Productivity is crucial. It is essential for your work, your space, and your mind. Everyone is so busy nowadays that it is hard to take time for pretty much anything, so we need to be more mindful of what we are doing. Can we do it more efficiently?
If you think about it, there is probably a better way that saves you more time, effort, and energy. I am a multi-tasker and love to do it, but it can be challenging. Over the years, I have developed a system that helps me complete all my tasks. There are other areas this can be applied to, but these are the few I think of most.
Here are my top 5 productivity tips!
- Use reminders: whether that be the app on your phone or sticky notes. I am a physical paper type of gal, so I love physically writing down my to-do lists, but this isn’t always the simplest way. I use the reminders app on my phone every single day! I can set them to remind me only on the day of or at specified times. I cannot express how often this has saved me if I am close to forgetting something- especially if there is a deadline. I also have monthly reminders set for when we have bills due.
- Use a timer: I’ve touched on this before but it’s probably my number one tip if you struggle with concentrating or getting sucked into a task. It can sometimes be hard for me to jump into getting something started (even if it is something I want to do and have looked forward to!), but once I’m in it, I am in it. This is where the timer usually comes into play for me! The other end is that I don’t want to stop once I’m in it! So, the timer helps me realize that I need a stopping point.
Another thing is I will set small timers: like 20 minutes. I can repeat the timer if I want to.
Pro tip: if you don’t want to abruptly stop what you are doing when the timer runs out but have to go at that point, set the timer for 5 minutes less than when you need to leave so you have time to pack up or finish your thought.
- Drink water or have a special drink that you love to give you some pep in your step. I think everyone needs to hear this: drink more water! A high percentage of people do not drink enough water in a day. It also helps many people to have a special drink they like. I myself love a good coconut milk refresher, Steaz tea, or coconut water with lime. Whatever drink makes your little heart happy and keeps you productive works!
- If music helps you, keep it on low volume—something you can pay little attention to if you are doing something that needs focus. If you are up and about getting stuff done, I say crank that music or podcast up and get it done. It all depends on what you are doing, but I love it! If I am putting laundry away, for example, If I put on a show, I am more likely to watch it than put the laundry away, but If I listen to music or a podcast, it pumps me up.
- Last one for now! When you are in your most productive mode, do as much as possible because there will be moments when you don’t want to do anything.
Your productive self saves your rest self!
It goes into the same thing as batching content. I don’t write for the blog daily, and not all of my writings are for public consumption; some are private only, at least for a little while. When I feel inspired, I might knock out a few posts at the same time instead of writing one every day. I always go back to tweak them when they are due to be final edited and posted.
Those are my top 5 productivity tips! I hope you enjoyed them! Let me know if you try any of them out😊