Productivity Tips
It’s been over a year of working from home for some and the ‘fun’ and ‘newness’ of it has surely worn off. Staying productive and motivated while at home is a challenge for everyone but here are some of the top ways to kick procrastination make sure everything on your list gets done on time.
Take breaks
It’s still hard for some of us to wrap our heads around the fact that we work more efficiently when we work less. Taking breaks throughout the day is proven to increase concentration and productivity. Set a timer for 30 minutes and focus on finishing that task you’ve been putting off and after your timer goes, check your phone, stretch your legs or make a coffee. After your 5-10 minute break you can dive right back into your project feeling more refreshed.
Set goals
It’s hard to know where to start or feel accomplished at the end of the day when you don’t have direction or vision. At the beginning of the week or day, take five minutes to write out what you want to get done. Be specific about it, for the big picture projects, write exactly what steps you need to take today, or maybe just make a note to respond to some unopened emails. Thinking about what needs to get done versus writing it down makes the world of a difference, and looking back at the end of the day or week and seeing a to-do list all crossed off feels so good!
Tackle the hardest thing first
You know the project I’m talking about. The one that’s always in the back of your mind that you don’t want to touch. Start with that one first thing in the morning, tell yourself to spend just five minutes on it, next thing you know you’ll be well on your way. The hardest part is starting. We typically are most focused and have the most energy in the mornings, having a clear mindset for doing your hardest task is important. This sets up the rest of your day for a positive outcome, you’ve already got the hardest task or the one you’ve been most dreading out of the way.
Hopefully, you found these tips useful and feel more prepared to get the most of your day whether you are working from home or going into the office.