44 Practical Ways to Improve Productivity

44 Practical Ways to Improve Productivity Ive got 44 problems but productivity isnt  one. If you want the most out of your day, you need to be prepared to push through several  barriers.  Now, were all guilty of wasting time.  Its  pretty  easy to  become  distracted from your work and subconsciously (or consciously) find ways to avoid putting in the hard yards.  Whether its scrolling aimlessly through  social media, chatting to a colleague or making your fifth coffee of the day, if  you feel  slack and lack  motivation,  finding ways to procrastinate wont be hard. Sure,  some energy-zappers  exist beyond our  control. For example, studies have shown  surprising links between carbon dioxide levels in some office environments  and decreased cognitive functioning. However  there are a lot of  things you can control  to  make sure you  smash your working day out of the ballpark. Best STL  has compiled an infographic showcasing  44 ways to make you  more productive, heres a  summary of the best bits: Before you leave  the house Wake up earlier. Its a tried and true tip: swap a rushed morning full of freak-outs for a relaxed one that comes with breakfast, some exercise or me time. Giving yourself enough time to get ready properly will mean youre less likely to start the day off in a stressed mood. If you just cant muster the energy to listen to your early alarm tone, try moving your  clock a few meters away so you have to get out of bed to stop it. Let natural light wake you up. For anyone living in a cold  or  grey climate this might seem like wishful thinking, but where possible, let  your body slowly come back to life naturally, and ditch the alarm clock altogether if you can. Establish a morning routine  and stick to it. Being strict on what time you get up, when you have your breakfast and what activities you need to get done before leaving the house will help you get back in control and feel ready to tackle the day ahead. Drink a tall glass of water. This one speaks for itself  really. Its so easy to become dehydrated start the day by flushing toxins out of your body and replenishing your H2O stores. If I was president, everyone would have to meditate for 10 minutes a day. Then you would get a smoothie. Ms. Ellie (@ellie_java) April 9, 2016 https://twitter.com/hannahhummel/status/722407265127526400?lang=en-gb While  you commute Pre-plan your entertainment before jumping on the bus or train, i.e. something other than mindless staring or phone-tinkering. Try downloading a podcast,  bringing a book or loading your Kindle with a  great read. Get physical.  Ditch the public transport and use your own two feet (or a bike) to get you to where you need to be! The open air will clear your head and pump you up for the day. Complete an online course or plan for a presentation.  Try using your  commute to get some mundane tasks done, or do some work-related reading.  Giving yourself a head start with work will fire you up and means youll be ready to crack on as soon as you walk into the office. BRB RIDING MY BIKE TO WORK STAYING HEALTHY! WOOOOOW!!~ ? (@floatingweeds_) April 19, 2016 Before you have lunch Dont check your emails for an hour. Use this time in the morning (when youre probably at your freshest) to create a plan of attack for the rest of the day, and really get stuck into some tasks you need to complete, without added pressures coming from distracting correspondence over email. Start at same time every day. Getting yourself into a routine like this will stop you from wasting valuable minutes  fluffing around at your desk. Commit to heads down at the same time every day, and be disciplined about it. Bite the bullet. Procrastination helps no one; if you have a hard task to complete, dont put it off, get it done first.  Time spent procrastinating is time spent not completing important things, and also time spent worrying about the fact that theyre not getting done. Kill two birds with one stone and get  stuck into it. https://twitter.com/TheRealistz/status/725316908715806720?lang=en-gb Its not even 10:30 and Ive basically finished work for the day. I could go be really productive or go for a nap. Tough choice. Tom (@TomMichaelJoy) April 29, 2016 After you have lunch Avoid large, heavy lunches.  The phrase you are what you eat is a good one to remember here; if you eat yucky things your mood and motivation levels will probably turn yucky too. Go for an afternoon stroll. Fresh air will do you the world of good, especially if you eat lunch at your desk. Its important to break up the day and give yourself a chance to rejuvenate and refocus. Take a power nap. Take a leaf from the Spaniards book and squeeze in a siesta, if you can. I appreciate this one might not be a very practical option, but finding a quiet spot and closing your eyes to rest for even just 5 minutes will help you relax,  stop your mind from racing ahead and feel in control again. What a great Tuesday afternoon, come on out get that afternoon walk in. #loveorlando pic.twitter.com/nR4BiREeRy Lake Eola (@LakeEolaPark) April 26, 2016 Before you go to bed Avoid heavy, fatty  meals that leave you feeling bloated. Sleeping on a stodgy stomach does no one any favours. Set  your phone to Do Not Disturb. Youve probably heard this one before, but it couldnt be more effective at allowing you to  switch off and get other things done. Use blackout curtains. If youre going to opt for waking up to natural sunlight, you can probabaly park this one. Otherwise, if you have trouble sleeping try blacking out all light from your room so you can sink into your own black hole of uninterrupted slumber. Stretch. Put on some comfy clothes and stretch to your hearts content. This will help you relieve tension building up inside you. Use this time to let go of the day that was, and loosen up for  the day ahead. Maisee, a 3 yr old bully mix, takes her last evening stretch before going to bed. #AdoptDontShop pic.twitter.com/jXJo1HSnY5 The Love Pit (@lovepitrescue) April 17, 2016 Top image: Shutterstock 44 ways to be more productive [Infographic] by the team at Best STL