You’re trying to work, but despite your best efforts you keep gazing outside. You’re slowly getting further behind in your work and it’s making you feel even more anxious and guilty, so you spend some time thinking about how far behind you are. Next thing you know, half the day’s gone and your tasks are still sitting there. We’ve all had days like these and it can be really hard to get out of the stump, but with these tips on how to increase your productivity, you might just be able to sort yourself out!
Focus on One Thing
While to-do lists are great, they can be overwhelming. Circle one thing on your to-do list and make that the thing you tackle first. Many people try to tackle five things at once and end up not really moving forward. It’s important you focus and keep working on one thing until it’s finished before moving on. Choose whatever needs to be done first, or whatever will make you the most money or save you the most time and get started.
Keep Hydrated
Few things will sap away your motivation and productivity like being dehydrated. Your brain will go foggy, your energy levels will drop and even looking at a screen will become a struggle. Keep a big pitcher of water near you and sip on it throughout the day. Refilling your bottle is a great way to break the day up a little bit and get your blood flow circulating properly. Being properly hydrated will allow you to focus for longer and work more efficiently.
Credits: Olya Batishcheva
Take a Break
Okay, this might sound like an easy way to head in the wrong direction, but if you set yourself an allocated break time where you can go outside, read a book or just refresh yourself, you’ll notice that you’ll actually make the time back in productivity. Sitting at a desk for too long is tiring, boring and honestly a bit frustrating. Allow yourself to get properly refreshed and refocused so you can increase your productivity.
Change Things Up
If you work for yourself or can, change things up by working somewhere different. If you have a laptop, why not take it to a cafe and enjoy the buzz of people chittering and chattering while you smash through targets. Working in the same place can be extremely boring, so by swapping things up you actually create a new environment that can be hugely motivating.
These small tips will make a large difference to your productivity and your work. Spend a little time each day making sure you’re covering as many of these bases as possible and enjoy the results.
