Time is our most valued resources. Once you spend it, you can never get it back. But, when you need to divide your focus between different aspects of your job or business, it can often feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to accomplish everything on your to-do list. As a result, not only your work performance suffers, but your family and social life as well.
So, what can you do to take control of your time and increase your productivity?
Here are a few time management techniques that you should give a try:
1. Take Frequent Breaks
It may sound counterintuitive, but taking frequent breaks can actually improve your performance and productivity. Here’s the thing: humans are not built to run at high speeds and work continuously for an extended time. We have a natural rhythm that includes periods of intense activity followed by periods of rest.
Studies show that taking frequent, but small breaks can increase productivity and creativity, restore motivation, improve learning, and prevent decision fatigue. By stepping away from your work for a couple of minutes, you allow your brain to disconnect and recharge its batteries. As a result, when you return you will feel more relaxed and able to focus better on the task at hand.
So, go for a walk, stretch, eat a healthy snack, or read a few pages from a book. These simple activities will help you feel rejuvenated.
Related:
2. Eliminate Distractions
In the minutes it will take you to read this article, your phone will ring once, you will receive a couple of emails, you’ll get at least one Facebook notification, and a coworker will step into your booth to ask you something.
An office environment is full of distractions, and it can be rather difficult to get any work done if you allow them to interrupt you. So, what can you do to tune them out?
One of the best time management techniques we recommend is using tools to keep noise and distractions at bay. Install software that blocks social media sites while you’re working. Use earplugs or headphones to block the chit-chat of your colleagues. Or, just close the door of your office and let people know that you won’t be available for the next couple of hours.
3. Choose The Best Tools to Streamline Your Work
Working with outdated tools lowers productivity. Just think about it: an outdated app that takes minutes to load is not only frustrating but also highly ineffective.
That stands true even for the tools that you don’t spend that much time thinking about. For example, using low-quality paper for your prints might force you to redo the entire job because the result wasn’t by your prospects’ expectations. To avoid such scenarios, make sure to purchase your paper from Double A. They use only the best pulp available to create paper that is sustainable and of the highest quality.
4. Get Organized
Be honest: can you think clearly when your desk looks like a bomb exploded on it? Probably not. Get rid of the clutter and organize your files and documents. Use software to keep track of your tasks and meetings instead of writing them down on pieces of paper that you then lose.
Productivity and performance aren’t about working longer hours, but about working smarter. Use these time management techniques to streamline your days and get some well-deserved mental peace.