We’ve all been there: that day at the office where you would rather crawl under your desk and hibernate, than keep doing work. It’s okay. But when you have day after day of this, your productivity plummets. Poor productivity can get you in trouble at work and lower your self-esteem due to bad work performance. Here are six easy ways to boost your productivity:
Sleep well An inability to concentrate on work or feel motivated can frequently be related to how much sleep you have gotten. If you are tired, you will not be productive. There are a couple of steps you can take to get the most out of your sleep. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day; you’ll wake up more easily and better rested. Also, leave the snooze button alone. Lying in bed for a long time can make it harder to actually get up and begin to be awake.
Exercise Daily exercise does wonders for your body. Because of the hormones that are released when you work out, you feel happier, healthier, and more energized. With continuous workouts, you will notice a regular difference in your mental state. This means less afternoon slumps and more energy to happily get your work done.
Take breaks Take regular breaks to keep yourself and your brain fresh. A good way to ensure this is to drink water regularly. Not only will cold water perk you up and keep you hydrated, but it will also make certain you have to use the restroom regularly. Just walking to and from the bathroom will keep you from falling into a stagnant slump at your desk.
Focus on easier tasks Sometimes your productivity goes down when you are faced with a challenging task at work; these jobs overwhelm you and can stop you from getting anything done! If you feel yourself getting stumped by one task, set it aside and focus on a simple task. While something boring can be mind numbing, you can also finish it without thinking. You’ll then be able to return to the harder job and refocus.
Don’t get comfortable Do not try to get comfortable at your desk. This does not mean you should be in pain, of course! Just don’t try to nestle down in a comfy chair or your office couch. Getting comfortable could make you both tired and distracted. Instead, make sure you have a desk chair that supports good posture, so your back will be comfortable. Sit up straight!
Say “no.” If you are given a task that you do not have time for or cannot complete, say “no.” The ultimate goal at the office is to have good performance and get work done well; taking on work that you will not be able to do or will distract from the tasks you already have is bad for the company. Your boss will likely appreciate the honesty and, more importantly, appreciate that you are giving the company priority and not simply doing work to do it.
Terry Carter works as a freelancer. Since she works from home, she keeps an organized schedule for herself. This helps her stay productive and avoid the distractions that can happen at home. She writes about a variety of topics, including Wicked and Wild Incense.