Productivity

8 Tips to Boost your Productivity

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As we transition to remote working and learning, it can be difficult to remain productive and on task with all the distractions at home. 

Oftentimes, it may also feel like a race against the clock to complete everything on that to-do list. While we cannot alter these situations, we can make the best of it by working to boost our productivity. 

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In order to help alleviate that slumping feeling, here are 8 top productivity tips to help maximize your efficiency and time management to ensure that all your tasks get completed for the day:


  1. Pomodoro Technique

    • The Pomodoro Technique states that work times should be separated by short breaks and completed in intervals. The method says that after working for 25 minutes, you should take a 5-minute break. After 4 sets of 25 minutes, you should take a longer 15-20 minute break. 

    • The spacing of work and break time helps improve mental agility and allows your brain to focus in short, timed intervals. It is said to minimize distractions, allows consistent efficiency, and helps improve your concentration and attention span. 


  2. GTD Method (Getting Things Done Method)

    • The GTD Method emphasizes the importance of the order in which your tasks are completed. First, write down all the tasks you need to complete. Then, break them down into smaller, actionable items. Finish the smaller tasks first, and then divide the bigger tasks into smaller ones to start completing. 

    • By writing down all your tasks first, this allows you to detract the time it takes to recall each task, and it allows you to organize tasks into groupings. Essentially, GTD helps with time management and the completion of tasks. 


  3. Batch Process

    • For this method, instead of interrupting your other tasks to complete each of these items one-by-one, group similar tasks to complete at certain times during the day. For example, if you need to answer emails or return phone calls, batch these items. Set aside a few times a day to check and respond to your email. If you need to call others or return phone calls, set call times to a specific time during the day, such as 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM. Batching similar items allows you to save time and streamlines your momentum!

  4. 2-Minute Rule

    • This is a two-part method that states:

      1. If it takes less than 2 minutes, do it now. 

        1. For example, simple tasks such as sending an email, responding to a call, or decluttering your workspace can take just 2 minutes to complete. 

      2. When you start a new habit, it should take less than 2 minutes to do so. 

        1. Just starting a goal can take just 2 minutes or less, it’s just a matter of pushing yourself to start. Once you start something, it’s easier to continue doing it. 

    • This rule focuses on taking action and allowing it to flow on from there. The most important part is simply starting, and the idea that doing so only takes 2 minutes is less daunting. Once you start, it gets easier and easier to continue.

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5. Pareto Analysis

  • This method is also called the 80-20 rule and states that 80% of the tasks can be completed in 20% of the time, while the remaining 20% of tasks will take up 80% of the time. Essentially, 20% of your work will constitute 80% of your achievements. Tasks that fall into the former category should be given a higher priority and doing so will help to increase productivity.

  • This technique helps to analyze where your time is currently spent, and subsequently determine where it could better be directed to ensure time is spent wisely. The analysis also encourages users to search for simpler and easier methods that are less time consuming to complete each task.

    6. Caffeine Nap

  • After drinking a cup of coffee, close your eyes and relax, but limit your nap to only 15 minutes. Since caffeine takes about 20-30 minutes to take effect on your body, it’s effect will take effect when you awaken.  Sleep enhances the effects of coffee by increasing the availability of receptors for caffeine in your brain. Caffeine naps are said to increase alertness and leave nappers feeling refreshed.

    7. Do Not Disturb

  • Turn off distractions by pressing that Do Not Disturb button option on your phone. This prevents notifications from lighting up your screen and detracting your attention away from work. Depending on your phone and settings, your Do Not Disturb feature can mute phone calls, emails, text messages until you turn your screen on or turn off the feature.

    8. Declutter and Organize

  • Clutter in your workspace can lead to disorganization and stress within your mind. It is distracting, makes it difficult to relax, and may create feelings of guilt that detract your focus from work. By decluttering and organizing your desk, it can allow you to focus more clearly on important tasks instead of the mess on your desk. 

    1. First, make sure you prioritize what you actually need and don’t need to successfully perform your job. Once you set this down, store the items you don’t need or simply throw them away. The items that you may need the most should go in the closest drawer and areas most frequented, while everything else should be put away in further drawers. 

    2. It is also important to declutter your computer! It’s easy to forget the random files never to see the light of day again, but getting rid of this digital clutter is critical to productivity.

      1. First, delete old files or remove them onto an external storage system.

      2. Then, create a labeling system and organize files into well-defined folders.

    3. It is also super helpful to declutter your email. Regularly checking and actively deleting unnecessary emails helps minimize digital clutter. You can also set-up auto archive on your email so you spend less time clearing your inbox. 

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