The most productive people are the ones who get the most done every day, but they might not be the busiest people that you know. To increase your productivity, make these habits part of your daily routine.
Sleep
While you might be able to go a day or two without enough sleep, you cut down on your productivity if you do not get enough sleep regularly. You may even find yourself getting sick, which can ruin any productivity. Instead, concentrate on creating a bedtime ritual that works for you. Take a hot shower or bath about 90 minutes ahead of bedtime. Then, spend a few minutes doing something to help you further relax, like yoga, meditation or writing in a gratitude journal. Make sure the mattress you sleep on is the right size and firmness for your individual needs.
Learn to Say No
One of the most challenging things for people to do is say no. Yet, the most productive people choose to limit their activities. Saying no allows you time to concentrate on the things that are most important to you, like their families, faith or your career. Not every opportunity is the right one for you, so pick and choose your activities carefully.
Focus
Scientists have learned that the brain works in short bursts of about 52 minutes. Eliminate all distractions and work for that time on the most crucial task on your to-do list. Choose an item that you must get done today. It is impossible to work in a cluttered work environment. Then, take a 17-minute break. Use some of your break time to get up and move around because scientists also know that doing some form of aerobic exercise each day helps you to focus better.
Choose One Task
The brain is not wired to multitask, but many people try to do it anyway. Choose one task and work on it until you have it completed. Then, pick another one. One key to creating this habit is to prioritize your to-do list so that the things that are essential stay on top. Limiting the number of items on your to-do list is also vital to staying productive. Identify the things that you need to do each day to be the most productive. Make those items your top priority.
Get Outside
Getting outside, even for a few minutes daily, will increase your productivity. Science has shown that people who regularly connect with nature can concentrate better. Getting out also improves your short-term memory, so you may not lose time trying to remember what you need to do next. It also improves your mood and increases your creativity. If the weather is nasty or you cannot get out, then install a nature screensaver on your computer or cover your walls with photos from nature.
Make a Choice
Your mindset can make all the difference in your productivity level, so choose to stay productive. Be careful not to confuse productivity with being busy. A big step in meeting your goal is to eliminate distractions. Try to set aside a particular time each day to check your emails and make phone calls. Then, limit those activities to necessities throughout the rest of your day. You will accomplish what you set your mind to completing, so make sure it is the things that matter.
Disconnect
While it may sound counter-intuitive, take time to disconnect regularly. When you use your brain to answer a question or complete an activity, it gets excited and produces serotonin. This hormone works with melatonin to help you get a good night’s sleep. People who disconnect regularly feel more rested, which makes them more relaxed. It is easy to lose a lot of time on the internet without realizing what you are doing, especially as you engage with people on social media.
If you want to accomplish great things in life, instill these productivity habits in your own life. The result is that you will be more successful, with others around you wanting to emulate what they see you doing.