5 Habits That Will Enhance Your Productivity
Productivity is a buzzword right now. Everyone is talking about it. Everyone wants it.
Fortunately, everyone can have it – if they put their minds to it.
The opposite of productivity (something many of us are guilty of yet feel awful for doing) is procrastinating. Procrastination is an easy cycle to get into. However, it is just as easy to get out of it if you are willing to.
“How do I get myself out of a procrastination hole and become more productive?”, you might be asking yourself. A few simple habits can help you wave goodbye to procrastination and hello to productivity.
Rise and Shine
Night owls might hate to hear this, but rising early is key. Waking up earlier will allow you more time to be productive and get things done (at a normal working hour).
The simple solution to rising earlier is sleeping earlier. Getting yourself into a better sleep cycle will allow you to get as much sleep, yet wake earlier, and give yourself more daylight hours to be productive. The Harvard biologist, Christopher Randler, found that early risers are typically more proactive throughout the day.
You do not need to join the 5 am club. But, put your 9-10 am wake-ups in the past and wake around 7 am to enjoy a more productive you.
Maintain a Morning Routine
You will find that rising earlier provides you with more time in the morning. Instead of skipping your morning hair brush and dismissing a nourishing breakfast, you can enjoy a slower and productivity-inducing morning routine.
The tone you set in the morning will be the tone you set for the rest of your day. Therefore, being productive in the morning will encourage you to maintain this effort.
Be Mindful of Your Schedule
A jam-packed schedule does not equal productivity. In fact, putting too much on your plate can result in the dreaded opposite of productivity - procrastination.
There is a beauty in slow living that allows us to maintain productivity while avoiding burnout. You can still be productive with a small handful of things on your to-do list.
Do you have too many tasks to complete in one day? Select the priorities, focus on those, and move the rest to other days.
Become more mindful of what you add to your schedule and ensure you allow time for rest and self-care. Balance is key if you want to maintain a healthy and productive routine.
Food is Fuel
Setting yourself up for a successful day should involve fueling your mind and body with good food and hydration. A balanced breakfast, lunch, and dinner can provide you with the nutrients and energy you need to be more focused. Remember to carry water around with you so you can stay hydrated on the go.
Feeling sluggish can come from a lack of food and the wrong choices of food. Planning nourishing meals and consuming foods that calm your nervous system will enhance productivity.
Remember to Rest
As much as being busy looks productive, it can lead to burnout if you aren’t careful. Being on the go all day and not giving yourself a break can quickly lead to brain fog, lack of energy, and procrastination.
Adding breaks to your day will allow you to unwind for a moment, be present, and maintain a steady routine. Some days you might feel encouraged to be busier, which is fine, as long as you find time to rest on the days when your energy is less.
Simple habits can lead to a more productive and balanced lifestyle. Maintaining these throughout your week will allow you to avoid procrastination and enjoy a more efficient you.
