Simple Plan to be More Productive
We have all been there, when things feel very chaotic and you are overwhelmed with stress; it can be extremely hard to focus and get anything done. I myself am finding it hard to get back into the groove of things after coming off of our Thailand trip. But, a simple plan and some new routines can help get you back on track and be more productive.
Make a To Do List
First thing I always do when I feel overwhelmed is to make a to do list. I tend to keep a running list on my phone so I can add to it whenever I think about something else while on the go. It helps me get a visual grasp on what I need to achieve. Often times, tasks seem really big in your head, but if you write it down on paper you realize things are a lot more manageable than you think.
Hot Tip: When making a big to do list, make the first thing on your list “Make a To Do List”. That way as soon as you are done, you can already cross one thing off and start feeling productive.
Spread Out Obligations
Remind yourself that you do not need to get everything done in one day. It is important to figure out what is top priority and what can wait. I use my weekly planner to spread my obligations out over the course of the week so there isn’t one day that feels too overwhelming.
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Once you have a running list of the things you need to get done, set goals for yourself on what you hope to achieve for that day. Don’t overcommit yourself because that is a quick way to feel overwhelmed and less productive.
Need help setting goals? Check out my post on how to create daily goals for a positive mindset.
Give It a Purpose
Ever wonder why you feel like you can clean your house more in the ten minutes before someone arrives than you can in an entire week? It is because you have a reason to do it and stick to it. You are focused on getting your cleaning done, because it has a purpose.
It can be hard to want to get tasks done especially things that aren’t as appealing like filing your taxes or folding the laundry that has been sitting in the dryer for a few days now. So, it is important to give those tasks a reason for why you want to get it done.
For example, if you have a major exam coming up, then your purpose for studying would be to get a good grade. It doesn’t need to be an overly complicated purpose, but just a reminder for why you should stay focused.
Put Your Phone Away
I am entirely guilty of getting lost in a world of scrolling and I am 30 minutes in before I realize I could have used that time for something way more productive. So, when I need to really sit down and focus, I put my phone away.
For some people, setting your phone to “Do Not Disturb” or putting it in the focus mode might be enough. Or, perhaps you are like me and you just override that setting and look at your phone anyways. Therefore, I find it more effective to charge my phone in another room or you could invest in one of those nifty phone lockboxes for extreme measures.
Set a Timer
My phone might be in the other room but that doesn’t stop me from opening a million tabs on my computer while trying to write this blog post. For some reason, when I need to get something accomplished it seems the perfect time to catch up on what the Kardashians are doing or check the weather or search for potential presents for someone whose birthday is three months from now. Anyone else guilty of this?
I sometimes find it way more effective to set a timer. It is easier for me to focus for ten minutes at a time than knowing that I have an hour to get something done. I have a lot more willpower to not let my mind wander if I know that I can get a mini break in ten minutes. Therefore, I set a timer to keep myself on track.
One Minute Rule
Another quick and easy rule to live by is that if it takes less than one minute to get it done, do it NOW! I find this most often applies to putting away the things that I pile on the steps to take upstairs throughout the day. You will be a lot more productive than you think and get a number of those little tasks done that seem to add up quickly.
Get Enough Sleep
You are at your best when you are fully rested. Your energy levels will be up and you will be able to focus better. Therefore, it is important to get enough sleep each night. The best way to do this is to create a consistent bedtime routine. Try to go to bed at the same time each night, shutting off screens and creating a calm and relaxing routine. This will help set you up for a positive mindset in the morning.
If you find yourself waning during the day, try taking a power nap. These are naps that are generally 10-15 minutes or 30 minutes at a maximum. Speaking from experience, I recommend setting an alarm as it is easy to turn power naps into full blown three hour naps.
Take Breaks & Do Something Physical
Just like when you set a timer for short bursts of focusing, it is important to take mini breaks. Reward yourself by going for a quick walk or talking to a friend for 10-15 minutes. If you try to power through hours of work you will find yourself drained and actually less productive in the long run. These breaks allow your brain to reset and come back more focused.
In taking breaks, it is important to get up and physically move in someway. I am way more productive when I start my mornings with yoga and meditation than if I start by rolling out of bed and instantly opening my laptop. When my mind is wandering, doing something physical with my hands, even if it is just playing with a fidget toy, helps me focus mentally.
Listen to Music
You might have heard that listening to classical music while you work or study will help you focus. While this can be true, I find that listening to film scores actually motivates me more. Music like Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, or Pirates of the Caribbean are naturally generated to drive the story forward. Those scores are inherently motivating which can therefore translate to keep driving you towards staying on task.
No matter what type of music it is, find something that helps motivate you. One of my favorite things to do is blast Spotify’s premade playlist “Housework Hits”. It actually does help me feel energized to get things done I need around the house.
Go Easy on Yourself
More than anything, go easy on yourself. Life gets stressful at times and it might take some time to get back on track. Make small changes to help you stay focused but don’t beat yourself up if they don’t work right away. Just keep trying something different until you find something that works for you.
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