With work and classes from home being the new norm, you must have come across a ton of productivity articles. But did it improve your work at all?
Maybe, or maybe not.
But whatever the case is, ensuring high productivity is more about finding balance than burying your head into work or studies all day.
So, today we thought we will share a few tips on how you can become more productive and yet stay away from the tag of “Jack, the dull boy”.
Let’s find out:
1. Create your switch off button
Humans are not machines. We are not just driven by a single purpose and go through several emotional and physical highs and lows every day. Which is why everyone needs a switch off button.
Create a ritual that reminds you every day that you are done for the day. Try meditation or some instrument before you go to sleep to heighten your mood and relieve the day’s stress.
You can also use something as simple as a warm bath before you go to bed. Whatever your ritual is, make sure you don’t work or do anything work related once you are done with that.
2. Exercise, but don’t overdo
It’s not rocket science really.
Exercise increases heart rate and blood flow, allowing more oxygen absorption and keeping you alert and aware throughout the day.
But unless you are a fitness enthusiast who gets sweating on a daily basis, don’t overdo it. Remember, the little steps count. Take a 15 min jog after some stretching in the morning and try committing to it every day.
3. Jot down your ideas
This is a cardinal rule for those in creative and administrative positions.
Jotting down ideas on a daily basis, whether on a diary or your phone app not only saves them for use later, but also, ensures that you have your creative juices flowing all day. Practice critical and analytical thought exercises like First Principles to challenge your brain into approaching problems with unique solutions.
4. Listen to music that helps you focus
Whether you like Jazz, classical music, instrumental melodies, or video game background score, this practice will increase your short-term focus.
Listening to non-distracting background music helps bring rhythm to your work and that’s how you get more done faster.
This is the reason why it is used as a therapeutic alternative to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
5. Set small, personalized goals
Feel like you are on the top of the world, brimming with energy?
Then pick the hardest task of the day and put all your energy into finishing it fast and well. However, if you feel a little lethargic, then the best idea is to complete the smaller tasks first. That way, you will get a sense of satisfaction every time you tick a box.
Also, do not underestimate the importance of a good to-do list for the day. It helps you stay on track and gives you a sense of purpose.
6. Your ‘me’ time is important
Especially since you are always with your family with minimum privacy over the last 8 months. Read your favourite book or binge the sit-com you wanted to. Even if you do nothing and listen to music idly, those hard earned 30-45 mins are yours and yours alone.
This helps you declutter, introspect, and ensure better mood while interacting with other people throughout the day.
7. Start from where you left off
Does that mean we are asking you to log off unfinished?
Not exactly.
All we are saying is if your last deed of the day is incomplete, then starting off the next morning could be easier. Having to work on something that is already ideated could be the warm up you need to stay on top of your game for the rest of the week.
8. Transition smoothly
Transitioning from one task to another is the silent productivity killer. A report claimed that on average employees lost around 1.5 hours a day from its 8 working hours on notification distractions. Once we start considering the statistic, it is obvious that we should pay more attention on mid-work breaks while transitioning from one task to another.
So, while you are on a task, make sure you do not attend any non-urgent notifications for a concentrated period of 25 – 30 minutes.
9. Add a little professional integration
Integrating a bit of your professional life into your personal is not a bad thing.
We are not saying you become completely obsessed with work. But every now and then pick up a book and learn new things about your profession and what experts have to say.
This habit will not only get you more excited about your potential but also provide you with interesting anecdotes to share with colleagues. You can try watching online videos and podcasts as well.
Implement these 9 productivity hacks to your day and see your productivity soar as you finally get more done and have more time for yourself. Got your own personal hacks?
Tell us in the comments below.
If you enjoyed reading this blog, we also suggest you read 7 Yoga Poses to Increase your Concentration and Productivity.