Being productive at work can be tough. It’s difficult to do our best work during the summer months when we’re dreaming of enjoying the warm weather! Working from home has been one of the hardest challenges for productivity in the workplace, putting ourselves into an unfamiliar frame of mind in overfamiliar surroundings. We’ve put together some tips to help you become your best and most productive self at work.
1. Take Advantage of Tech
When you’re struggling with productivity, technology can be your best friend or your worst enemy. It’s too easy to scroll mindlessly through social media, reading news headlines over and over and getting no meaningful work done.
Instead, use technology to your advantage by utilising productivity apps and task scheduling software to motivate you and keep you focused. Task manager apps like Todoist and Monday.com allow you to keep all of your ideas, tasks and notes in one place, giving you a clearer view of what’s important and reviewing deadlines at a glance.
You could also listen to some inspiring productivity podcasts to boost your motivation & productivity and help you to build a positive mindset. Power Hour podcast hosted by award-winning TEDx speaker, Adrienne Herbert is a popular choice and gives you tips and interviews from some of the world’s most productive people.
2. Mind Yourself
Taking care of your body, inside and out, has all sorts of benefits. Eating nutritionally balanced food and enjoying regular exercise raises your energy levels and improves general wellbeing. Practicing mindfulness, meditation and yoga can make you feel happier and more energised meaning you can be more efficient and effective in all aspects of life. Yoga with Adriene is a great jumping off point for online yoga.
Make use of positive psychology (such as changing your language around difficult or stressful tasks or writing down your daily goals and gratitudes). This can have a hugely positive effect on our attitudes to work. See an interesting TED Talk with Martin Seligman on the topic here.
3. Create a To Do list
A simple but effect one! All productive days start with a to-do list to help you stay organised and focused. List everything you’ll need to complete a specific task or on a certain day, from getting your morning coffee to compiling reports and sending emails. As you work down the list you’ll feel satisfied ticking off tasks and (hopefully) be more motivated to continue. If you find a long to-do list daunting, try to list three things each evening that you want to get done the following day.
4. Take Mini Breaks
Add regular breaks and gentle exercise to your to-do list every day. Short breaks between tasks boost concentration, creativity and memory while continuously working for long stretches of time leads to stress, exhaustion and decision fatigue. Schedule lunch and use the time to refuel and enjoy a walk and some fresh air before returning to your desk.
5. Don't Multitask
It sounds counterintuitive but when you multitask your mind is scattered & struggles to keep thoughts and ideas in line. While it’s useful when cooking or cleaning, multitasking isn’t optimal for a productive workday.
According to Forbes, multitasking reduces productivity by as much as 40%, reducing your focus, increases stress and induces mental fatigue. Focus on one task at a time & see it out to completion to encourage a more productive outcome.
6. Use Your Time Wisely
Do you suffer from 3pm slump? Do you need to be awake for three hours and have two coffees before your brain works at a reasonable pace? To become more productive try to work around your body’s natural rhythms and take care of the most important tasks while you’re at your most alert. This may not be ideal with a deadline looming but if you plan and schedule your work correctly and use your own time wisely, you won’t leave anything until the last minute.
7. Self Care Routines
Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean that you can give up on personal hygiene and other daily rituals. It’s more important than ever to take good care of yourself, mind and body, creating a positive routine that works for you. Self-care can be as simple as home workouts, showering, shaving & taking care of your skin regularly, dressing for the day ahead (not just when you have a video call coming up!), cooking and eating food that you enjoy and making time for hobbies and activities that make you feel good.
The healthier and happier you are, the more productive you’ll be. Adopt a couple of our tips for productivity today and see how your workday can transform.
At Premier Business Centres we love offering our clients the freedom, flexibility and support that they need to be truly productive as a business. Call or email us today for more information about our services.
