How to be More Productive

Photo Credit: Crew

Productivity doesn’t mean cramming as much as possible into your day day after day. It’s about spending your time wisely and prioritizing tasks.

If you’re anything like me, I’m constantly on the “go”. As a small business owner, author, work-out junkie, mother and wife, I have little time to chill, so it’s important to make the most of the time I do have to get tasks done.

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Photo Credit: Olu Eletu

Plug in Your Phone out of Arm’s Reach:

One of the first things I can recommend that will help get you up and at it in the morning is to plug your phone in somewhere that isn’t within arm’s reach. That way, when your alarm sounds, you have to begrudgingly get out of bed to turn it off. It’s easier to stay up at that point because you’ve already left the comfort of your warm bed.

Set Your Alarm for 5 Minutes Earlier

Waking up earlier can help you knock tasks out quicker. By setting your alarm for 5 minutes earlier, your body will start adjusting allowing yourself to get up without issues after a few days. You can increase the time if needed.

Use Natural Light to Wake Up

As soon as you wake up, open your curtains or blinds to let in natural light.

Exercise 

Set a routine of working on every day (if possible). Working out in the morning can help you wake up faster and provide greater amounts of energy.

Meditate

Mentally prepare for your day by meditating for 10-15 minutes. Visualizing your day can make accomplishing your tasks easier.

Photo Credit: Arkady Lifshits

Breakfast

Never skip a morning meal. You’ve heard the saying, “Never skip breakfast because it’s the most important meal of the day”-it’s true!

Drink Water

Drinking water first thing in the morning as well as through the day helps you stay hydrated and more focused.

Set Daily Goals

Write down your daily goals and check them off as you accomplish them. There is no greater satisfaction that checking tasks off your to-do list. This also helps you stay focused.

Podcast

On your way to work, listen to a podcast that helps you focus and/or motivates you. Turn off that trashy talk radio and get inspired!

Walk/Bike or Run to Work

If possible, try walking, biking or running to work. This provides great energy and releases all the “good” feels.

Photo Credit: Red Angelo

Minimize Distraction

Stay off social media, silence your phone and close your door. When you’re on a mission to get things done, minimizing distractions can help you get your tasks done quickly and efficiently. Also, mute background noise. If there is a TV nearby, turn it off or mute it to help resist the urge to watch whatever it on.

Avoid Heavy Lunches

You’ve probably experience that after lull when you feel tired and lethargic. You can avoid this by eating a light healthy lunch. Fuel your body with protein, veggies and fruits!

Sit by a Window

Sitting by a window can be relaxing and lead to higher productivity then sitting in a cubicle or office without a window. Venture out of your office and sit outside on a bench.

Work in Varied Environments

For me, I work from home 75% of the time, and I find myself easily distracted at times because I know that there is laundry to be done or dishes that need to be done. I can minimize the urge to take “home” things by removing myself from my home. I find that I can be more productive when working from a coffee shop or a park.

Photo Credit: Blake Wisz

Get Active

If you have time throughout your day, escape for a quick walk to clear your mind and get some fresh air.

Celebrate Small Wins

Never forget to celebrate the small wins.

Clean your Desk

When you have a clean desk, it allows you to better focus on what’s in front of you. You’re not having to move things around to make room or find something that has been misplaced in the shuffle. Try to keep your desk clean at all times.

Get Plenty of Sleep

Try to avoid coffee 6 hours before you lay down. Also minimize TV and other devices such as an iPad or iPhone right before bed. Try reading a book before bed as it helps your mind wind down.

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It is possible to get more things done throughout the day without cramming too much in and working an insane amount of hours. By changing up a few things throughout your day, you’re able to focus on the tasks at hand and better prepare yourself to tackle your day productively and efficiently.