While we know that productivity helps us reach our end goals, there are one of those days when you feel like you can’t do it. It sounds amazing in theory, but it requires strict discipline to maintain. But don’t worry, some of the best productivity hacks aren’t the complex ones. They’re actually sustainable habits that work with your energy. With that, here are the 9 productivity strategies that are doable.
9. Start Small With One Habit at a Time
You’ll definitely fail once you overhaul your entire routine at once. Instead, pick one hack that fits right to your biggest challenge. After testing it for at least seven days, check whether it helps you accomplish the important tasks. Once it becomes a part of your routine, try out another hack. Essentially, it’s a matter of choosing one and adding another.
8. Schedule Self-Care Like Meetings
Give yourself enough time to recharge before feeling exhausted. In this way, you also pay attention to yourself. It could be anything like blocking time for lunch, a workout, or simply doing nothing. In this way, you’ll get a time to do the things that you want to breathe.
7. Work Near Natural Light
When setting up a workspace, dedicate a space with good lighting options. Exposure to sunlight can improve your sleep, contributing to your overall well-being and productivity. Natural light can regulate circadian rhythms and boost your mood. It can even increase alertness, so you can do your task accordingly.
6. Time Blocking Without Rigidity
Try to dedicate specific time slots for particular tasks to make it easier for you to stay focused and organized. For instance, set aside mornings for uninterrupted work and afternoons for collaborative tasks. This will combat multitasking that consumes a lot of time. All you need to practice is to be flexible rather than dedicating time to specific tasks. Divide them into categories like deep work, admin, and meetings to get control of your time.
5. Create Systems That Reduce Decisions
Yes, decision fatigue is real, which means getting tired of making too many decisions in a day. Avoid this by creating routines and systems, like maybe preparing your clothes the night before or using standard email responses. With this, you don’t get to waste your energy deciding the same things over and over again.
4. Movement Breaks When You’re Stuck
Once you stare at your screen, you’ve been stuck on your task. When this happens, don’t force yourself to sit there longer. Stand up to stretch your body and get yourself a glass of water. This quick spike of physical activity will wake up your brain and break that mental logjam you’re experiencing. Additionally, be sure to incorporate exercise into your routine to stimulate the release of endorphins.
3. Work in Natural Energy Cycles (Not Against Them)
You see, your energy fluctuates throughout the day. But once you force yourself to work late and skip breaks, you’re pushing through tiredness. Why not do the most challenging tasks when you feel most awake and focused? And in those times when your energy is lower, add in the routine tasks. Don’t force yourself to work against your natural energy patterns. Instead, work with them to prevent burnout.
2. The Pomodoro Technique (25 Minutes On, 5 Minutes Off)
The Pomodoro Technique is a popular method practiced today to maintain focus and avoid burnout. It involves working in short intervals, typically 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. This will help sustain energy levels throughout the day and ensure that you make progress without mental fatigue. It’s a fan-favorite for a reason!
1. The Two-Minute Rule
If a task will only take you two minutes or less, then just do it on the spot. As you continue to toss out those small tasks, they will remain mental clutter. Rather than adding a “reply to email” on your to-do list, do it immediately if it’s only under two minutes. This will enable you to track your progress and cover your responsibilities.