05 Aug Increase Productivity with These 5 Habits
Have you ever felt stuck in a rut? It happens to everyone. If you’re looking for ways to become more productive, it’s time to adopt some new habits. It does not take radical changes to lead a more in a more organized, sustainable, and productive life. Increase productivity by adopting these 5 habits.
1.) Use Your Commute
According to the Census Bureau, the average commute time for American’s is 26 minutes. If you do the math, that’s over 4 hours a week. In the grand scheme of things, that might not sound like a lot of time, but in actuality, it’s what sandwiches the most hectic parts of your day.
If you want to increase productivity, it’s time to start using your commute.
A great way to get motivated and be productive is to listen to podcasts. Using the NoteCast podcast player, you can listen to your top podcasts, capture notes, and take your own notes, all hands-free.
Whether you’re driving, on the subway, or even on one of those electric scooters, NoteCast is a tool that makes your commute more productive.
2.) Make To-Do Lists
At work and at home, make to-do lists to increase your productivity. Not only do these lists hold you accountable, but they help you track and see your progress.
Every Sunday, make to-do lists of tasks you want to accomplish at work and at home. These lists act as subtle but real reminders. In a busy world, finding time to not only complete but manage our responsibilities can seem impossible and down-right frustrating. Making to-do lists makes these things feel more approachable and tangible.
At the end of each week, you’ll be amazed by how good it feels to review your completed tasks.
3.) Minimize Distractions
The world is full of distractions, and minimizing them can help you significantly increase your productivity.
Technology, friends, and more fun activities can act as some of the biggest distractions, especially when you have a laundry list of tasks you need to accomplish. Set yourself up for success by identifying the distractions in your life. Then, seek out places where you can accomplish your to-do list where fewer distractions reside.
Once you actively minimize distractions, you’ll be amazed by how efficient you’ve become.
4.) Work in Intervals
Many studies by K. Anders Ericsson, a professor at the University of Florida, suggest that working in 90-minute intervals increases overall productivity. These practices apply to professional athletes, scholars, and yes, everyday folks.
90 minutes gives you plenty of time to start and finish an important task. After working diligently for 90 minutes, taking a break is your reward. Once you’ve adopted this habit, you’ll find yourself naturally adhering to it simply because you’ll realize how productive it has made you.
5.) Take Brain Breaks
Your brain is constantly working to process and interact with the world around you. Allowing yourself to take a break is a great way to increase productivity.
It might sound counter-intuitive, however, you can’t accomplish things to the best of your ability when your brain is tired (and yes, that’s a real thing).
Get up from your desk, go outside, and take a quick walk. Unplug during the weekend. Get some exercise. Laugh with loved ones and friends.
Allowing your brain to relax means that when you’re ready to get to work, it will be ready.
Increase Productivity By Adopting these Habits Now
It is easier than you think to increase productivity. Today, take small steps towards adopting these habits, and ultimately, dive in head-first. These simple habits will completely change the way you utilize your time, manage tasks, and help to increase your productivity in all facets of your life.