[AD] How often do you end the day feeling like you haven’t accomplished what you wanted? You make plans, objectives and create a to-do list but still find yourself struggling to achieve the tasks you set out to do.
It is understandable, as being fully productive can be a challenge to many. The key to successfully ticking off your to-do-list relies on managing your time in ways that enhance your productivity. Whether you’re struggling to get all your home DIY tasks completed, or keep up with working from home, here are simple tips to increase your productivity.
Do not multi-task
Sometimes you feel like you want to get your hands on every task to complete them at one go. But juggling many jobs can make you less productive. Instead, aim to focus on a single task at a time and see how much faster you complete them.
Set realistic goals
Goal setting is one of the best ways to get things done. However, goals can also be overwhelming. It is important to make your goals attainable to feel more in control of what you do. Breaking your goals into smaller, more realistic tasks helps you complete them more easily. This will also help you keep track of what’s been done and still needs to be completed, and make more significant tasks seem more manageable.
Complete more complex tasks when you are most alert
There is no denying that pushing harder tasks to later in the day is tempting. However, it’s essential to know that you are most productive in the morning, so it’s best to get the trickier tasks completed first whilst you’re more alert.
Take frequent breaks
Do you think working longer hours helps you get many things done? That’s where you go wrong. Longer working hours may take a toll on your productivity through burnouts. So, why not plan to have coffee breaks and enjoy Horsham Coffee Roaster products between your schedules. It will help refresh your mind and keep you going.
Set deadlines
The stress that comes with a deadline is a good thing for your productivity. You need something to keep you on your toes if you want to be more productive at what you do. Setting deadlines helps you focus on completing your tasks in time and improves your concentration.
Exercise
Physical exercise is a proven way of increasing productivity. Sometimes you become less productive due to burnout, which may call for a break to stretch and replenish your fluids. Plus, reduced productivity is also associated with chronic pains that develop due to the lack of physical exercise. For instance, if you spend most of your time on the computer, you may end up experiencing back pains that limit your output.
Create a to-do list every night
A to-do list is an excellent productivity aid. Creating a to-do list every night helps you get organized and focus on what you want to accomplish. Plus, a to-do list will offer you the satisfaction you need to keep going after ticking a task off your list.
Manage your time
Managing your time is the best way to increase your productivity. However, not everyone is capable of tracking the time taken to complete tasks. Using a time tracking tool will help you schedule and complete your tasks in time. This is also an excellent way to stay on top of your schedule.
Avoid distractions
It helps to identify where best to focus your energy. You may not notice them right away, but there are some things that take your energy yet do not count at the end of the day. They are just distractions that you should avoid.
To increase your productivity, you have to shut down the noise and avoid unnecessary distractions. Think about turning off your SMS notifications to give yourself time to focus on what is important beforehand. Or try and stay away from looking at social media whilst you’re trying to get the decorating done.
Stay organized
You cannot be more productive if you are working in a chaotic environment.
According to research, mess and clutter reduces your concentration and may cause fatigue. If you want to improve your productivity, work on your organisation. Start by getting rid of all the clutter, then clean your space and have everything arranged in the right place to allow you the time to focus on the task at hand.
Stay hydrated
There are many benefits of drinking plenty of water, and one of them is improving your brain functionality. With a lot of work to do, you may forget to drink water and get dehydrated easily. You may not notice it, but dehydration comes with fatigue that reduces your efficiency and productivity. Make an effort to have a water bottle with you whatever DIY task you’re working on
Prepare your lunch
How long do you take for a lunch break? Rushing your lunch can be detrimental to your gut health as well as your productivity. The best way to ensure you have an unrushed lunch break is to prepare your lunch in advance. This way, you avoid the allure for spontaneously reaching for junk food and save yourself time to enjoy your lunch break.
If you want to improve your productivity when working from home, take a step back and think of how you can create an inviting work environment and work smartly. These tips will point you in the right direction.
Featured image credit: Photo by Nick Morrison on Unsplash