Ever feel like you are not making the most out of all the hours in the day? Well you are not alone. Here are some of our favourite productivity hacks…
Companies and individuals spend millions of pounds every year trying to better understand productivity within their organisation, and millions more trying to improve it.
Some of the studies done on this subject are very revealing. However, they don’t always align with commonly held beliefs about work and productivity.
If you’re a blogger, business or even just passionate about your work, this guide will help you understand your productivity pitfalls. Plus, get you on track to maximise your work efforts.
First up – blue light glasses. These have been doing the rounds recently with many people claiming they’re essential for screen gazers.
Can Blue Light Glasses Keep You Focused?
Let’s face it, staring at one fixed point for up to 8 hours a day isn’t exactly paradise for the eyes. Then take into account the high energy blue light emitted from screens. Our eyes are taking a daily beating from our high-tech lives.
This is the premise that blue light glasses operate on. With evidence showing these clever specs can help improve mood, focus and wellbeing. It’s no wonder that people are starting to use them more at work.
Scientific research is only just starting to shed light on the full extent of the problem of blue light from devices.
One optician said – “you don’t need sunglasses when the sun’s out, but your eyes will be a lot happier if you wear them”
Procrastination Apps
If you find yourself being drawn to non-essential websites during work hours. Websites that waste your time, yet suck you in for hours. There are a few apps out there that can keep you on track. One of the favourites is an app called StayFocused.
StayFocused is a free Chrome extension that gives you full control over your procrastination demons. You can block yourself from as many sites as you like for as long as you want. With a few advanced features, such as the ‘Nuclear Option,’ which once enabled cannot be undone. It will save you from mindless scrolling when you should be working.
Change Your Work Habits
Our current work habits are not always beneficial for efficiency and productivity. People are finding new ways to hack the modern office working environment.
Evidence shows short intense bursts of work followed by short breaks is the best way to get more done in the long run.
If you haven’t tried the Pomodoro Technique, then you need to try it out. It works like this…
- Organise your tasks for that day
- Set a timer for 25 minutes
- Work hard until time’s up
- Give yourself a 5 minute break away from your computer
- Repeat these steps 4 times then take a 15 minute break
Working against the clock helps keep you focused, and a quick 5 minute break away from your desk prevents burnout. Keeping you performing at your best.
Organise your tasks into bite-sized chunks and work hard at them during the 25 minute intervals. You’ll find you can get more done throughout the day and your work will be of a higher calibre.
Summary
There are a few things you can use to channel your productive energy in more efficient ways. Just give a few a try and see what works better for you.
You can use screen glasses if you work at a computer all day. You can use apps to help keep you on task. However, at the end of the day it’s up to you to take charge of your habits.
Some of the most productive people in the world map their days out carefully. While they might have more help and resources than you, there is a lot that you can learn from them.
Shake up your work habits and get more productive, starting with how you plan and organise your day.
What are some of your productivity hacks and how would you break a bad habit?
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