Productivity is important at work and home. Mastering it lets you get the things done that you need to without procrastination and missed deadlines. Are you feeling like your productivity is flagging and needs a good boost?
There are some crazy ways to get things revved up without succumbing to the same old methods. Sometimes trying something new is all it takes to get your energy flowing and your productivity skyrocketing.
Here are some of the best things you can try if you need something that takes you off the beaten path.
Take A Break
It might sound counterproductive, but stepping away for a short time can recharge and refresh you so that you can see work in a new light. Even 10 minutes is often enough to give your brain a break so that you can get back to things in a productive manner.
Make sure your break is relaxing and involves doing something you enjoy, such as reading, sewing or listening to music. Experts suggest regular breaks to keep your brain from becoming overloaded and too fatigued to stay productive either at home or at work.
Create A Schedule
Of course, things always come up and you’ll sometimes have to be flexible and go with the flow, but in general having a schedule allows you to optimize your productivity. The experts at Forbes suggest trying as hard as you can to stick to the time you’ve allotted for each given task.
This way you can complete everything you need to for the day. If you have a task that could take longer, build in a buffer time so that you don’t go off schedule. If you don’t need it, take that time for a mental break or to get ahead on tomorrow’s tasks.
Get The Worst Tasks Out Of The Way
Saving your most dreaded tasks until the end of the day can backfire on you. By then, you’re tired and may not give the task your entire focus. Schedule the things you hate for first thing so that you can gain some accomplishment from crossing things off your to-do list.
Saving tasks you enjoy for the end of the day keeps you working because you’ll be looking forward to what’s coming and can keep your eyes on the prize. At the end of the day, you’ll find that you’ve been as productive as you can be.
Make Sure You’re Getting Enough Sleep
Crazy, isn’t it? You’ll be amazed at how much more productive you can be when you aren’t running on empty. The experts recommend getting at least seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
This gives your brain a chance to recharge, and being well-rested allows you to fully focus on your daily tasks. On the other hand, being too tired slows you down and makes it hard to complete everything on your to-do list in a productive manner.
Start Saying “No”
It’s hard for people to turn down work or tasks, but experts at Lifehack.org encourage you to do just that. By only taking on what you can truly handle, you have the freedom to get things accomplished, which makes you more productive.
Juggling too many tasks makes it hard to focus on just one at a time, which means you’re too distracted to finish things in a timely manner. Try gently saying “no” when you don’t think you can handle it. You’ll feel free and you’ll be seen as someone who is productive and can get things done.
Stop Multitasking
This sounds pretty radical to some people. However, trying to get more than one thing done at a time doesn’t allow you to fully focus on any of them. This prolongs the process in g
etting each task done, decreasing your productivity.
Instead, choose one thing at a time and give it your all for a set amount of time or until you finish it. Then move on to another one. You’ll be shocked at how much more quickly and efficiently you can finish everything you need to.
Sometimes all it takes to boost productivity is to try something you wouldn’t normally think to try. One of these ideas may be just what it takes to get you going again. If not, try something else.
You can also mix and match ideas to find what works for you. No matter how it’s done, you’ll love being more productive, and chances are, people will take notice, which can boost relationships and your career.
