productivity Archives | Page 2 of 2

Surefire Ways To Get Things Done…Fast!

1. WAKE UP EARLY

Waking up early gives you an opportunity to get more things done and to earn more in the process. As mornings are typically the time of the day when your brain is most focus and alert, you will be more productive. Not to mention, there are fewer distractions in the early hours of the day anyway. You can really achieve more things smoothly.

2. ANSWER EMAILS SWIFTLY

One of the most useful tools invented in the last 4 decades was the electronic mail or email, for short. It can also give way to procrastination despite its efficacy. You see, the Psychological pay-off of checking emails is seemingly the same as gambling. It is addictive because the behavior is reinforced. This is why you must answer your emails at defined and discrete times throughout the day.

Stretch your productivity even more by learning the keyboard shortcuts to Gmail, such as Ctrl + Enter or ⌘ + Enter to send a message.

Screen-grabbed from support.google.com/mail/answer/8260

And if you want to insert a link to your text, type Ctrl + k or ⌘ + k.

3. TAKE BREAKS

Much like a computer, your brain needs resetting, refreshing, and de-fragmenting of data in order for the information and memory to work smoothly. And if you are able to organize your memory and thoughts properly, you will receive and digest new information easily. Furthermore, you can even solve the problems you had pending.

So break up your day into timed chunks with at least 5-20 minutes break to refresh the processes of your brain.

4. LEARN TO SAY “NO”

Every time you agree to help out a fellow employee at work, you are increasing your personal workload and inhibiting your ability to quickly tackle tasks assigned to you. It is hard to refuse to friendly requests from colleagues especially if you are the type of person who loves lending a hand. However, if you want to jumpstart your productivity, it is important to learn to say “NO”.

According to a study by Vanessa Patrick and Henrik Hagtvedt, putting the words “I do not” into your workplace vocabulary can do the trick. Rather than telling your colleagues that you cannot help them out, they will respond better if you tell them that you do not have the time to do so.

5. STICK TO A SCHEDULE

It is a no brainer! If you want to get things done quickly, you must stick to a fixed schedule with the conscious thought of having limited time. Allow your schedule to guide you until it becomes a routine. Once the routinely operations become automatic, you will be able to do the tasks faster and better!

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

Stay ultra productive at work with these simple and affordable tips:

1. LIGHT IT UP

A well-lit room increases concentration and effectiveness. In fact, a study by National Renewable Energy Laboratory found that employees who were exposed to natural lighting stayed focused on the task longer that their “sun-deprived” counterparts.

Replicate the effects of this study by positioning your table by the window or by placing a bright table lamp on your desk (here’s an IKEA table lamp for only S$4.90).

2. EMBRACE ERGONOMICS

Although most of our lives are spent while sitting, we are not designed to sit at desks all day. This is why people who are working a full-time job at the office may experience occasional back pains and other long-term problems. Avoid this and the costly hospitalization costs by investing on ergonomic chairs. Ergonomic chairs are designed to support your posture and boost your comfort while you work.

Purchase yours at LAZADA for as low as S$49.90!

3. STAY FOCUSED

Stay focused by eliminating all the unnecessary distractions such as noises and social media. Avoid online distractions by closing tabs that you do not need, keeping your phone on silent, and by not logging onto your social media accounts. Afterwards, drown out the background noises by wearing earplugs or headphones.

4. KEEP IT CLEAN

Excess litter and scattered rubbish can make you feel overwhelmed and distracted. Clean up your work space by organizing important documents inside drawers or labeled boxes. Also, organize your files with descriptive folders in your laptop or computer.

5. EXERCISE REGULARLY

Aiming for better time management skills and increased ability to beat the deadlines? Consider spending 30-60 minutes of your time per day to exercise. According to science, keeping your blood pumping at work may elevate your productivity for about 15%!

6. PAINT THE SPACE

The colors of your workspace automatically stimulates you and induces color-motivated behavior. Thus, you must alter your space based on your desired goals. If you want to boost your alertness and creativity – go for yellow. For improving reading and relieving stress and fatigue – go for green.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

And if you want to reduce your feelings of aggression and irritation (with your demanding co-workers or horrible boss), decorate the space with nothing but pink!

Sources: 1, 2, 3 & 4

Surefire Ways To Stay Productive At Work

The lack of productivity can lead to stress, missed assignments, overlooked opportunities, demotion, suspension, and even termination. Thankfully, you can gain productivity through healthy and inexpensive ways. All you have to do is to feel great. You read that right! If you feel better holistically, you become an efficient worker.

So, stay productive at work with these five tips:

1. WAKE UP EARLY

Waking up early gives you an opportunity to get more things done and to earn more in the process. Also, mornings are usually the time when your brain is most focused and alert. Not to mention, there are fewer distractions in the early hours of the day anyway so you can really achieve more things, smoothly.

2. PLEASE TAKE BREAKS

Much like a computer, your brain will needs resetting, refreshing, and de-fragmenting of data in order for the information and memory to be in order. And, if you are able to organize your memory and thoughts properly, you will be able to receive and digest new information easily. Furthermore, you can even solve the problems you had pending! A good 5-20 minutes of break will do the trick.

3. AVOID DISTRACTIONS

In a world where the Internet rules, you must avoid distractions by closing tabs that you do not need, keeping your phone on silent, and by not logging onto your social media accounts. If your browser and phone are kept away and only to be used in emergency cases then, you will find yourself to be more productive than ever!

