Each day comes with a limited number of hours. You either make it or break it. In order to make the most of your time, you need to increase your productivity. So, either you can devote more hours or you can work smarter. Which one would you choose? Well, I’ll choose the latter. Being productive is not that hard to achieve if you learn to manage your time The following strategies would be of great help.
Track Your Time
Most people have a challenge in tracking their time on a daily basis. According to research, only 17 percent of people are able to keep an apt estimate of time. A good idea is to use a time tracking app that can show you an accurate analysis of how much time you spend on various tasks. This includes email, word, social media, etc.
Take Regular Breaks
If you have a habit of sitting for long hours without break, it can have a negative impact on your productivity. That’s because the human mind can concentrate on one thing for 45 minutes to 1 hour. This means you need to take a break every hour to enhance your overall productivity. It rewires your brain to perform better.
Avoid Meetings
Attend meetings only when it’s very necessary otherwise you should avoid them. They take a lot of time and are mostly unproductive. According to a study, an average worker spends about 31 hours in unproductive meetings every month. So, before you say YES to a meeting next time, analyze if you can do the same via email, phone call, or video call. This will save you valuable time.
Set Your Own Deadlines
Self-imposed deadlines go a long way in improving focus and productivity. If you think you can do a particular piece of work in 2 hours, set yourself a deadline of 1.5 hours. This is just to push yourself to the limit and actually perform better. If you haven’t tried this before, you’ll realize how much it can help you. Once you start giving yourself deadlines on a regular basis, you’ll see a marked improvement in your overall productivity.
Avoid Stress
Stress is a major barrier to everything in life. It consumes so much energy of the brain that it’s hard to concentrate on anything. Plus, it produces a negative impact on your health which eventually translates into your work life. Your mind and body need to work in perfect tandem for you to achieve better productivity. Try getting yourself some exercise and do some Yoga. Plus, CBD vapes are a popular choice too. That’s because cannabidiol or CBD has emerged as a brilliant remedy for pain and stress. It’s natural and works without any side-effects. So, visit an online store or dispensary and source your CBD vape for stress-relief.
Follow The 2-minute Rule
It’s a good idea to make the most of the small window of time you have in mind. So, follow the 2-minute to enhance your overall productivity. This means that if you think a particular task can be done within two minutes, do it without delay. If you complete the task right away, you will complete it in lesser time than when you get back to it later. It might seem tough initially but once you get the hang of it, your productivity will grow by leaps and bounds.
Say No to Multitasking
Most people think that doing multiple tasks at once is a hallmark of productivity. Well, psychologists think that the opposite might be true. When you try to complete multiple tasks at once, it leads to more delay and affects your concentration. So, a better idea is to commit yourself to one task before moving on to the next one.
Use Your Time During Commute
How do you commute to work? Bus, train, or taxi? Well, no matter what you choose, most people spend the traveling time either browsing random websites or scrolling Facebook. Well, that’s not a productive use of time. Instead, you can send some work emails or do some brainstorming. Every second counts and you need to ensure you make the most of it.
Turn Off Notifications
In the era of smartphones, we are constantly being bombed with information. So, regular notifications can be a barrier to maintaining concentration. So, make sure you switch your notifications off and allocate a designated time to check your phone and emails. This will prevent you from getting distracted. If you have a habit of checking your phone every 5 minutes, then this change in habit will do wonders in enhancing your concentration and productivity.
So, if you have been struggling with your productivity, these tips will help you improve in real-time. Just try to keep yourself motivated and follow this approach on priority!