Want to be more Productive at Work?

It’s no secret that many Americans are stressed out, tired, and less productive at work. While this may not be new, work doesn’t have to be this way. Sure, not everyone can have their dream job, but everyone can have a better balance in their life that allows them to take care of work, family, and themselves.

Manage your time.

There seem to be a million and one ways to manage your time more wisely and prioritize your work. Though knowing the order in which to accomplish tasks is important, it is equally important to simply begin. Small, consistent steps over time have a great impact at work and elsewhere in life. One strategy that seems to be a favorite is the Pomodoro technique. This technique refers to the act of working, uninterrupted on a task for 25 minutes, then taking a 5-minute break.  At the end of each 25-minute work session, take note of what you worked on or accomplished. If your task is complete, move on to the next one following the break. If the task is incomplete, return to it with a fresh mind after the break. After the 5 minutes break is over, return to the 25 minutes of uninterrupted work, again followed by a 5-minute break. Once you have done this 4 times over, take a 15-30 minute break.

This technique may be a good fit for you if:

• You find yourself distracted easily through the course of the workday
• You have open-ended tasks such as studying, researching, etc.
• You often work until you are no longer productive

Manage your stress

Taking a hot bubble bath and treating yourself to a massage might sound luxurious, but not everyone has time for that. One of the most important things to know about stress is how it affects you. Stress can affect us in several ways, emotionally, mentally, and physically.

To minimize stress in your life, try these simple things:

• Stay organized. This is simple, but not always easy. Keep a clean, tidy workspace, clear clutter, and don’t eat at your desk.
• Take time to recharge. This might look like getting up from your desk, taking a short walk, or petting your animals during the workday. But, outside of work, spend time with the people and hobbies in your life that give you a deep sense of purpose and joy.
• Shift your mindset. We become what we repeatedly do, think, and consume. If you want to change your life, (or stress levels) change the way that you talk to yourself. You have power over your life.

Manage your sleep

The National Sleep Foundation suggests that most adults get between 7-9 hours of sleep a night. However, on average, 1/3 of adults get less than 6 hours of sleep. It’s not hard to guess that less sleep means less productivity, and creativity, an increase in irritability, and risk of various diseases. If you want better sleep, focus on your sleep hygiene. Sleep hygiene refers to the habits that surround healthy sleep.

• Exercise regularly
• Build a routine at bedtime (similar sleep and wake times, shower, read, etc.)
• Make sure your room is cool and dark
• Restrict the use of electronics before bed and take your TV out of your room

Connect with Ashley