12 things you can do to make your Day Productive
Most people believe productivity means getting more things done during the day. WRONG. Productivity is the efficiency of a person when completing a task. Productivity can be equated to a purpose in life; aiming to accomplish something gives you energy, focus, and motivation for the day.
In a world where everyone seems busy, almost everyone is looking for ways to increase their productivity. Increasing productivity here doesn’t mean drinking excessive amounts of caffeine to get things done but actually putting things in order. Not to worry, we understand how crucial it is to get things done just as planned. As such, we have compiled the top 12 tips to increase your productivity.
Plan your day ahead
Think ahead! Before the night is over, put your plans in place to give you insights into what tomorrow will be like. This doesn’t mean you have to go on schedule every minute of the day, but planning helps you sleep with a clear mind and wake up with the sole purpose of accomplishing the set goals.
Use the time block method. Block out your day into chunks to accomplish each task. Ensure that you block out times for your breaks and meals, and never overestimate or be too ambitious. We all have 24 hours in a day. Being productive means how you use these 24 hours effectively.
Ensure you get quality sleep
Staying up late does not mean being productive. It’s easier to clear pending workload by cheating sleep. However, not having enough sleep at night can mess with your productivity and mood during the day. To start your day energized and clear- headed, try to get at least 7 hours of sleep.
Have a TO-DO list
When you feel like there’s too much on the plate, make a To-do list. Write down everything you need to get done. To make this more effective, start by writing the most crucial and time-consuming tasks; do not be over-ambitious by making an overflowing to-do list. Be realistic and honest with yourself about the number of tasks you will be able to complete. Remember quality over quantity.
Tackle challenging tasks first
Following tip 3, tackling the challenging task makes you feel accomplished. That way, the smaller ones get done effortlessly. While you might feel tempted to complete the easy tasks first, researchers suspect that this is a false sense of progress. Completing the easy-peasy tasks drains you, and you might not have enough time for the challenging ones.
Typically, productivity is high at the start of the day; doing the harder tasks prevents you from postponing them.
Do not Multi-task
Contrary to popular opinion, one of the key ways your productivity reduces is through multi-tasking. Do not try to accomplish many things at the same time. Focusing on one task helps in get things done more efficiently and effectively.
Exercise
Studies have proven that a quick 15-minute workout helps regulate one’s mood and stress level (1). Get up a little earlier to squeeze in time for a quick workout before work. If exercise isn’t your thing, you can always go for a walk. It can be walking your pet or simply enjoying a short walk alone in nature.
Morning Routine
Some of the most successful people swear by having an established morning routine. For maximum productivity, train your body to wake up early. Do not check your phone first thing in the morning; alternatively, you can engage their time by journaling or meditating.
Always eat your meal on time
Having a productive lifestyle does not mean you should compromise your health. In the moment of trying to catch up or get things done, try not to skip breakfast as it appears to be an important meal of the day (2). Despite being a necessary meal of the day, breakfast is still the most skipped meal by most people.
Distractions
In a fast -changing and technological world, a lot of the population owns a phone. It is not uncommon to see many struggling with distractions such as social media. To be effective, clear your desk of potential distractions. It could be putting your device aside or turning it off and on after completing the task.
Chrome extensions
If you constantly work on a laptop but get distracted by platforms like YouTube, try installing chrome extensions to block you from accessing such websites for a while.
Learn to say NO
If you’re particularly having a busy day ahead of you, remember it is okay to say no to other plans.
Take a Break
Productivity does not mean working continuously for 10 hours. Remember, at the end of the day, we are human beings. Keep track of time and do not work for more than an hour without a break. Even an hour can be too much for some people. This is where the Pomodoro technique (3) comes in handy. Using this method, you break your workday into 25-minute chunks, separated by five-minute breaks.
Working for long hours at a stretch makes one lose focus. As mentioned before, productivity doesn’t mean just getting things done; it’s doing them effectively and efficiently. Taking breaks also helps reduce stress. A few ways to make the most out of your break time are:
- Spend some time outside.
- You can go over your phone and go through your messages.
- Do not forget to talk to family members or your friends. It is not only a way to spend your break; talking to loved ones helps reduce stress.
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