Even the most hardworking person has days when they feel sluggish or unproductive. Don’t despair if you feel like you are not getting as much work done for the day. Staying productive in the office is also doubly difficult when you have to deal with several distractions. So, what can you do about it? How do you keep your productivity level high despite everything?
Though there is no foolproof system that you can follow to stay productive, these four tips below will help you keep working at your best.
1. Get enough exercise or sleep
The human body works as a machine does. In order for it to function properly, you need to give it proper care and maintenance.
This means getting enough sleep and rest. You also need to nourish your body with the right food and diet, as well as get enough exercise.
When your body is nourished and well-rested, you are able to think more clearly and can function more effectively. Have you tried working without enough sleep? Not only do you feel lethargic, but you never get anything done, too.
Exercising does not mean you have to spend hours at the gym either. Spending a few minutes to walk or jog each day should be enough. Keeping your body active can also stimulate your mind.
It is important to stay hydrated all the time as well. So, make sure you have a bottle of water within easy reach of your work desk.
Investing in yourself is the best thing you can do if you want to stay productive at work.
2. Disable social media
Social media and work productivity are never a good mix. In fact, social media is the leading source of distraction in the workplace. If you want to get more things done, you need to log off your Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts–especially during office hours.
If you cannot log off your social media accounts, make sure to turn off notifications while you are working. This will ensure that you are not distracted from what you need to do.
3. Take regular breaks
Taking frequent breaks might seem counterproductive, but it can actually be a good technique to help your mind stay sharp throughout the day.
This is important, especially with the nature of today’s workspace where most people spend at least nine hours sitting at a desk. Taking a few minutes’ to stretch or walk around can be beneficial. It can also help your mental and emotional well being in the long run.
If you can, it would be a good idea to step outside the office. Try to breathe in fresh air or you can simply chat with your co-workers. Do your best to step away from your desk and computer screen, even for a few minutes. So when you finally get back to work, you’ll be feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
4. Stop multitasking
If you think multitasking will increase your productivity, you are wrong! Not only does multitasking not promote productivity, but it can also cause your work quality to diminish.
Sadly, multitasking is a skill that a lot of modern employees have come to depend on these days. But there have been countless studies that show proof it can actually limit (not enhance) productivity. It is better to focus on one task at a time so you can get things out of the way easily.
You can also get your employer involved to see if they can suggest other ways to promote productivity within the workplace. Remember that it is also important to get support within your work environment. The more your office fosters productivity, the more you can be productive as an employee.
Remember to take your tasks as they come, and be consistent!
