A lot of people feel like there are simply not enough hours in a day to complete every task that is on their to-do lists. In order to accomplish more throughout the day, you will need to work on improving your productivity.
Follow the Five-Minute Rule
If you have a task you have to do that will take you five minutes or less, then you should do it immediately. This especially applies to simple tasks like looking over some spreadsheets or sending emails. Keep in mind that doing these small tasks will make you feel like you’ve accomplished more, which will motivate you to keep working.
Write Down Your Tasks
Make sure you write down each task that you have to do. This will not only help you make a good schedule, but it will ensure that you don’t forget what you have to do. If you spend your time and energy trying to remember what is on your to-do list, you will be less productive.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential if you want to improve your focus and productivity. One of the best ways to improve your sleeping habits is to buy a good mattress. Remember that if there is one piece of furniture that you should splurge on, it’s the mattress. After all, you’ll spend a third of your day here. So, make sure you do some research on the best mattresses on the market.
Eliminate Distractions
Instead of relying on your willpower, you should simply eliminate all distractions. If you’re in the habit of playing games on your smartphone, it’s recommended that you keep your phone at bay.
Avoid Multitasking
Many people think that they would be able to get more things done if they multitask. However, this is actually far from the case. Instead of trying to do multiple things at once, you should focus on only one task at a time. By doing this, you will be able to get every task accomplished quicker.
Exercise Regularly
Exercising is a great way to boost your energy levels. Keep in mind that you don’t have to do any strenuous workouts. Simply setting aside 20-30 minutes a day to do some exercises is enough to keep you in good shape.
Check Tasks off the List
Make sure that you check tasks off the list whenever you finish them. Seeing how many things you’ve done during the day will motivate you to keep going.
Start with the Tough Tasks
Instead of avoiding the hardest tasks, you should start off your day by doing them. Keep in mind that once you accomplish what you think is hard will help you finish everything else easily.
Schedule Email Time
Most people check their smartphone whenever they hear an email notification. However, this habit will slow you down drastically. Instead of checking your phone when you hear a notification, you should schedule time at the beginning and end of each day when you will check your emails.
Meditate
Apart from helping you relax and lower your stress levels, meditation can also increase your productivity. On top of that, meditating will improve your focus and memory, as well as enhance your creativity.
Learn When to Say No
If you keep saying yes to everything suggested to you, then you’re going to get overwhelmed sooner or later. Remember that it’s completely okay to politely decline a suggestion if you don’t have enough time for it. Therefore, the next time your friends are getting together on a workday or a colleague asks for help, you should think about whether you have the time to do it or not.
Drink More Water
Staying hydrated is one of the easiest ways to improve your productivity. Know that by not drinking enough water, your energy levels will decrease significantly.