Simple ways to improve productivity…
Whether you are doing projects around the house or working from home – The key is to work smarter, not harder. Here are some great tips to boost your motivation whatever you are doing this week.
Eat the frog
Mark Twain once said, “eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.” Brian Tracy’s famous ‘eat the frog’ technique is based on this quote. The ‘frog’ here being the most crucial task on your to-do list. The one you are most likely to procrastinate on if you don’t do something about it. The key to reaching high levels of performance and productivity, Tracy says, is to develop the lifelong habit of tackling your major task first thing each morning.
Trim the to-do list
Too often people overestimate what they can accomplish and become frustrated by their lack of progress. Try a shorter, more realistic to-do list that leaves room for unexpected projects and interruptions will help you be more productive.
Aim for quality, not quantity
Multitasking seems like a good way to increase productivity, but repeatedly switching gears is mentally taxing and can slow you down. Do your best to focus on one item at a time.
Take regular breaks
You might think it’s counter intuitive, but taking short breaks between work actually boosts concentration, creativity and memory. Continuously working for long stretches of time leads to stress, exhaustion and decision fatigue. Maximise your efficiency at work by taking frequent breaks to refresh and refuel your mind.
Break up work with exercise
Physical activity enhances brain function which will in turn lead to increased levels of productivity, so it makes sense to try and squeeze some exercise in each day. Whether it’s a brisk walk during your lunch break or a few impromptu desk workouts throughout the day, the enhanced brain power will give you improved concentration, more creativity, and faster learning!
Post a “Do Not Disturb” sign
When working on important assignments, boost productivity by turning off mobile devices and signing out of email and social media. Doing so allows you to give full attention to the task at hand. Also, don’t be afraid to occasionally post a “do not disturb” sign in your work space or at home!
Recondition your email reflexes
Chances are you read an email the instant it arrives. Fight the impulse to immediately react when you hear the pinging sound of an incoming message. Pick specific times to check your inbox throughout the day.
Sleep!
Long work hours and countless responsibilities at home means that increasing numbers of people aren’t getting the shuteye they need – and it only takes one night of sleep deprivation for us to suffer!
This could have a damaging effect on your performance, as lack of sleep will decrease your concentration, working memory, mathematical capacity, and logical reasoning. According to the National Sleep Foundation, seven to nine hours a night is what you should be aiming for between the ages of 26-64.
