Whether you're currently working from home or back to your usual grind, there's no doubt you spend a lot of time working. Because so much of your life is dedicated to focusing on this particular area, it's important to ensure that this time is used with intent and purpose.
It doesn’t take a ton of effort to make the most of the hours you spend on the clock. Adopting even a few of the productive habits outlined below will make positive changes in both your mindset, life style and physical health.
Stop multi-tasking
Multi-tasking tricks our brain into thinking that we’re getting more done than we actually are. In fact, multitasking can inhibit your ability to retain information, therefore making you less effective.
Get in the habit of doing one task at a time. You don’t need to feel flustered or overwhelmed to prove that you’re working at capacity, so slow down and truly engage in your work. You’ll notice an increase in the quality of the work you produce in no time.
Develop a routine
Now more than ever, especially if you're working from home, developing a routine is crucial to your workday. Take a moment to think critically about how you prepare yourself for the day ahead. Do you give yourself enough time to wake up, eat a meal and properly ready yourself? Do you have a proper work space set up?
Maybe you need to tweak your schedule to reflect what you want to accomplish each day adequately, and that’s okay. Whatever the case, figure out what you need and make sure you dedicate the time you need to do it.
Get outside
Avoid working through your lunch, and instead, get out of the office (or home office) whenever possible.
Lunch breaks outside can help reduce stress and boost creativity. A study from the Harvard Business Review states that people who stop working for a lunch break return feeling 40 percent more energized and productive than those who don’t.
Separate work life from home life
When you’ve clocked out, be fully present, and invested in your life outside of work. Although this is an essential part of maintaining good mental health, it’s easier said than done.
If you have to work overtime, be sure to schedule at least a few hours each night to be completely engaged in other activities. Whether it’s spending quality time with the people you love or enjoying some form of hobby, making time for yourself is essential for developing a balanced life.
Stay hydrated
This may be cliché, but hydration is essential to maintaining good mental and physical health. Dehydration makes it difficult for our brains to work through even the simplest of tasks, and can lead to periods of brain fog, stress and worsened productivity.
To avoid dehydration, keep a bottle of water nearby so you can grab it throughout the day. If you want to make your water a little more interesting, add your favorite fruits or try sugar-free carbonated water.
Get active
Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to boost your mood, increase your energy and help you sleep better at night. Try getting active either before or after work to help give you that lasting energy boost you need.