How to be Productive at Work

There are numerous reasons we can become distracted throughout the workday (social media, emails, clutter, loud noises, co-workers, and so much more). It doesn’t take much for our minds to wander from the task at hand. 

So how can you stay productive at work and make sure you get the most out of each day? There are lots of ways, but today I’ll be sharing my top tips that I find most helpful.

Clear your Workspace

You’re probably thinking “How is clearing my workspace going to help me be productive?” Well, a clean workspace gives you a clear mind! Clutter restricts your ability to focus and limits your brain’s ability to process information. A clean environment can make you feel at ease and reduce stress. So get rid of those items you don’t need and organize everything you do need in a neat way. You can also surround your workspace with things that inspire you. This could be photos of your friends and family, an inspiring book, motivational quotes and much more. 

Put your Phone Away

This is probably the biggest distraction of all. We all get distracted by texts, social media, phone calls, you name it. Put it on silent, and slide it into your desk drawer or your bag. If you need your phone on, just move it out of reach so you aren’t tempted to check it every 10 minutes, but can still hear it if it rings.

Create a To-Do List

Having a to-do list will help increase productivity and make your tasks feel much more manageable. Lists can help you stay organized and help you remember mundane things that you normally would forget otherwise. Having an outline of your completed and uncompleted tasks can also help you stay mentally focused. If you’re looking for a great app for note-taking, organizing, task management, and archiving be sure to check out Evernote!

Take Breaks

Breaks are essential for maintaining productivity at work. They are important for your mental and emotional wellbeing. Stretch your legs, walk around, talk to a coworker, or eat a snack. This rejuvenation helps employees stay focused and engaged in their work which enables them to complete their tasks more accurately with fewer mistakes.

Eat Some Brain Food Snacks

Sometimes the thing we neglect most is proper nutrition. We’re denying our brain the nutrients it needs to work properly when we choose to not eat a balanced diet. You may think it’s quick and easy to eat junk food at work, but this makes it harder for us to perform effectively. Here are some of the top brain food snacks that help improve brain power and memory: nuts, kale chips, blueberries, dark chocolate, oranges, and more!

Reward Yourself

Set rewards to motivate yourself to complete that task you really don’t want to do. This reward could be something as simple as a piece of candy after each completed task or going out to lunch with a coworker if you normally don’t leave your desk for lunch.

Hopefully, some of these tips will help you have a more successful and productive day at work. Remember, change doesn’t happen overnight. Be consistent and start small. Let us know which tip you think is the most beneficial in the comments below!