We all want to be productive at work, right? But sometimes we just get so bogged down with deadlines, unread emails, Instagram notifications, and varying daily tasks that it’s hard to stay motivated and feel efficient.
When we feel disorganized or that we are under a lot of pressure in an in-cohesive environment, it can severely impact our productivity levels. These feelings of stress and anxiety are not always entirely avoidable; however, there are a variety of ways to mitigate certain stressors and hindrances to motivation and productivity.
The beauty of harnessing productivity is that it’s not rocket science. Though it may seem like an elusive task, we’ve compiled some of our favorite and most beneficial tips for working smarter- not necessarily harder.
1. Organize Your Workspace
One of the biggest detriments to productivity is disorganization. Take the time to tidy up your space and ensure that everything has a place so that you don’t have to worry about finding that sales report later. This includes your computer as well! Having 30 tabs open and documents scattered about your desktop can make your workspace feel just as hectic as having physical papers scattered all over your desk.
I’d suggest, when you have a bit of extra time on your hands on a Friday afternoon, to use that period to really get your things in order. Cleaning and organizing alone can be a rejuvenating process, so you may even feel inspired right in that moment
2. Single-task, Not Multitask
I know we all feel like multitasking is so much more efficient, but the reality is that our brains simply aren’t wired to effectively perform two tasks at once- especially when they require attention to detail. Multitasking hampers focus while increasing stress and mental fatigue.
So, if you find that you have a lot to do and feel the urge to multitask, try to create a list of the items in order of importance and then tackle them one at a time. This is proven to actually be more productive and will save you time in the long run.
3. Plan Ahead, Write it Down
Making to-do lists seems like an obvious thing to do, but I don’t think we truly take the time to put some thought into them. By taking a few moments at the end of each day to organize a an outlined structure of what you need to do for the next day, it can really impact how you feel the moment you step foot into the office.
Sometimes you may have a curveball thrown at you, but that’s okay! Just try not to pack your day too tightly and give yourself time to shift gears if necessary.
4. Breaks are Crucial!
It may sound counterintuitive, but taking breaks is actually extremely beneficial for boosting your productivity. Taking just a 5-minute break can significantly boost concentration, creativity, and memory for the next few hours.
I suggest taking the time to get up, walk around, and stretch rather than checking in on what’s happening on Twitter and Instagram. A few moments away from the screen can do a lot!
5. Get Proper Rest
You can’t do your work if you feel like a zombie at your desk! Being organized and efficient extends outside of the workday as well. Ensuring that you have a steady sleep routine each night can make a huge difference in how motivated you feel each day.
So, when Netflix says “Playing next episode in 10 seconds” for the 3rd time, try avoiding the urge to binge and call it a night. I promise you’ll be thankful in the morning!
And with that, you have our five tips for sparking your productivity! Used in conjunction, these tips can have a significant impact on your workday and I think you will see that the effects will pour over into other areas of your life as well.
Let us know how they work for you!
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