5 Ways To Be Your Most Productive
Do you have trouble getting in the zone?
Especially working from home? Me too! Read on.
If nothing else, COVID has really changed the way we do work. A lot of us are working from home trying to start our own businesses, or job searching, or taking our work life into our living rooms—whichever one you are doing sometimes it can be hard to transition your comfort space into your work space. Home is usually the place I unwind, relax, and can leave the stress at the door, so turning my living room into a productive work space has been a struggle, but over the past several months I have been able to come up with 5 little adjustments that have helped me immensely.
Clean and organize the space you are going to work in.
Whether it’s your coffee table, kitchen table, or any makeshift desk area clean and organize that space. Having an organized space helps me think clearly, and get in a working mode. It makes me more relaxed, and when I am more relaxed I find it easier to dig into the work ahead of me. A chaotic workspace makes me a little more anxious and more difficult to focus on the first task at hand. Full disclosure—I am not an organized person by nature. I am cleanly, but I am messy—ask any of my past roommates (god bless you all for putting up with me). I promise the clear and organized really changes your whole mindset before you get down to it.
Make a list!
I am such a list person. Something about crossing off that item on my list makes me internally scream “hooray!”. With that satisfaction of one task done it propels me to the next task. I think this has a lot to do with the fact I am a visual learner, and visually seeing my progress on a piece of paper motivates me to tackle the next “to do”. I love lists, I can’t lie. Try it.
Candles & Diffusers
I don’t know specifically why this helps me so much, but the calm of a nice candle lit on my work space makes it so much more enjoyable. Right now I light my scented soy candle of the scent blushing amber. I think its the visual look of the flame, and the smell—a small luxury to make my work space so much more enjoyable. When you love your work space, and feel comfortable in it, I don’t mind staying put and getting everything done for the day. Relaxation is a huge theme in order for me to do good work. While I am admittedly an adrenaline junkie who loves the pressure of a good deadline, I do my best work when my mind is clear so I can be my most creative. This is especially useful when I am doing tasks on my to-do list that I absolutely despise. This is where my diffuser comes in. Right now I adore lavender essential oils. I like the dull sound of the diffuser as well as how it makes me feel. It’s perfect to keep me put while I do all my work, and the minute I feel stuck or want to give up, I can sit back for a few minutes feel relaxed with the lavender being whirled into the room, and I find myself back at it in no time.
Have your favorite beverage at your fingertips!
I find that having my favorite cold drink (I am from New England, even in winter I will have a cold beverage) right by my side when I am doing my best work. For me I like to have a cold brew with almond milk or ice water with True Lemon (I LOVE THIS sweetener). It’s a great habit to reach for your beverage when you are thinking, need a small break, or quench your thirst. Plus it saves the time of constantly getting up to grab something to drink. Also, sometimes we think we are hungry when we are thirsty, so this will save you time from getting up to snack because instead you will be well hydrated. I think part of this is comfort—add a straw for extra luxury as you sip & work.
Take at least 3 short walking breaks.
Yes. Being productive also means taking short breaks. I prefer 3 ten-minute breaks during an 8 hour work period at minimum! I really believe getting out and getting some fresh air helps my brain function and stay on my toes. If you are constantly going and going, and don’t take time to get some movement or fresh-air chances are you are not going to give out our best work. Movement is so important for me. It gets my blood flowing, and gives me an automatic burst of energy. Work hard, take breaks.
