In the quest for ultimate productivity, we’ve witnessed the emergence of some truly innovative smart gadgets.
Beyond the usual array of smart desks and teamwork apps, a captivating selection of unusual but effective tools is surfacing, each aimed at enhancing our workflow in intriguing ways.
Here’s a look at a few standout options you might want to explore.
Smart Aroma Diffusers
Enter the realm of smart aroma diffusers—these imaginative gadgets integrate effortlessly into your workspace.
By dispersing scents like peppermint and lavender, scientifically proven to enhance concentration and alleviate stress, respectively, they subtly shape the atmosphere, fostering a productive environment without requiring user interaction.
Picture a vibrant office infused with peppermint during brainstorming sessions, invigorating creativity and sharpening focus.
Alternatively, envision the soothing scent of lavender permeating the air as project deadlines loom, easing anxiety and encouraging relaxation. This sensory strategy is a compelling means to elevate output and overall workplace satisfaction.
Here are some notable smart aroma diffusers:
Pura Plus Smart Fragrance Diffuser: This well-regarded diffuser enables you to manage two different fragrances, switch them seamlessly via a smartphone app, schedule times, adjust intensity, and even receive notifications when the scent is running low.
Aera Smart Diffuser: Leveraging microdroplet technology, Aera ensures even and consistent scent distribution. It connects to Wi-Fi, allowing you to adjust scent intensity (with ten levels), create schedules, and monitor the lifespan of fragrance capsules. Various models cater to different room sizes.
Smart Plant Monitors
In addition to this, the concept of gamification is gradually making its way into modern workplaces through innovative devices.
Smart plant monitors, designed to ensure the well-being of your office greenery, track factors like light intensity, soil moisture, and temperature to help your plants thrive while integrating with productivity software.
Completing tasks may reward you with virtual “sunshine,” symbolizing your digital plant’s health, adding a playful twist to your day.
This approach not only beautifies your office but also cultivates a sense of achievement and motivation among employees, enhancing the overall workplace atmosphere.
Here are some notable smart plant monitors:
Xiaomi Mi Flora/Flower Care: This budget-friendly sensor monitors soil moisture, light levels, temperature, and soil conductivity, connecting to an app via Bluetooth to display real-time and historical data.
Govee Temperature Humidity Monitor with Soil Moisture Sensor: Govee’s offerings include sensors that track both temperature and humidity, with some kits featuring a soil moisture sensor linking to their app for comprehensive environmental insights.
The Power of Hydration
The often-neglected aspect of hydration is also getting smarter. Today’s water bottles come equipped with sensors that monitor your hydration habits and gently nudge you with reminders or vibrations to drink more water.
Staying hydrated is crucial, as even mild dehydration can adversely affect cognitive function, mood, and energy—elements crucial to productivity.
Hence, these seemingly basic gadgets can play a surprisingly significant role in promoting sustained productivity throughout your day.
Examples of smart water bottles include:
HidrateSpark PRO/STEEL: Known for their LED glow reminders, these bottles light up when it’s time to hydrate. They track your water consumption through a sensor and sync with the HidrateSpark app, producing personalized hydration goals based on your activity level, location, and personal data. Many integrate with fitness apps like Apple Health and Fitbit, with some models even vacuum-insulated to keep drinks cold for hours.
LARQ PureVis: Featuring a built-in UV-C LED purification system in the cap, LARQ bottles neutralize up to 99.9% of bacteria and viruses in the water while self-cleaning the bottle. They boast sleek designs, insulation features, and various color options. Recent models also offer hydration tracking and app connectivity.
Light Therapy Glasses
Light therapy glasses are innovative wearable devices that deliver targeted wavelengths directly to your eyes.
These glasses aim to influence your body’s circadian rhythm, which affects sleep-wake cycles, hormone production, and various bodily functions.
Unlike traditional light therapy stations that confine you to a spot in front of a bright light, these portable glasses let you enjoy light therapy while remaining active throughout your day.
Typically emitting blue or blue-enhanced white light, these wavelengths effectively suppress melatonin (the hormone responsible for sleep) and enhance awareness.
Equipped with small LEDs built into the frame, the light shines indirectly into your eyes without obstructing your view.
Some noteworthy options for light therapy glasses include:
Luminette 3: These glasses emit blue-enriched white LED light and are recommended for about 30 minutes of daily use. With various intensity settings, they are commonly used to combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD), sleep disturbances, and adjust to jet lag. Clinical studies have validated Luminette’s effectiveness.
AYO: AYO glasses utilize blue-turquoise light and come with a companion app that personalizes light therapy sessions based on individual sleep patterns and objectives. They’re popular for enhancing sleep quality, boosting energy, and managing jet lag, boasting an impressive battery life alongside a sleek design.
