Increasing productivity is an ongoing goal of employees and employers everywhere. It doesn’t have to be elusive, however. There are simple things you can do to increase your daily productivity. Before you start working this week, try to incorporate one or more of these helpful strategies into your schedule.
1. Remove Distractions
Distractions are everywhere, and it is up to you to control the ones in your workspace. This is obviously much easier when you have a dedicated office that can be closed off from outside interruptions. But, even in a shared workspace, there are things you can do to limit distractions and increase productivity.
Start by turning off notifications on your cell phone. Obviously, this will be less practical for a work phone, but you probably don’t need immediate notifications of everything that is going on. Limit what comes through and then set aside times to check updated information that has come through. The same goes for computer notifications that pop up on your screen. If you regularly keep a personal cell nearby, consider turning the ringer off completely or shutting it down while you are working. If your office has a door, shut it when you don’t want to be disturbed. If not, consider using noise-canceling headphones if company policy allows them.
2. Limit Junk Foods
Your diet can play an outsized role in how well you focus at work. If you are hungry, not getting a proper blend of nutrients, or experiencing digestive upset, then you might find it harder to stay on track. That directly impacts productivity. Keep your focus on foods that fuel your activity and concentration. Adding a high-quality supplement, such as those from Gundry MD, is an easy way to ensure you are meeting nutritional needs.
When and how you eat might be just as important as what you eat. Start your day off with a healthy and filling breakfast so you aren’t tempted to reach for junk food throughout the morning. Take a break and eat lunch away from work whenever possible. It will help you focus on your food and reset for the afternoon.
3. Adjust the Thermostat
There has probably been debate over office temperatures for as long as there have been HVAC-conditioned office spaces. The Occupation and Safety Administration recommends office temperatures between 68 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit, while researchers at Cornell University claim the ideal temperature is closer to 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Clean Your Desk
A cluttered desk is one sure way to decrease productivity. Take a day — or longer if you need it — to really organize your workspace. Get rid of files and papers that you no longer need and digitize the ones you do. If you must keep hard copies, establish a filing system that keeps them organized and out of sight. Avoid complicated systems that require work to maintain. Remember, the more intuitive your system is, the more likely you will be to stick with it.
5. Take Short Breaks
Add a few short breaks to your daily schedule. Most employers allow five- or ten-minute breaks throughout the day, yet few people really take advantage of them. Get up from your desk and stretch for five minutes during the afternoon. There are tons of quick yoga sequences online that you can draw inspiration from if you don’t know where to start. Or, you might prefer to take a brisk walk around the building to recharge and get some fresh air. Find what works for you and stick with it for the best results.
6. Prioritize Your To-Do List
Be honest for a minute: There are lots of things on your to-do list that really aren’t that important. Prioritize tasks and then focus on the most important ones. Eliminate unnecessary tasks and delegate ones that someone else can do. You’ll free up a ton of time that can then be spent on more pressing matters.
You have the power to increase productivity at work. Eliminating distractions and ensuring your office is clean and comfortable helps you get focused while eating a proper diet and taking short breaks can help you stay that way.
