Increase Productivity
The search for a more productive workday has led to a certain misconception about what productivity really is. So, it seems that it’s a lot more than checking tasks off your to-do list.
The truth is productive people aren’t focused on doing more things in their day, but actually the opposite. If, we really want to be productive, we’ve got to make a point to do fewer things. Following are some tips and ideas to help increase work productivity.
1. Reduce your to-do list. Getting things done during your workday shouldn’t mean fitting in all 30 tasks on your to-do list. Learn to prioritise your list by focusing on tasks that need to be accomplished today.
2. Take some breaks. If after several hours of work you start to feel tired or find it hard to focus, it’s time to take a break. Give yourself a moment to refresh your body and mind by going for a walk, grabbing a snack or lunch, or just meditating. You’ll come back recharged and ready to go again.
3. Follow the 80/20 rule. Only 20 percent of what you do each day produces 80 percent of your results. Eliminate the things that don’t matter during your workday, they have a minimal effect on your overall productivity.
4. Clear your mind. Make the morning about you, body and mind before you start the work day. Start your day on the right foot by ignoring your emails and list of things to do and instead focus on having a good breakfast, doing a workout, meditating or whatever makes you feel good. This will ensure you’ve got the necessary fuel for a productive day.
5. Tackle challenging tasks early. Try to complete your most challenging work when your brain is fresh, preferably before lunch. Schedule meetings and calls in the afternoon when you’ve attended to more urgent tasks.
6. Improve email productivity. Email is a productivity killer and usually a distraction from tasks that actually matter, try to not fall into this trap. If your email chain goes beyond two replies, it’s time to pick up the phone.
7. Create a system. Like the rest of us, you’ve probably developed a few non-productive habits over the years. Manage your distracting ways by creating a system. For example, those of you who check your emails compulsively, plan a morning, afternoon and evening time slot to manage your inbox. Otherwise, you’ll get distracted from accomplishing more important goals throughout the day.
8. Stop confusing productivity with laziness. While no one likes admitting it, sheer laziness is the biggest contributor to lost productivity. Place your focus on doing the things that matter most as efficiently and effectively as possible.
9. Stop multi-tasking. Stop trying to do ten things at once! Get things done promptly and more accurately by focusing on one task at a time.
Never mistake motion for action. – Ernest Hemingway
Following, are some suggestions to give your body & mind a break during your workday.
Be physically active
Your brain is no different than rest of the muscles in your body, you either use it or you lose it. Physical exercise has positive effects on brain function on multiple fronts, ranging from the molecular to behavioral level. In general, anything that is good for your heart is great for your brain. If you can’t get in a full workout, just stretching for five minutes makes small changes that can spur creativity and recharge your batteries.
No matter how much it gets abused, the body can restore balance. The first rule is to stop interfering with nature. – Deepak Chopra
Go outside for some fresh air
Fresh air is highly underrated. Getting outdoors on a regular basis can improve one’s health and sense of well-being. The increased oxygen brings with it increased energy to do the things we need to do. Fresh air produces a healthy mind, cleaner lungs and a calmer constitution when we actively use it. More oxygen brings greater clarity to the brain so take some time to exercise, go for a walk or simply relax outside during your workday.
Love is the oxygen of the soul. – Tony Robbins
Do something you like to do
When you give the body, and brain a chance to take a break, you are helping to lower stress, which can significantly impact how much you can do and how well you can do it. Learn to listen to your body and if it’s all getting too much, take some timeout and do something you enjoy to clear your mind. Whether that’s coffee with a friend, window shopping, going for a run or surfing, it doesn’t really matter, just get out there and do it. As it will lift your mood and contribute to your overall well-being.
If you spend too much time thinking about a thing, you’ll never get it done. – Bruce Lee
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