Work can be full of stress and anxiety, with all the projects and meetings you need to take care of on a regular basis. It’s also common to run into distractions that can prevent you from completing those important tasks. Everyone experiences something similar to this—especially those who work 40 or more hours a week. Thankfully, there are many ways to improve productivity.
Determine Your Most Productive Times
Although the work week can be long and boring at times, there are moments when you are very productive. Determine when those times occur, whether it be in the morning or late in the afternoon. Once you figure out these effective times, you can translate them into your work schedule to ensure you’re completing the greatest number of tasks during this period.
Listen to Music
One of the best ways you can stay focused during the workday is to listen to music. There are plenty of playlists out there that that can keep you productive throughout the day. Music allows you to block out the outside noise that may be going around your office and lets you sit down and focus.
Take Breaks
While breaks may seem frowned upon, they are necessary. If you feel overwhelmed by a project, get some fresh air and go for a quick walk. It is never good to overwork yourself—taking your mind off of it for a little bit can reenergize you and in turn, increase productivity.
Get Comfortable
It is also important to be comfortable throughout the workday. If you work in an office, you are most likely sitting in a chair for the majority of the day. This is why ergonomic furniture in the workplace is becoming more and more popular. Make sure you are sitting on something that is meant to last the long workdays and keep you comfortable; don’t let aches and pains distract you.
Arrive at Work Early
Many people enjoy waking up early because they find themselves to be more productive in the morning. Plus, arriving at work early gives you an advantage, as you can complete a handful of tasks before everyone else arrives and the office fills with commotion. Working early may also allow you to get you a head start on more stressful projects.
Don’t Overwhelm Yourself
Our final way to increase productivity goes back to focus. If you have a lot of tasks lined up for the day, do your best to organize them by importance. Try to focus on one task at a time, and use some of the suggestions above to create an environment that promotes productivity. Do your best to focus on the present and not the future—you don’t want to become overwhelmed and shut down for the rest of the day.