10 Ways to Increase Productivity

Many of us would like to increase productivity, improve our efficiency, and get more out of our workday. If this sounds like you, you’re not alone; a quick search on Google for productivity hacks reveals 15,400,000 results. While there’s no quick fix to improving productivity, there are plenty of productivity tips and tricks that you can utilize to help you to work smarter and get more out of your workday.

Increase Productivity at Work With These Ten Tips

Eat the Frog First

If you’ve never heard of the ‘eat the frog’ technique, it was created by self-development author, Brian Tracy, and is about tackling the most crucial task that you’ve been avoiding on your to-do list first. And if you have a to-do list full of frogs and you’re finding yourself procrastinating, then tackle the ugliest frog first.

Take Regular Breaks

It sounds counterintuitive, but research has shown that taking short breaks in your workday can increase productivity, as well as boost your concentration, memory, and creativity.

Practice Single-Tasking Instead of Multitasking

Contrary to popular opinion, the human brain isn’t wired to multitask. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), multitasking can reduce your productivity by up to 40%. The APA’s research suggests switching between tasks limits your focus and working memory while increasing stress and mental fatigue.

If You Can Do It in Two Minutes, Do It First

Productivity Consultant, David Allen, believes in the ‘two-minute rule’ to increase productivity. The thought process is that if you have a task that you could complete in two minutes, like answering emails, loading the dishwasher, and making the bed, you should do those first, which eliminates any temptation to procrastinate.

Plan Tomorrow, Today

Many of us have attempted to increase productivity at work with a to-do list, and they’re a great productivity hack and great for improving efficiency. Increase productivity with a to-do list by going one step further by creating tomorrow’s to-do list before you go to bed tonight. This gives you a head start on tomorrow as you’ve already planned out your day.

Utilize Your Commute

We can all be guilty of scrolling mindlessly through social media on our commute to work. However, put this time to work instead and take advantage of these precious hours to plan essential tasks, manage your emails, and set yourself up for the workday.

Organize Your Workspace to Increase Productivity

We’ve all heard the phrase, a tidy space = a tidy mind, right? Research has shown that a cluttered workspace impacts your brain’s ability to concentrate and process information. One of the best ways to keep your workspace organized is to clean your desk every day before you go home; this way, it’s ready and waiting for you each morning.

Remove Distractions From Your Working Environment

While occasionally browsing social media or checking your inbox isn’t a bad thing, constantly checking your phone is going to hamper your productivity. If you struggle with willpower, some apps can help you to lock your social media apps while working or trying to concentrate.

Analyze Where Your Time Is Going

Not sure why you’re unable to get everything on your to-do list checked off? Start keeping a diary of when you’re picking up your phone, checking your email, heading to the office kitchen. This will help you work out where you can increase productivity and improve efficiency. Sometimes, we don’t realize how much of the day we’re unproductive until it’s written down.

Create a Night Time Routine to Get More Sleep

According to the American Sleep Association, we need eight hours of sleep a night, but 35% of American adults get less than seven hours each night. The consequences of sleep deprivation are damaging, but in particular, research from Harvard University revealed that not getting the recommended amount of sleep reduces your efficiency and makes you more likely to make mistakes. In contrast, getting enough sleep boosts your mood, reduces stress, improves memory, and sharpens your focus and concentration. Set yourself up for a good night’s sleep with a relaxing nighttime routine. If you’ve recently noticed that you’re struggling to maintain concentration and productivity, consider speaking with a men’s health physician. Here at Opt Health, using preventative medicine, we can help you feel like you again. Don’t hesitate to contact us for questions, inquiries, or appointments, don’t hesitate to contact us. Get personalized support and insight from top-tier physicians that are available 24/7.