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A happy office is a good office. That’s not rocket science. But sometimes adding a little productive fun to our day jobs is easier said than done. This story is designed to add a shot of happiness to any workspace thanks to 11 seriously cool pieces of technology.
Each gadget is meant to make us smile, but they also target specific ways for us to ease stress, feelhappier, and ultimately get more stuff done. Check out Greatist's picks and let us know your own favorites in the comment section below.
Gadgets for Desk-Top Happiness
1. Buckyballs
These magnetic balls may just look like a grown-up toy, but they (and their numerous shapes and sizes) have become popular among serious professional and curious kids alike. But it's not just for fun — playing has workplace benefits. One study found that on-the-job playfulness improved communication, creativity, problem solving, and team building[1]. Another suggested people naturally tend to involve the body during complex cognitive functioning[2]. Buckyballs (and other "smart" toys) may just be for fun, but a little fun could be the solution.
2. “Sun” Lights
This family of lights and lamps use special bulbs to create a natural, sun-like ray. The lights — colloquially called "Happy Lights," like this one from Verilux — not only remind us of the great outdoors but also activate a personal dose of vitamin D. Vitamin D helps maintain our metabolism, immunity, nervous system, and bone density. A burst of UV rays provides vitamin D, helping us feel happier. While vitamin D deficiencies have been linked to depression, consuming more than 50 mcg can also lead to problems such as decreased appetite and nausea.
3. LaCie Rugged USB
This compact and hardcore USB drive is less about boosting endorphins than it is about creating peace of mind. The Rugged USB is like any other USB device but with a protective (and bright) orange cover. Drop resistance up to 100 meters and with secure encryption included, this is a solid drive for mountain bikers and desk jockeys alike.
4. Wacom Inkling
One of the best ways to be productive, according to efficiency expert Ari Meisel, is to free the mind to focus on the task at hand. So stop worrying about lost pieces of paper and start automatically transferring handwritten notes straight to the computer. The Wacom Inkling lets users doodle to their heart's content, converting pen and paper into digital vector or image formats for easy reference.Moleskine is jumping on board, teaming with digital note-taking software Evernote for a special line of notebooks.
5. USB Greenhouse
Plants naturally make us happier and can even help us be more productive in the workplace and get sick less often. If opting for a plant, feng shui masters say greenery with rounded leaves creates a calming affect while upward-pointing plants, such as bamboo, provide energy. This USB greenhouse is a nice way to keep plants alive (and flourishing) even when plugged in at work.
For the full article, including the rest of the 11 office gadget ideas, go to Greatist.com.
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