How To Be More Productive Throughout The Working Day
There are many times of the day where some people are more productive than others. Some of us work better in the mornings, whereas others prefer to work late evenings. We all experience lightbulb moments at different times of the day, depending on how much sleep we have had the night before!
There are times we can recognise when we are most likely to perform at our best. You will get the most out of facing your most challenging of tasks when you work at a time best for you. When you are more energised, focused and can concentrate on the task at hand. Save the less-intensive tasks for when you need some downtime. To account for any changes throughout the day, make sure you record your levels of focus, enthusiasm and energy. After a week or two, you will begin to notice when your productivity levels is at its best and how to plan your working days accordingly.
Step 1: Prioritise
Make a list of everything you need to prioritise and work on for the day ahead, so when you do hit your peak productivity levels, you will waste less time procrastinating. Make a list of tasks based on importance and urgency, which could be anything from scheduling in team meetings, sending out event invites or writing that article.
Step 2: Take Regular Breaks
When you feel like work is getting the better of you and the stress levels are starting to kick in, then take a five minute break or wander around the office. Stretch your legs and grab a coffee so you can return to the “zone” again. Concentration requires high levels of energy and too much of it at once can quickly drain all the life out of you. For every 25 minutes you work, take a five to 10 minute break, to help you recover.
Step 3: Accept that Interruptions Happen
If you are working in a busy office then it is very likely that you will be interrupted by a colleague to ask about a task they are working on, or have to attend a weekly team meeting, or take phone calls. No one can help that. So long as you can have some uninterrupted time to work through the tasks you have assigned yourself in blocks, then you will get your work done eventually! Try to motivate yourself early morning between 9am and 11am before the lunchtime slot, when everybody starts to get distracted and in need of a healthy lunch.
Step 4: Manage Your Energy
If you find you are at your most productive in the morning, then try and set up a routine so you work between 9am and midday, then you can spend the afternoon taking on tasks you enjoy and find less stressful. Working intensely for a short period of time is more effective than working for long hours non-stop and being easily tired and distracted. When you throw more energy into your work by taking more time to recharge, getting more sleep and exercise, you will be at your most productive. During a slump time, try taking a quick walk and getting some fresh air. True productivity is determined by better energy management.
Step 5: Build a Routine
Build a routine that helps you delegate tasks throughout the day and manage your energy levels effectively. This could be anything from planning what time you get up, your commute to work, having a coffee, going to the morning meeting and sorting through your to-do list. Plan when you need to have regular intervals and breaks during the day to help regain your focus. Taking regular breaks from mental tasks improves creativity and helps overcome that mental block we all experience from time to time.
When you build better routines, manage your time and energy more effectively, and prioritise and delegate your tasks, you will complete work in record time and be able to take control of your days, rather than letting procrastination take over.
