Ever wondered how some people manage to get a thousand things done within a day? If you are like us and hope to use your time more efficiently, then read on as we list down some helpful tips to increase your productivity:

Exercise

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Scientific research has shown that starting your day with exercise will boost your mood and energy levels to keep you going for the rest of the day. Exercising for at least 10 minutes a day releases a neurotransmitter called GABA (which is a inhibitory neurotransmitter) in the brain. It will help calm your brain, which gives you a higher sense of control throughout the day. Try starting your day with a yoga class or go for a short run; it makes a world of a difference!

Eat Breakfast

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I am pretty sure you have heard the saying that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but have you ever wondered why? That’s because having a balanced breakfast would jumpstart your metabolism (which means that you’ll burn calories) and focus better throughout the day. After a good night’s rest, your body is in need of fuel. If you do not give your body the replenishment it needs, not only will you feel tired, but also there is a high chance you’ll over compensate and snack on high-fat foods later in the day. The focus is not only to have breakfast before you rush to work, but to have a balanced breakfast too.

You can also try taking your breakfast with a glass of lemon water. Try squeezing half a lemon into a glass of water as it spikes your energy level and keeps you more alert throughout the day. For better results, try drinking a glass in the morning on an empty stomach for full absorption. Don’t drink the juice without water though, as it is very bad for your teeth.

Clear Your Clutter

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You can’t work amidst all that clutter. Try tidying up your workspace before you start on your first task. The more cluttered your desk is, the less focused you’ll be on your work. Close all your unused tabs on your screen, organize your files and start being productive!

Disconnect

Needless to say, a key to remain productive is to remove distractions. I know it is tough, but it helps! Try switching your phone to Airplane Mode, or better yet switch it off and put it away. If you are like me and simply cannot work without my laptop, try downloading site blockers to keep you away from browsing social media sites. 

Focus, Don’t Multitask

Contrary to popular belief, Stanford researchers proved that multitasking does not make a person more productive. People who multitask do not pay as much attention to detail and take a longer amount of time to complete a task as compared to those who complete one task at a time. Your brain can only focus on one thing at a time and when you try to take on more than your brain can handle, you will lack the capacity to perform both tasks successfully.

To-do List

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List down all the stuff you need to get done and then arrange them based on urgency. Try getting the most urgent task done first, so that you will be more productive while keeping your stress levels low. Be realistic with your planning and allow yourself to complete 3-5 tasks each day. You’ll be more motivated if you can check everything off your to-do list, trust me.

Budget Your Time

Now that you’ve done up your to-do list, try adding time frames to it! It is especially effective if you are a procrastinator and if you are someone who likes to multi-task. It pushes you to get the allocated task done within the given time frame.

Tip: When a time frame is over, move on to your next task so that you can progress on! Come back to the incomplete task once you are done with everything else.

Commute Time

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This is especially useful if you spend a lot of time on the road everyday! If you commute at least 20 minutes per trip, try making a better use of your time. You could listen to some podcasts, go through some notes or browse through some news. You could even take the time to clear your e-mail and get back on some correspondence!

Ultimately, there are a ton of ways to get you up and moving, helping you be more productive. We understand that every individual is different which is why you should pick whatever works best for you!