We live in a world of maximum productivity, which means we all have to work hard on a daily basis. In fact, the average person spends about 35.8 hours a week at work, according to recent figures from Statista. That’s a considerable chunk of our lives that we could be doing something else with!
However, spending so much time working can often lead to stress and frustration. These feelings will not only drain your energy levels, but they'll also hinder your work performance.
Now, while it might seem like being productive is going to have a negative impact on your workload, there are actually several ways you can boost your productivity levels and improve your mood at the same time.
We’ve put together a list of 10 straightforward tips to help you get started:
1. Take small steps.
If you’re working for a large corporation, it can often be difficult to change your way of working simply because everything is so systematic. After all, there are lots of rules and policies that dictate what you can and can’t do, who you have to report in with, and so on.
Start by implementing small, subtle changes to your work environment until you reach the point where you enjoy your work again.
2. Stop comparing yourself to others.
When you’re at work, it’s important to focus entirely on what you’re doing and, most importantly, why you’re doing it.
Instead of always looking out for the latest thing that everyone else has achieved, it’s better to stay focused on what you do best. This can take some time and patience, but in the long-run it’ll be much more rewarding than constantly striving for the next big promotion or deal to keep up with your peers.
3. Simplify your daily routine.
If you’re always busy, then you might find it hard to enjoy your work. Now, we aren’t advocating that you sit around doing nothing, but it’s important to take a step back every once in a while and consider what is really valuable.
If you’re always on the go, there are bound to be some aspects of your work that can be removed or managed out of your day-to-day routine.
4. Pick up a sport.
Exercising is an excellent way to keep fit and healthy and research shows that exercising regularly can increase productivity levels by increasing your overall well-being. By exercising, you are releasing endorphins that stimulate the pleasure centre of your brain and make you happier; plus, you’ll sleep better at night, which will make all the difference to your work.
5. Practice mindfulness.
One of the most important things that you can do to improve your mood and boost productivity levels is to practise mindfulness daily. Mindfulness comes in many forms and can fit into our busy schedules with ease. One such example is meditation, a simple yet very effective way of improving health and wellness levels.
6. Try the Pomodoro Technique.
The Pomodoro Technique is a simple yet effective way of improving productivity levels at work. The technique involves breaking your day down into 25-minute increments, working for those 25 minutes, then taking a quick break for five minutes. In theory, this seems like it would give you time to step away from your computer and relax, but actually it gives you the perfect opportunity to take regular breaks without impeding your work.
7. Cut back on social media use.
Social media can have an adverse effect on your productivity levels and well-being. While it can be a good way to keep in touch with friends, family and loved ones, you may also find yourself exposed to so many distractions that it can actually detract from your work.
Cut back on your own social media use and see what difference this makes to the quality of your work – and your overall state of mind.
8. Simplify your workspace.
When you’re in a cluttered workspace, it's hard to concentrate on certain tasks. If you have loads of documents on your desk, try to clean the area up so that it’s clear of everything aside from the key materials you need for your work.
This will make it easier to focus and will lead to more productive work sessions.
9. Create a “to-do” list for the day.
Creating a to-do list can help you plan and organise your day, which will leave you feeling focused, energised, and motivated. Prioritising certain tasks for the day can make it much easier to concentrate on what really matters.
10. Take time out of work.
One of the most important things that you can do to maintain your energy levels is to take a proper break. Remember the expression: “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” If you don’t allow for a complete break from your work from time to time, there are bound to be pent-up feelings and emotions that will eventually lead to unhealthy stress levels.
Take time out from your work to relax and unwind. This will give you the opportunity to enjoy life, which will improve your health and well-being.
Now, it isn’t always easy to implement some of these tips, but with a little determination and persistence, you can see a big difference in your mood, productivity levels, and health. If you feel like things just aren’t gelling for you at work, take some time out from your daily routine and see what alternatives are potentially open to you!
