Three Tips to Boost Productivity

We’ve all been there--juggling too many tasks, staring down an intimidating to-do list, getting easily distracted, and feeling somewhat overwhelmed. But those projects aren’t going to complete themselves! Our only choice is to buckle down and get them done. But how? Often, even a small adjustment can make a big difference in your productivity. The quick tips below can help you get back on track and shine like the office superstar you are.

Take advantage of apps

Whether you want to organize your inbox, keep your notes in one handy place, plan your lunch for the week, or track your time, there’s no shortage of apps to help you get the job done. If you struggle to stay on task, you might try something like Stayfocusd, which allows you to set limits on the time you can spend on distracting websites. You can also manage your to-do list with a simple checklist app like Google Tasks or Remember the Milk, or rename your files with NameChanger, making it easy to organize and find what you need. Check out Wired’s list of the best productivity apps to see what might work best for you.

Take a stand

It’s no secret that standing at work brings a host of benefits, including increased focus and productivity. Options range from a fully height-adjustable desk to less expensive units like a standing laptop desk or a stand up desk conversion kit, both of which sit on top of your existing work surface, adjusting easily between sitting and standing. In addition to the productivity boost, you’ll see a reduction in back, neck, and shoulder pain, as well some additional calorie burn and reduction in the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and depression.

Take care of yourself

Your mother was right. Getting enough sleep, eating properly, and incorporating exercise are all crucial to performing at your best. Of course, we all know this already, and the trick is actually following through. If you have a ways to go in this area, start small, by setting realistic and achievable goals, such as beginning the next seven days with a healthy breakfast. MindTools has some excellent information on the psychology and process of setting goals, and is a great place to start if you need a little help getting going.

Give yourself a little time to get used to using your apps, standing periodically, and progressing with your lifestyle changes. See what’s working and what needs tweaking. It does take dedicated effort to adjust your working habits, but the long-term benefits are worth it.