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Well, January's finally over and the first signs of spring are starting to show, but we're not out of the winter months yet and we’re still finding it that little bit harder to get out of bed in the mornings.
If you feel like you’re dragging yourself through the day, barely functioning without coffee and doing the minimum to get by then perhaps you need to re-evaluate the way you’re approaching your job. Here are a few tips on how to get your productivity up and running again.
1. Plan ahead. Be prepared for your daily tasks and challenges by arriving early at your desk, rather than rushing in at one minute before an important meeting. When you arrive early use the time to write a to do list for the day, starting with the 3-5 most important tasks. If you prefer, you can incorporate this planning time at the end of the day instead – this can also be a good idea in terms of helping you to switch off when you go home.
2. Stop regularly. Taking breaks is particularly important if you’re working with a heavy workload or in front of a screen. It just won’t be helpful for you to sit and push through a huge list of tasks without stopping, as you will probably skimp on some as you get more and more exhausted. Allocate several times in your day when you can switch your mind to ‘off’ for 10 minutes. Take a walk around the office, go outside, or read something. You’ll be much more productive when you return to your screen.
3. Listen to music. Some people can’t work with music, others find it very motivating. Low-volume music, especially classical music, can be useful when it comes to helping you function and drowning out other noises in the office. Plus, your IQ actually rises when you’re playing classical tunes through your headphones so you can get smarter simply by listening.
4. Don’t be too email-responsive. When a new email notification pops up leave it until you’ve finished your current tasks, don’t allow yourself to be distracted or you might find that you never get to the end of what you’re trying to do. Allocate a time to check your email and wait until you’ve finished what you’re doing, even if it’s a message from someone you really want to hear from.
5. Stay hydrated and eat lunch!. Keep a bottle of water next to you at all times and try to drink from it regularly throughout the day. You’ll look and feel better if you’re properly hydrated and it will help with your concentration too. Take a lunch break every day, even if it’s just 15 minutes and use it to get away from your work mindset. Exercising at lunchtime is a great idea, or you could see friends, read or just take a quick walk.
Have you got any top tips on how to stay productive through these darker months? We'd love to hear them. Comment below, or join us in the Bucks Biz Community Facebook Group, by clicking this button:
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