10 proven productivity techniques you can start using today
How many times do you catch yourself zoning out while doing research on a significant project or attending an important meeting? If the answer is many times, you need to do something to improve your productivity levels today. With so many distractions available in the form of social media, messaging, and game applications, it is easy to lose focus of the task at hand. This eventually leads to stress from unfinished projects, deadlines, and lost promotions all because of a dip in productivity levels. Here are 10 proven productivity techniques that have been tried and tested to increase your focus.
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Finish the hardest task first
If you have a difficult task that needs to be accomplished, get down to it first. The more you procrastinate, the more reasons you will find to keep pushing it to a later date.
Check emails periodically
Reading and replying to emails as and when they come in can hamper your productivity in a big way. Instead, set time slots for email checking and reply to the accumulated emails in your inbox in one go.
Make to-do lists
Start your day by jotting down your tasks on a piece of paper that you then pin up in a spot where it’ll be visible to you. This way, you'll be constantly reminded of what all is left to be done and you'll plan your day accordingly.
One task at a time
Focus on one task at a time and make time blocks for when each task needs to be completed so you don't linger on a single task forever.
Disconnect during lunch hour
Eat your lunch away from your desk so you don't check emails and think about the list of things that need to be completed. When you give your mind some time to rest, it will be rejuvenated and work better.
Consume enough water
Not many are aware of the fact that even a little dehydration can reduce productivity levels due to decreased brain functioning.
Listen to music
Working to music can improve your performance. Start by making a work playlist of your favourite tunes that will increase your concentration and productivity levels.
Know when to say no
In your quest to please everyone, don't take on additional work that will affect your existing responsibilities and give you unnecessary stress.
Clarify doubts
If you haven't understood something during the briefing of a project, clarify your doubts with your seniors. If you don't, you'll later spend a large amount of time on research that could easily have been avoided.
Eat smart
Snack on foods like apples and yoghurt during the day as your brain needs fuel to function. Eating healthy food at regular intervals can multiply your productivity and focus levels.
Trying the above techniques will surely make you more fruitful in the long run. Remember to take regular time-outs to laugh and have fun with loved ones as these breaks will refresh you like nothing else.
