Simple ways to improve productivity

Do you drag yourself out of bed every morning feeling exhausted?

Do you need a coffee before you can put together a coherent sentence?

Do you find yourself heading for the chocolate stash at 4pm?

Do you eye off the space under your desk dreaming of a quick nap?

Do you snap at the kids because you feel completely stretched and exhausted?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, don't give up. There are some simple things you can do to get more out of your day.

You can’t create more time or manage the speed at which it passes. Therefore, true effectiveness is about managing and investing the energy you bring to those hours. The more energy you have the more you will get done in the time allocated to you. Exercise and healthy eating are the number one contributor towards effective time and energy management (surprise!). Another important time management strategy is learning to manage your energy cycles. Let’s take a look at these strategies closely.

Take care of yourself

“If you were told that you could only have one car for the rest of your life, you would take immaculate care of it. You would polish, protect, and maintain it as best as you could. Our body serves the same purpose, so treat it the same.” Warren Buffett

Imagine you have a gas tank just like a car. You don’t have unlimited energy, and when it runs out, you will break down. Taking care of yourself is a huge priority, and there are a few simple habits that can help keep your energy levels high. Eat food that provides your body with the right fuel. Drink lots of water and stay away from processed food. Exercise regularly and effectively. We know what to do, we know it works. Now you need to make the time to make it happen.

Be aware of your energy cycles

Our energy levels fluctuate up and down and during the day. We go through stages of feeling awake and sleepy, being alert and distracted. Our bodies go through a repeating energy cycle throughout the day and roughly every 90-120 minutes you will experience a dip in energy. The implications are that we only do solid work for up to about 90 minutes at a time and then find it difficult to focus unless we take a break or at the very least change activities to something lighter. To make the most of your time work in short bursts or sprints (much like high intensity interval training) with intervals of recovery. Spend your time either being productive or consciously resting, not somewhere in between the two.

“Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgment will be surer; since to remain constantly at work will cause you to lose power of judgment…" (Leonardo da Vinci)

by Angie Black