TIPS ON STAYING PRODUCTIVE AND FOCUSED - AT HOME OR IN THE OFFICE
One of the biggest obstacles to working from home is how to stay productive. It can be easy to get distracted from that task you have been putting off by doing some laundry, fitting in a quick grocery shop, watching some TV while you work, or even playing with the dogs. Fortunately, with a couple of easy tips, you will be able to stay on task, reach your goals and surprise yourself with how much you get done. Best of all, these tips can help you not only work from home but from the office too.
The Most Important Meal
In 2014, the Harvard Business Review published an article that says food has a direct impact on our cognitive performance. Trying to concentrate on an empty stomach can be difficult because our bodies require glucose which provides the energy our brains need to stay alert and focused. Eating nutrient-rich, healthy foods will fuel your brain and give you the resources to focus.
Plan The Day Ahead Of Time
A lot can happen during the day that can make us feel disorganized and like we’ve landed in the middle of a hurricane. The best way to combat this is to create a list of tasks to complete, and it is best to list them in order of priority. This will allow you to stay on task and not lose valuable time trying to figure out what to do next. Adding items to your list and re-arranging as your day goes can also keep you up to date.
Take A Break
We all have been guilty of becoming so focused on the task at hand that we forget to take a break. Stop it! It is important to step away from your task and unwind. This will allow you to clear your mind and return with a renewed focus. That may be having lunch (preferably away from your desk!), grabbing a coffee, or a quick walk around the office. Make sure whatever you do leaves you refreshed.
Avoid Multitasking
Multitasking has long been seen as a desirable soft skill. However, in a 2017 study from the National Library of Medicine, only 2.5% of people can multitask effectively. For the majority of us, when we try to multitask our brains are “task-switching” between tasks and ultimately decrease our overall performance in both speed and accuracy.
Done Not Perfect
“Perfect is the enemy of good.” – Voltaire. Nothing is ever going to be perfect, especially on the first attempt. Studies have found that perfectionists have much higher levels of stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression. While it is important to have standards and take pride in your work, it is more important to get the task done on time and move on to the next.
