Whether you’ve decided to move to New Zealand for a year, just to immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery that the country has to offer or if you’ve been born and raised as a Kiwi, there are some practices that can help you stay productive in the Land of the Long White Cloud.
What is the Kiwi Work Ethic?
Kiwis, which are what New Zealanders are referred to, have a pretty strong work ethic but they also have a healthy respect for leisure time. Once the workday ends, they clock out and embrace their own personal time, with none of the hustle culture leaking into their personal lives. Therefore, time management is hugely important if you want to work like a Kiwi and enjoy life like a Kiwi. Using task management tools like Trello or Asana can help you keep track of the amount of time you spend on work and also boost productivity by outlining just how much time you have to spend on select tasks, ensuring that nothing is overlooked or that you are overworked. Whether you’re working in the office or working remotely, there is nothing less Kiwi than working overtime - and according to new research, more hours do not promote productivity in the least. But of course, work is work and you won’t find anyone browsing kiwigambler in the middle of the workday.
Physical health has never been easier to maintain
New Zealand has been touted as one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Their iconic landscape was used in many films, one most notable one being Lord of the Rings. It’s rather easy to romp around, pretending that you’re one of the Fellowship, even if you’re not particularly outdoorsy. Physical health has always been a cornerstone of productivity as being healthy physically will also ensure a healthy mental space. But pair that together with nature, which has been proven to reduce stress and improve mental clarity, your productivity should be through the roof with regular walks. It doesn’t hurt that the country also has many outdoor activities to suit all levels of athleticism. The sportier individuals may take to skiing or cycling, while more sedentary people could also enjoy relaxing beach walks or easy hikes in one of the country’s extensive network of national parks and recreational areas.
Do not neglect your social circles
If you’ve moved to New Zealand without an existing base of friends or community, it can be easy to feel alienated. Even growing up in New Zealand, if you never found your clique, it can be hard to seek support and therefore, leaving you rather empty or lonely. That’s not saying that you need to have a group of gossipy BFFs, but it’s good to have a few people that you know you can count on so go out there and make sure you make friends outside of your work, school, or family. Widening your social circle also broadens your mind and when you’re able to comprehend a wider range of perspectives, it’s not hard to see how that might enhance your productivity - new people have a tendency to inspire us as they inject a freshness into our lives and may expose us to new activities we would never try alone, which brings us to the next point.
Personal growth is important no matter where you are
There’s a saying that goes: When in Rome, do as the Romans do. And while this generally applies to customs and traditions, it can also apply to mindsets. If the people around you are thrill-seekers, but you’re not, it could be beneficial for you to join them every now and then, giving yourself the opportunity to grow in ways that you never originally intended. Maybe you’re a party animal and cannot see yourself at a pottery workshop or a meditation retreat, but if the chance to experience something new appears, it is always better to seize it. After all, we only live once and new experiences fosters growth and a more enlightened mind.
Being productive in New Zealand is easier than staying productive in a bustling city
But the truth is, being productive anywhere in the world comes with the same balance of both work and personal well-being. Having a strong sense of belonging would also help because as long as you are in a healthy mental space, you will feel as though you can take on the world and will be equipped with the energy to face everything head on. The most important part of being productive is getting in touch with your personal needs and meeting them because at the end of the day, a happy person is a productive one
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