11 Jul 5 Simple Ways To Be More Productive (But Not Stressed)

I don’t know about you, but I’m always on the hunt for ways to be more productive and less stressed out.  Once upon a time I thought that being productive meant working more, sacrificing sleep and skipping meals.  I thought that suffering but being productive was a badge of honor.  And I was always busy.  Too busy in fact, and well, not really happy and actually, not all that productive.

So after reading umpteen books, listening to lectures, watching zillions of YouTube videos and lots of trial and error in my real life, I found that the following 5 simple strategies have changed my life, my health, my outlook and of course, my productivity.

Tip#1: Get Enough Sleep

I can’t stress this enough.  Most of us need 7 – 8 hours a night to function well.  If you are one of the lucky ones who needs less than that, then follow your rhythm.  But for the rest of us, go out of your way to get enough shut-eye every night, and if not every night, well then most nights.  I can’t begin to tell you how much of a difference this makes in your productivity, mental outlook and over all health.  Trust me on this one.

Tip#2: Exercise

If you are skipping the gym in order to get more done, think again.  Stepping away from your work and making sure to get 30 – 60 minutes of exercises at least 3 – 5 times a week is essential for just about every part of your health, including sleeping better, thinking more clearly, improving your health, strengthening your immune system and lowering your stress levels.

Tip#3: Make Quiet Morning Time

When we have a lot to do, it’s easy to jump from one thing to another and that is one of the biggest productivity busters.  It’s best to start your mornings quietly.  That means no e-mails, no screens, no external chatter.  Do some deep breathing, meditating, day dreaming or whatever else calms and focuses you.  Then, and only then, before you start to work, take 15 – 20 minutes to organize and prioritize your to-do list and set your intensions for the day.

Tip#4: Work in 60 – 90 Minute Chunks

Taking breaks seems counter-intuitive to being productive, but study after study shows that our brains can only focus for so long before we see diminishing returns.  So, organize your work day so that you work for 60 – 90 minutes at the most and follow that by at least a 10 minute break.  Your mind, body and productivity will benefit.

Tip#5: Get Your Ergo On

When you are distracted by aches and pains, or have to cut your workday short due to a sore neck, back, shoulders or hands, your productivity plummets.  Instead, make sure that your work set up is conducive to upright and balanced posture, easy reach to your keybooard and mouse and that your monitor is allowing your head and neck to comfortably balance over the plane of your spine.  If you need some tips, read 3 Sure Signs That You Need An Ergo Tune Up.

Let us know in the comments which one of these tips helped you the most and share the tips that work for you!

Until the next time!

Vivienne