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

4. REGULAR EXERCISE

A study found that 30-60 minutes of lunch break spent on exercise boosted the workers’ overall performances by approximately 15%. These employees reported better time management skills, increase in satisfaction, and increase in ability to meet the deadlines. Thus, taking a break to keep your blood pumping at work can elevate your productivity.

5. GET QUALITY SLEEP

Getting enough sleep brings you more energy and mental clarity. If your new sleeping arrangement does not seem to work, you can consider to take polyphasic sleep. Polyphasic sleep is a practice of sleeping multiple times throughout the day. It is usually consist of sleeping more than the two times a day. In result, you spend more time awake each day and that could make you more productive.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1 & 2

Eternal Benefits Of Waking Up Early

It was 5:30 in the morning and I heard my sister mumbling that she was about to for school. I had two choices: to doze off once more or to wake up and get things done. I chose the latter. And, I do not regret a single thing!

Waking up early has more free benefits that you can ever imagine! You do not have to wake up as early as 5:30 am, just by give yourself more time in the morning (e.g., an hour more) is enough. Pressing the snooze button is no longer an option once you hear the long-lasting benefits of waking up early…

1. PRODUCTIVITY

Waking up early gives you an opportunity to get more things done and to earn more in the process. Furthermore, mornings are usually the time when your brain is most focused and alert. Not to mention, there are fewer distractions in the early hours of the day anyway so you can really achieve more things, smoothly.

Aside from being productive, a biologist in Harvard named Christoph Randler found that individuals who wake up early are more proactive. Other studies echoed his findings and showed that early risers are better at goal setting, planning, and making decisions.

2. BETTER GRADES

A study conducted by Texas University found that students who consistently rise early each day scored better in their exams and overall grades. This is due to the fixed routine and regularly eating breakfast.

So if you are a student, it is best to wake up early than to sleep for long hours and rush to school. Who likes the pressure of hurrying up anyway?

3. MENTAL HEALTH

If treasure relaxation then, waking up early is perfect for you! Early risers have the luxury to give themselves more time to do the things they like such as reading the morning paper, preparing a healthy breakfast, and working out. These things may seem small but it will surely brighten up your mood!

Moreover, studies have shown that “morning people” are generally more optimistic and satisfied with their lives. In fact, Del Suggs who is the author of Truly Leading: Lessons in Leadership, suggests to begin your day with writing down three things you are grateful for. This simple and efficient exercise is rooted from the principles of Positive Psychology.

4. WORKING OUT

As I said, waking up early gives you more time to exercise. And, we all know that exercise either in the morning or at night, has bountiful advantages to your body. By making exercise a daily morning habit, you are able to stimulate energy to your body that will get you ready for the challenges ahead!

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

5. DIET

How many times have you heard the statement: “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day?” Well, it is true.

Skipping breakfast is not recommended because your body needs nutrients to help you concentrate and function throughout the day. Also, skipping breakfast makes you more likely to crave unhealthy food and to overeat.

Your body has been on a “fast” mode all night while you were sleeping and you need to “break that fast” with a serving of healthy food.

Sources: 1 & 2

Procrastination Costs You Money! Here’s How You Can Stop It.

You probably know how procrastination impacts some areas of your life such as being late for a reunion or getting scolded by your boss because you missed the deadline – again. However, you might not realize that constantly avoiding responsibilities can cost you not only with opportunities but also with money.

There are various reasons why people procrastinate with money and one of them is fear – fear of getting stuck or lost in the path. Then, the “avoider” in you will just make excuses in order to delay the tasks for a while or for a lifetime.

To illustrate how procrastination cause money loss, here are some examples:

1. WHEN PENALTIES PILE UP

Late payment fees, late return fees, reconnection fees, and other penalty charges may seem small at the moment but these things add up. For instance, if you borrowed a book in your school’s library and you failed to return it 1 month after the deadline then, the price you paid for late fees might be more costly than the book in the first place.

Also, being late in paying your credit card can cost you each day. Add that to the interest!

2. NOT TAKING PREVENTIVE ACTIONS

Preventive actions such as regularly going for health screening especially when you are in your 40s, can help detect or treat serious diseases. Waiting will do nothing but cost you for medical bills later. Some expensive repairs that can also be prevented by check-ups are: air conditioner’s filter maintenance and car’s tires maintenance.

3. LAST MINUTE SHOPPING

People are often to be less conscious of the price tag if they are shopping under pressure. Waiting the last-minute to purchase for anniversary gifts or weekend travel tickets can make you opt for the high-priced ones just to get it over and done with!

These examples are just some of the reasons why it is important to beat procrastination with all strength! Do it by following these tips:

1. AWARENESS

Constantly remind yourself that there are tasks to be accomplished and determine what phase you are on. It is easier to track your tasks by making a simple “to-do list” that even includes the tasks you are avoiding to pursue. Then, write the deadlines together with every task.

2. REMOVE THE DISTRACTIONS

The quickest way to stop procrastinating is by eliminating the possible distractions. Learning to reduce, ignore, and remove the unnecessary choices can be beneficial as you are able to make better choices.

For example: if you want others to read your blog, stop distracting them with buttons and ads. Also, if you want stronger arms, stop wasting your energy on Single-Leg Glute Bridge or other exercises that are not in lined with your goals.

3. REWARDS AND PUNISHMENTS

Create a reward and punishment system. Rewards (e.g., eating your favorite dessert) should only be given if you finished a task while consequences (e.g., no access to ice cream for a week) should be given whenever you avoid your task.

4. GET SERIOUS

Ask a your friend or your partner to help you complete the task. They should guide you and warn you when you deter form the task at hand. Focus on the success and happiness you will achieve after you finished your “to-do list”.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Sources:1 & 2

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