Is your daily productivity a problem? Do you ever feel like your to-do list is a mile long? The end of the day nears, and you feel like you haven’t accomplished half of what you set out to do. We’ve all been there, and frankly, it’s a crummy feeling. It’s a sensation that leaves us wondering how some people seem to “do it all.” You know the ones. They’re running a business, keeping an immaculate house and never forget their sister’s birthday. Well, chances are, they might be doing one of the below tactics.
If you’re looking to boost your productivity and get the most out of your day (and your life), then consider incorporating one of these habits into your daily routine.
Make Your Mornings Count
Ah, yes. We said it. Waking up early can make a significant impact on your daily productivity. Chances are, you’re one of the many people who hit the snooze button multiple times. Heck, most of us are guilty of this behavior. But, if you begin maximizing your morning time, you’d be surprised at how the rest of your day unfolds. By waking early and checking off easy tasks — like making the bed, taking out the trash or going over your to-do list — you set the tone for the rest of the day. If you can start your day off with a “win,” chances are the rest of your hours will follow in a similar fashion.
Find the “Time Vacuums”
Time vacuums can take many forms, and they can easily strip away your precious time. For most of this, a “time vacuum” might come in the form of wasting minutes (or hours) on technology that doesn’t add value to our day. Television, gaming, and social media are all common culprits. To find these bad habits, start by journaling your day. Document each hour — what did you accomplish in that hour? Even 5-minute increments of screen time here and there can add up to a significant problem. Once you identify these pesky vacuums, try limiting them to a healthy, or even nonexistent, number.
Schedule More Breaks
This might sound counterproductive, but hear us out. Think of your attention as a daily bank account. Each morning, 24 hours are deposited in your account. If you spend the first 5 hours of your day exhausting all your energy, then the rest of those hours will slip by in “mental exhaustion.” Take periodic breaks throughout the day to allow yourself to recover and refuel. You can make the most of these breaks by picking up healthy habits. Try taking a brisk 10-minute walk once an hour. Or use that time to call a friend who always provides words of encouragement. You’ll likely come back to your work refreshed and ready to tackle the next item on your to-do list.