clean. A cat needs regular grooming, and you’ll have to clean her litterbox every day if you want it smelling fresh. These pet cleaning habits will become part of your routine and can motivate you to be more productive at tidying up your house.
5. Cats Can Increase Your Life Expectancy
The best way to get more done in your life is to live longer (which is everyone's goal, right?). The secret to a long life includes healthy eating habits, exercising plenty, avoiding drugs, and owning a cat. That’s right. Since owning a cat can reduce stress, make you happy, and lower your risk of heart attack and stroke, it makes sense that they can increase your lifespan. You will also age well and still be sharp and productive well into your later years.
6. Cats Can Reduce Burnout
The problem with being productive is that you eventually run into burnout. No matter how long you work on that project, no matter how much you think you can get done, your mind starts to wander. You get tired of what you’re working on. It gets late, and your brain wants to cool down. If you have multiple projects, switching to another project may work best, but if you’re trying to finish that essay or report and you are heading for a burnout, you should take a break. What better way to relieve your mind than taking care of your cat? Feeding your cat and playing with her are a few ways you can reduce burnout and get back to your project refreshed.
7. Cats Can Encourage Teamwork
If your project involves teamwork, you may feel awkward around coworkers you don't know well. It’s hard breaking the ice and working together, especially if it seems like you and your coworker have nothing in common.
This is where a cat comes in. Having a cat around can be the perfect way for you and your coworker to build a rapport. Most people love pets, and you can find some common ground thanks to the cat. This will allow you to socialize and eventually work better with your partner.
8. Cats Can Encourage Exercise, Boosting Productivity
A little exercise goes a long way to energize you and boost productivity. While you’re not going to get an athlete-level workout if you own a pet, an energetic cat encourages playtime, and many cat owners are starting to walk their cats. This can give you enough exercise to give you a boost in productivity.
9. A Cat’s Diet Can Inspire You to Eat Healthy
Eating healthily can increase productivity, but it can be difficult to start a new diet when you’re trying to get work done.
Raising a cat and preparing a balanced diet with adequate portions for her can inspire you to begin eating healthily, too. It’s easy to mess up a cat’s diet, causing the cat to become overweight and increasing her risk of serious health issues. Once you get the hang of it, however, you’ll realize how easy it is to eat well yourself and soon you could be making your own portions of food with the perfect nutritional balance.
10. Finally, Your Cat Knows How You Feel
If you’re a lone worker and have no one to talk to, your cat can listen. True, she won’t be able to hold a deep conversation with you, but she knows when you’re sad. If you’re upset over a project, feeling angry, or just want the proverbial shoulder to cry on, your cat will sense your mood and nuzzle your leg or hop on your lap in order to make your feel better. A cat won’t judge you for running late on a deadline, nor reprimand you if you’re visiting Facebook too much. Instead, she will be the friend you can talk to, no matter what.
Many office firms are realizing the benefits of letting their employees bring cats and other pets to the office. If you work in an office that doesn’t allow pets, try encouraging your boss to change the rules – and say, “Told you so!” when productivity starts booming.
Photo ©iStock.com/GeloKorol
