16 Ways To Skyrocket Your Productivity No Matter Where You Are

Have you ever felt like there’s a mountain of urgent tasks looming over you, suffocating your ability to breathe? Perhaps you find yourself overwhelmed with so many tasks throughout the day that you simply can’t complete them all. The lack of time has become a constant companion, preventing you from attending to your needs, desires, and obligations. But don’t worry, there are ways to change this and increase your productivity. Maybe you’ve already developed certain work habits that have ingrained themselves into your routine over time. But now is the time to break those habits and discover new ways to better utilize your time while still leaving room for rest and relaxation. Sounds appealing, doesn’t it?

But before we delve into tricks to become more productive, we first need to understand how our bodies work. While the need for sleep is obvious, the idea of taking afternoon breaks might not seem as normal, right? Research conducted at Cornell University clearly shows that the average person reaches peak productivity when working in blocks of about 90 minutes, followed by a short break.

So let’s ask ourselves, is the 8-hour workday in jobs really effective? The concept of an 8-hour workday, practiced by most people, has significant drawbacks. A study conducted by the website Zippia found that during an eight-hour workday, the average worker is only actively working for four hours and 12 minutes. One thousand people participated in the study, and 47% of workers admitted to browsing the internet, while 78% said they don’t need 8 hours to do their job. So, achieving 100% productivity in this concept of an 8-hour workday is very rare.

Therefore, numerous studies warn that such a work schedule often leads to reduced productivity, increased fatigue, and a higher risk of mistakes. Many advocates of newer approaches to work cite the concept of “working with focus,” which promotes shorter, but more concentrated work sessions followed by brief breaks. This could result in improved productivity, enhanced quality of work, and reduced feelings of exhaustion.

Productivity and Ultradian Rhythms

We’ve all heard of the circadian rhythm, which feels like the main conductor of our biological orchestra, mainly thanks to the morning light that resets us. But have you heard of a lesser-known but equally important player known as the ultradian rhythm? This is the one that sets the rhythms of our days, operating in cycles of approximately 90-120 minutes. This means that our bodies aren’t designed for continuous work without breaks; instead, they need regular pauses to replenish energy and maintain optimal functioning.

While the circadian rhythm primarily regulates our sleep-wake patterns and various physiological functions such as hormone secretion, the ultradian rhythm governs our intervals of activity and rest. But not only that, it also influences many other aspects of our lives, including body temperature, heart rate, breathing, concentration, energy, and brain activity. You may have noticed at times that one nostril feels more open than the other when breathing. This is another thing regulated by the ultradian rhythm, although we may not even be aware of it.

Now, do you ever find yourself at a point during the day when you’d give anything just to lie down and rest? That’s entirely natural, and don’t worry, you’re not alone. Dr. Peretz Lavie conducted interesting experiments and found that a greater wave of tiredness occurs around 4 p.m. in the afternoon and around 10 p.m. in the evening. In the morning, you might feel the need for rest every 90 minutes.

It’s important to understand that the ultradian rhythm is entirely individual, meaning it varies from person to person. So, there’s no need to feel bad if your energy drops. The key is to find a balance between activity and rest and never expect too much from yourself.

The best tips to increase productivity

Morning routine

Try to get up at least a few minutes before the alarm clock and start the day calmly. Take time for a short meditation, a nutritious breakfast, and stay away from the phone. Using the phone in the morning increases the chance of stress and anxiety. Create a morning routine that works best for you. You can take a few minutes to solve mind games to prepare your brain for a new, turbulent day.

Diary management

This will help you organize and make a plan of tasks and responsibilities for each day. Try to be consistent with yourself and avoid overdoing it. The feeling of accomplishment is invaluable when you label everything as done. However, as you go through the to-do list in the morning, you will feel more relaxed, knowing that nothing is lingering in your mind.

“Productivity is being able to do things that you were never able to do before.”

Franz Kafka

Avoid social networks

I believe it’s tempting to spend a few minutes surfing every social network, but it probably ends up taking longer than expected, am I right? Fortunately, there are tools on your phone to track how much time you spend on certain social networks, each day, giving you a better overview of your usage habits. Limiting the use of your phone for social networks can help you focus your energy on your life and productivity instead.

Take on the more difficult tasks first

If you start the day by postponing the most difficult tasks until the end, you will have that challenging task looming over you all day. Research shows that willpower decreases throughout the day, so my advice is to tackle it as soon as possible. You’ll feel even better afterward.

Dedicate yourself to just one task

Don’t jump from one task to another; try to organize yourself and devote useful time to one thing at a time. Jumping from one task to another will only tire you out prematurely and may result in tasks being done poorly. By trying to be all-powerful robots, we are doing ourselves a great disservice.

