5 Absurd

Productivity Tricks

5 Absurd Productivity Tricks (That Are Actually Backed by Science)

What do chewing gum, puppy videos, and dim lighting have in common? Surprisingly — they all boost productivity. No joke. We’ve gathered 5 counterintuitive tips that sound bizarre but are backed by real research. They seem silly — but they seriously work.

Doodle during meetings

A study at Plymouth University found that participants who doodled during a boring phone call remembered 29% more information than those who just “listened carefully.”

Why it works: simple motor activity occupies excess attention that would otherwise wander. You stay anchored and more focused.

Watch puppy videos (yes, really)

Researchers in Japan found that watching “cute” content improves focus and precision by 15%. The brain enters a nurturing state that boosts attention to detail.

Try this: save a folder of adorable images or follow an animal account. Watch for 30 seconds before deep work — and you’ll feel more centered than ever.

Turn on coffee shop noise (~70 dB)

A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research showed that moderate background noise (around 70 decibels — think buzzing espresso machines, low chatter, keyboard clicks) enhances creative thinking.

Why it works: the soft hum of activity promotes associative thinking. It doesn’t distract — it helps you enter a flow state.

Try this: Search “coffee shop ambience” on YouTube, put on your headphones, and dive in.

Chew mint gum

A meta-analysis by Allen & Smith found that chewing gum increases alertness, reaction speed, and attention span. The effect lasts about 15–30 minutes. Mint flavor adds cognitive benefits by stimulating memory centers in the brain.

Why it works: chewing boosts brain blood flow, and peppermint has mild activating effects on the nervous system.

Pro tip: chew during high-focus tasks — a call, writing, or problem-solving. But not too long: the brain adapts, and the effect fades.

Dim the lights

Lighting affects how we think. Bright light is great for focus, but dim lighting helps you think outside the box. According to a Journal of Environmental Psychology study, lower light levels reduce pressure and boost creative freedom.

How to use it: switch on a soft lamp, turn on night mode, and allow your brain to wander. You’re not being lazy — you’re setting the stage for better ideas.

These tips may sound like a joke, but they’re supported by peer-reviewed studies and real cognitive science. They just sound absurd. In practice? Surprisingly effective.