Daily Activities to Boost Your Productivity
Do you struggle to maintain a high level of productivity throughout the day? If so, these activities may help!
When creating your “to do” list for the day, try placing the hardest task at the top of the list, knocking it out first. Many people dread certain tasks, and when they finally get to them, they begin to slow down. To prevent this from happening, you can tackle your hardest task first, eliminating it before any other tasks.
Some people view pen and paper as being obsolete in today’s gadget-focused world. However, there’s always a place for pen and paper, as it allows workers to jot down notes on the fly, without messing with their smartphone or device. I recommend carrying a pen and paper on your person everywhere you go. If you think of a new work-related idea, jot it down for future reference.
How much sleep do you get during a typical night? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 50 and 70 million U.S. adults suffer from some type of sleep or wakefulness disorder. In addition to waking up with low energy levels (or no energy at all), sleep disorders can make you less productive. Experts say adults should strive for a minimum of seven hours of shut eye per night. Getting just six hours may seem harmless enough, but over the course of a week that translates into a seven-hour sleep deficit, at which point your body must work overtime to maintain its energy levels.
Nutrition is critical to maintaining a high level of productivity. If you consume processed fast food day after day, your body won’t receive the nutrients it needs to sustain its energy levels; thus your productivity levels will drop as a result. Restaurants and markets are making it easier to eat healthier by offering ready-to-eat meals, even if you have to eat them on the fly.
I know this is easier said than done, especially for people who work in front of a computer or at a desk all day long, but it’s important to move throughout the day. Prolonged sitting has been linked to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, high-blood pressure, cancer, and other adverse conditions.
Furthermore, new evidence suggests that exercise does not cancel out the harmful effects of prolonged sitting. One solution to this problem is to invest in a standing computer desk, which as the name suggests, allows you to stand while using your computer. Or — take a daily walk (or two!). While it might seem like you’ll get more done if you stay at your desk, taking a 10- or 15-minute walk will give you more energy to tackle your workload.
While easier said than done, ideally you should create a distraction-free environment in which to work. Whether you are at the office or at home, eliminate all distractions from your surroundings before you begin to work. Something as minor as background noise from a TV or people conversing nearby can cut into your productivity because distractions interrupt your concentration. Consider wearing noise-cancelling headphones if your office environment is noisy.
Know any other daily activities that can boost productivity? Let us know in the comments section below!
Image attribution: https://www.flickr.com/photos/dimnikolov/