Many of us would be like to be more productive. After yet another listless day playing Pokemon, watching Netflix and idly flicking through our social media news feeds, we’re left with the ting of regret that we just didn’t get enough out of our day. We didn’t do enough.
Being more productive in a world where there are constant distractions is one thing. But being more productive when there is so much to do is also difficult. With so many hats to wear, it’s easy to get stressed while trying to multitask. And when you multitask, productivity drops.
Although there is no magic bullet to becoming more productive, there are a few things you can do that will help you get more done. Here are 10 of our favourite productivity life hacks that will bring you more success:
Take Regular Breaks
If you don’t take regular breaks from your work when you start to feel overwhelmed and pressured, your work will suffer as a result. Moreover, your productivity will begin to dwindle.
Recharging your batteries is important, and it’s also fundamental that you step aside from your work every so often in order to tackle it later on with a fresher, clearer mindset. This sort of psychological distance helps to foster new perspectives that generate better results.
Just Say No
No is a powerful word, but it also comes with lots of negative connotations that prevent many of from using it more often.
But if you keep saying Yes to everyone who asks for your help, you’re going to find that your own productivity levels suffer as a consequence. From now on, put yourself first and be selective regarding who you say Yes to. You’re under no obligation to help anyone, especially if it’s going to slow you down.
Identify Your Most Productive Hours And Maximise Them
Are you a morning person or a night person? Perhaps you work more efficiently during the afternoon than you do in the evening?
We all have consistent patterns when it comes to productivity. Personally, I follow the mantra that the early bird catches the worm. As such, I make a point of getting up early each morning and setting out my stall straight away. By around 2PM, I start to slow down.
If you know the times of the day when you’re at your best, it’s important to maximise them by creating a schedule that allows you to work during these hours.
Eat The Frog First
What do we mean when we say that you should eat the frog first? Eating the frog basically means that you’re going to complete the hardest task of the day first. Getting the most arduous task done first means that the rest of your day will be relatively plain sailing.
This is a hack that always works, as completing that one task that everybody hates will make you feel so much better. Get it out of the way early for a more productive day.
Switch Off Distractions
First of all, it’s useful to identify your distractions. When I first started working as a freelance writer, I could go weeks and weeks at the top of my game. Then, I would suddenly have periods of stagnation, where my productivity had slowed. Why? Because I’d allowed my mind to get distracted. In my case, it was a boy who I couldn’t get out of my head.
So how did I resolve the situation? I switched my phone off and left it in another room. If I didn’t, I would have kept checking it every five minutes to see if he had texted.
Think about what distracts you the most and take steps to eliminate them.
Retain A Sense Of Fun In Your Work
Productivity can easily be suppressed by too much pressure. When you’ve got impossible deadlines to meet, it can take the fun away from your work. And once the fun has been removed, it can be hard to stay productive.
All work and no play really does make Jack a dull boy. When you work, it’s important that you retain an element of fun at all times. Google are well known for introducing fun into the workplace, as it keeps employees happy, and keeps things exciting. If you’ve got nothing to look forward to but repetitive paperwork and deadlines, it’s going to be hard to stay on top of your game.
Take A Nap
Should adults really be taking naps? You bet they should. Although your friend might chide you for having an afternoon nap, naps have incredible health benefits that boost your productivity.
A quick cat nap has mental and health benefits that reduce stress, relax you and makes you more alert and ready to take the finish line.
We all get tired as the day wears on. So why wouldn’t you take a nap?
Create A Musical Playlist
The relationship between productivity and music is stronger than you might think. Music promotes creative thought processes, and it hones a more curious and imaginative mind. Albert Einstein enhanced his productivity by listening to music.
Music also helps mood, and the better spirits you are in, the more likely you are to race through your work with conviction. Try putting together a musical playlist of your favourite songs that you know get you pumped and primed for work.
Fix Up Your Diet
One of the reasons for slowed productivity is mental and physical tiredness. If we can’t rouse ourselves from a mental slumber, we’re hardly going to be able to race through our task with aplomb.
The healthiest way to boost your mental and physical capacities is by eating and drinking better. Swap coffee for water and junk food for fruit and veg.
Have A Day Off
Despite what people who work 80 hours a week tell you, working seven days a week is not good for you, and it’s certainly not good for productivity.
Do your mind and your body a favour by taking at least one day off work each week where you do absolutely nothing work-related.
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