Our life is always turbulent, and different activities demand our time and attention while we have only 24 hours a day. Knowing this fact, we try to be as productive as possible, and this situation often causes us pressure or even anxiety, leading us to a vicious circle of being unproductive for no reason. If you find yourself stuck in a loop of constant worries and don’t know how to boost your productivity, here are some tips to help with your struggles.

Prioritize tasks

Knowing how to prioritize and manage your workload can make you feel more in control of your workday. One way to do this is to break your tasks into smaller subtasks. Then, take a big-picture view of your overall mission and see how your smaller tasks fit into the bigger picture.

Another method of prioritizing is the Ivy Lee task sorting technique. It sorts tasks into categories based on the urgency of completion and the importance of each item. You can also use the Eisenhower matrix or implement the Pareto principle.

To make your tasks more productive, you can divide them into three different categories: daily, weekly, and month-plus. Some examples of these categories include email communications, meetings, and project organizing. 

For example, if your company runs a direct mail campaign, your daily to-do list would include tasks such as composing email replies. Weekly tasks would include action items related to upcoming deadlines, while monthly-plus tasks would include tasks that are part of a larger, longer-term goal. This principle can also be used for your personal life, as you can still have daily (“write my paper for tomorrow” or “meet with Jane in the evening”), weekly (“complete a group project” or “organize a birthday party”) and month-plus plans like moving out or finding a relationship.

Avoid heavy meals that make you sluggish

One of the best ways to be more productive, or at least less fatigued, is to avoid heavy meals that make you sluggish. This is particularly true if you work at an office. The office isn’t the best place for you to relax, and you may find yourself reaching for a sugary treat after an hour or so of hard work. However, if you try to eat well, you’ll be less likely to suffer from the fatigue that can plague the best of us.

If you haven’t got the time to cook or shop for healthy meals, there are still a few tricks up your sleeve to help you stay on top of your game. One of the easiest is to pack your own lunch. You can also find a healthy menu at restaurants, so you don’t have to settle for a fatty snack that won’t keep you from crashing in a few hours.

You should also exercise regularly. Although you may not feel like it, a few minutes of brisk walking after your meal can improve blood flow and oxygen levels in your brain. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to drink some water. Getting dehydrated can lead to fatigue, and you’ll want to rehydrate your body as soon as possible.

Manage your energy more effectively

If you want to improve your productivity, one of the easiest ways to do it is to manage your energy. Using this technique, you can make better use of your time, avoid burnout, and get more done. It’s also a good way to improve your performance as a team member, focus on the most important tasks and increase the number of productive hours you spend in the office.

The key to managing your energy effectively is to understand how you feel. Your body is a great energy source, and your feelings profoundly influence your work, so when you feel stressed or drained, you need to take a break. 

For example, you can improve your productivity by scheduling important tasks during high-energy periods. Also, don’t overcharge yourself by charging too much. Charging too hard could end up resulting in mistakes and burnout.

Learn to say “no” to time-stealing people

Knowing when to say no is important to managing workflow and maintaining a happy, healthy lifestyle. If you have a busy schedule, it’s important to say no to people who ask for your time. Not only will it help you get your work done, but it’s also an assertiveness skill that’s worth cultivating.

Learning how to say no is not easy. Often, our brains are too overwhelmed with work and information to give us the ability to make the right decision. Practicing the correct way to do so can make all the difference in the world.

There are many things to choose from when it comes to the best no, but the most important one is not always the easiest. Some alternative suggestions include scheduling appointments for later in the day, sending a follow-up email, or explaining your unavailability.

In the end, saying no can be uncomfortable. However, there are ways to do it without being a jerk. The best no is a thoughtful one delivered at the right moment. This helps de-escalate any potential stress or tension and encourages cognitive problem-solving.

Final words

The road to turning productivity into a habit is a long and winding one. It requires discipline and commitment. If you want to make a dent in your workload, you must take some steps to minimize distractions, improve your sleep cycle and maximize your time:

• Getting your most important tasks done first thing in the morning is a great idea. This can keep you fresh and on the right track throughout the day. Aside from the obvious, you should also avoid unnecessary face-to-face meetings and other activities that consume your time and attention.
• Taking a break is also helpful. Although it may seem like a waste of time, it can be a productivity booster. When your energy levels are low, you are more likely to get distracted by social media or other activities that require your attention, so be sure to take breaks more frequently to let yourself recharge.
• One of the best ways to boost your productivity is to set up a schedule. Having a regimented schedule will ensure you don’t forget to do things you should do. Using a scheduling app like Google Calendar can help.
• It can also be helpful to set a reminder to check email at a certain time of day. That way, you won’t get distracted by email all the time. In the same spirit, it can be a good idea to turn off all notifications on your phone. These include emails, text messages, and social media.

-In collaboration with PaperHelp.org