When you look at your to-do list, it can be overwhelming to see all of the tasks that need your attention, and sometimes the list is so long that things start to slip through the cracks. After all, there are only so many hours in the workday and at the end of it we might not always get everything done that we had hoped.
It can sometimes be hard to be as productive as we would like when there are so many things we want to accomplish, especially when we have unproductive habits that can interfere with getting the job done. But as easy as it is to adopt poor work habits, it’s in your control to replace them with good, proactive ones. Just follow these tips so you can break an unproductive routine that dims your focus, and start working on effective habits to make the most of your work day.
Take breaks
You’ve probably been told this before, but this work habit will help improve your concentration and focus. Taking scheduled breaks, even short ones, will benefit your work performance because it gives you time to stretch and decreases exhaustion. Breaks help boost your performance and ensure you won’t burn out, so make sure not to skip out on them!
Stop multitasking
Everyone says they can multitask, but can they really? While it’s easy to do, having multiple tabs open both on your computer and in your head is a quick way to kill your productivity. Constantly switching between tasks lowers your capacity to finish your work. So instead of trying to do everything all at once, section off your to-do list and focus on one task at a time.
Strategize your workload
When making your workday to-do list, think about when you’re at your most productive. Some people are the most productive during the morning, while others do their best in the afternoon. If you’re a morning person, then it’s best to start your biggest projects at the start of your morning and leave the smaller tasks for later in the day. But if you do your best work during the afternoon or in the evening, the same goes for you. The main tip is to know when you’re at your most productive and do your biggest tasks during that time.
Get rid of distractions
With social media and game apps just an arm’s reach away, getting distracted when you’re supposed to be working is easier than ever. Identify your biggest distractions during the work day and find ways to eliminate them. Set a timer on your social media apps or shift your phone to “Do Not Disturb” so you don’t get those pesky notifications that are demanding your attention and taking you away from your work. And during your work breaks, you can always take a quick look at your socials and text back your friends, but for the time being, make sure to unplug your distractions and focus on the tasks at hand.
Take care of yourself
The most important tip to take from this list is to make sure to take care of yourself. Without proper self-care, you’ll end up burning yourself out and breaking down. So, do your best to try to eat enough food, get enough sleep and hydrate because in the end, it will help you stay refreshed and productive for all of your work days ahead!