Summary
There are six ways to maximize your time, so you can cross off different items on your list and feel at your most productive self. Learn more in this article!
Key Points:
- There are many hours in the day; if your to-do list seems a mile long, you’re not alone.
- There are six ways to maximize your time, so you can cross off different items on your list and feel at your most productive self.
If you started your workday with a to-do list and you feel as though you weren’t able to tackle it, it could be that you’re not making the most of your time. You’re not alone! In the United States alone, 83% of workers suffer work-related stress. We are going to share ways that you can maximize your productivity to lower your work-related stress.
First, it’s important to note that multitasking isn’t humanely possible as you cannot give 100% of your effort into both tasks. So, while we understand that your workday may include various projects of equal importance, we hope the six tips below guide you to maximize your focus.
1. Mute Notifications: Whether it’s your email notifications, text messages, or any other application notification on your phone or computer, these can distract you from your current work. So, to be most efficient and boost your overall productivity, muting notifications while working on projects is recommended. You can either put your phone on silent, or some phones even have “focus” modes that allow you to silence chosen notifications.
2. Set A Timer: We know we said limit notifications, but there are apps that we recommend using to time your work and break times. For example, apps like Pomodoro can help time you while you work for around 25 minutes and then break for 5 minutes. Then, after about four 25-minute work periods, you can set a 15-minute break. The Pomodoro technique was developed in 1980 by a student trying to focus on their studies (full story here).
3. Take A Break: Studies show that you can work more efficiently by taking breaks. Yes, you heard that right. Give yourself time to open your mind to creativity and give your brain a break. So, make sure to carve out time in your work schedule to take a break and walk around. For example, try walking to your local coffee shop nearby for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, and you’ll be ready to tackle the rest of your list.
4. Focus With Music: Placing your headphones on and listening to music might help you focus. So, you don’t end up more distracted than before, try one of the playlists on popular sites like Spotify, such as “Deep Focus.” You can also try to find music on YouTube to play in the background, like classical instrumental music or sounds of nature, for a calming effect.
5. Prioritize Your Tasks: While you may have an ever-growing list of tasks, evaluate and prioritize your tasks by importance and deadlines. Evaluating these projects for 5 minutes in the morning can help you better understand your bandwidth. If you’re still unsure what projects require attention, first, discuss with your manager so they can help you evaluate and understand your bandwidth. They may be able to take some of the projects off your to-do list so that you can focus.
6. Clean Your Desk: Creating a productive space can empower you to maximize your time. Additionally, many studies have proven that a clean workplace can increase productivity. For example, clearing your work area of all items not related to your to-do list that day. Try taking five minutes to prep for the day or the following day, either before you sit down in the morning or before you leave for the day.
Overall, making the most of your time requires grace from yourself. So, if you have a challenging and growing task list, discuss it with your team and try these six ways to maximize your time and productivity. If you’re looking for more articles like this, try reading our blog article 5 Tips To Improve Your Work-Life Balance.
Sources:
· https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/28/well/move/work-walk-5-minutes-work.html