Arranged work environment

Did you know that the environment has a significant impact on productivity? Absolutely. So, discard things you don’t need, arrange and organize the space, decorate it, and furnish it warmly. This environment will inspire productivity. Clutter and disorganization in your work environment can lead to mental disorganization, feelings of guilt, and general discomfort, which can escalate into stress or anxiety. Allocate an hour in your day or week to dedicate solely to tidying up your surroundings.

Take a break!

Taking regular breaks during the workday is crucial for maintaining productivity and well-being. Despite the demands of modern jobs, it’s essential to prioritize breaks.

In 1914, Henry Ford introduced the 8-hour workday, which has since become standard in most jobs. However, this structure doesn’t consider the ultradian rhythm, a concept known in scientific circles for almost 50 years. Without breaks, humans subconsciously hold back because of the fear of using up too much energy. Instead of working at 90% capacity in short 90-minute intervals, we often operate at 30-50% capacity due to the subconscious awareness of the long duration of the work period.

This pattern leads to a decline in energy levels and productivity over time. Therefore, it’s essential to take breaks when possible. Even a few minutes to rest, stretch, or engage in a relaxing activity can help restore energy levels and reduce fatigue. Prioritizing these breaks can significantly improve overall productivity and well-being.

The sun

Allowing natural light into your work environment as much as possible can have significant benefits. In 2018, Dr. Alan Hedge conducted a study titled “Daylight & The Workplace Study: How Natural Light Improves Workers’ Health, Well-Being, and Productivity.”

The study found that workers in offices with optimized natural light reported a 51 percent reduction in the incidence of eye strain and a 63 percent reduction in the incidence of headaches. These improvements in health can lead to increased productivity, as reduced discomfort allows employees to focus more effectively on their tasks. Therefore, maximizing exposure to natural light in the workplace can positively impact both employee well-being and overall productivity.

The Art Of Building Resilience To Everyday Stress

Listen to the podcast

Whenever possible, listen to motivational podcasts to boost your energy and increase motivation and enthusiasm. Whether during your commute or breaks, use this time for educational purposes to enhance your skills and knowledge. Despite the constant noise and distractions throughout the day, strive to find quiet moments for positivity. This could involve listening to positive speeches, music, practicing deep breathing, or engaging in other calming activities. Prioritizing moments of positivity can improve overall well-being and productivity.

Plants

Yes, it is true that plants increase productivity and calm down. A study by the American Society of Horticultural Science found that workers who did their work with plants were more productive and less exposed to stress. Interesting not? So, put a plant in your workspace, it doesn’t matter if it’s a flowering or deciduous plant.

Explore the most productive time

Because humans have different peak productivity times, whether it’s early in the morning or late at night, it’s essential to leverage these periods. Identify when you’re most productive and focus your attention on the most important tasks during that time. By doing so, you’ll be more focused, collected, and accurate, optimizing your performance and efficiency.

Movement

Exercise doesn’t just benefit physical well-being; it also enhances work performance. Get to know your body and engage in activities that inspire and motivate you. If you already have an activity you enjoy, make sure to include it in your daily routine. By prioritizing exercise, you can improve your overall health and boost your productivity at work.

Learn the word ” No ”

Absolutely, each day offers exactly 1440 minutes, and it’s crucial to utilize this time wisely. Avoid engaging in activities that deplete your energy or hinder productivity. Embrace the power of saying “No” when needed, even if it means declining opportunities or requests that don’t align with your goals or values. Successful entrepreneurs understand the importance of protecting their time and confidently decline what doesn’t serve them. By prioritizing tasks and commitments, you can optimize your time management, leading to greater efficiency and productivity in the long run.

Introduce a routine

The most successful people, including Stephen King, John Grisham, Thomas Edison, and others, adhere to daily routines. They wake up at specific times, exercise, calm their minds, eat, and so on. Dedication is crucial for maximizing productivity. Organize your days and stick to these plans meticulously. Additionally, determine time intervals for each activity to ensure efficient time management.

Scheduling time

So, when running errands such as shopping, going to the gas station, gym, library, or any other task, try to utilize the least crowded times to save time. This way, you’ll be able to allocate the rest of your time more efficiently towards completing your tasks.

Time management

Learn how to manage your time effectively by utilizing techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique (working in 25-minute intervals with short breaks) or prioritization (tackling tasks with the highest value first).

Techniques For Time Management And Better Planning Of The Day

Increasing productivity is a journey that demands persistence, discipline, and adaptability. As we’ve discovered, understanding our body’s rhythms is crucial. Embrace change, remain open to improvement, and prioritize continuous growth and development.

I hope these approaches will enhance your productivity, enabling you to accomplish more in both your personal and professional life. Wishing you all the best until next time.