It’s not uncommon for people to feel overwhelmed with the amount of work they have to do. Some days it feels like you’re barely keeping your head above water, and you don’t know how much longer you can tread before sinking under the weight of all that responsibility. But what if we told you there are ways to increase your productivity? Read this article to find out how!
1) Limit Your Phone Time
Do you find yourself compulsively checking your email and Facebook? The answer is probably yes. People are glued to their phones. There’s always a new text from a friend or email from work that demands your immediate attention. But when you think about it, how much time do you actually spend conversing with the people in front of you? Chances are, not enough. Try limiting yourself to 60 minutes a day of phone use, and observe how much time you save in the long run. When you spend less time staring at a screen, your brain has more time to recharge and you become more productive.
2) Get Yourself A Planner
Whenever you think of a new task or project, write it down. You’ll be less likely to forget important due dates and meetings if they’re written in your planner. Use different color pens for work and personal tasks, so that while you’re at school, for instance, you don’t write about something related to work. Having a planner can also help you focus on that one particular thing that is holding you back. You can learn more here if you want to know more about the benefits of having a planner. Overall, it will help you track your habits and stay on top of things.
3) Get Enough Sleep
People underestimate the importance of sleep. If you’re constantly tired or find yourself falling asleep at inappropriate times like while you’re sitting in class, try catching up on your Zs. It will make you feel less stressed and more productive when it comes time to actually accomplish something important. If you have trouble with sleeping, try cutting your phone time in half and limiting yourself to one or two cups of coffee a day. You might also try listening to relaxing music before going to sleep. Having 7-8 hours of sleep a night will make you feel more restored and alert.
4) Have A Routine
Start getting ready for bed at the same time every night and set your alarm for the next day at the same time, too. You’ll get into a consistent rhythm, which is key to productivity. Using a routine is important because it helps with organization and boosts self-confidence. It also allows you to save time that you can spend on other important things, like hobbies or playing with your dog. Besides that, people who have a routine tend to know what they should be doing and when which reduces stress.
5) Break Things Up
Sometimes it’s hard to stay focused on a project, and if that’s the case for you try breaking up your tasks into smaller chunks. For instance, if you’re writing a research paper, it might help to break down your work into chapters or smaller parts. Not only does this make things more manageable but it also gives you satisfaction as you progress through the project. In addition, breaks give your mind time to rest and process information, which is one of the keys to productivity.
6) Relax More
And finally, if you find that you just can’t concentrate on anything, try taking time out of your day to relax. Whether it’s reading a book or listening to some mellow music, doing something just for yourself is important for both mental and physical health. You should also try meditating, which has been shown to improve mental clarity and overall well-being. There are many ways to increase your productivity so have fun brainstorming ideas and trying them out! It might not seem like much but having fun will give you the energy you need to accomplish the countless tasks that come your way during the day. And besides, if you’re not having fun, there’s no point in doing what you do!
If you’re looking for ways to increase your productivity, our article should have given you some good insights. For instance, limiting yourself to 60 minutes of phone use per day can save time in the long run by freeing up brain space and energy. Getting enough sleep is also key. People underestimate how important this is yet it has been shown that even one night of lost sleep leads to decreased cognitive functioning. Other tips include breaking larger tasks into smaller chunks and making sure you take time out of your day for relaxation, like reading a book or listening to music before bedtime. Even if these things seem small they are an essential part of staying productive. So try experimenting with different strategies to see what works for you.
