Today’s work environments are so stressful that if you’re not going to employ some form of a strategy you can easily be swallowed in the quicksand of work productivity. You may think that you are doing a lot of things at work. But why is it that after an hour behind your desk you feel you’re already exhausted and ready to hit the deck?
Work demands maximum productivity, often at the expense of not enjoying life itself. You don’t have to enslave yourself with your work. If you love what you are doing, that’s already a good start. Now, all you need are these 5 tips to help you increase your efficiency to allow you to enjoy life as well.
Always Start Your Work Day with a Clear Plan.
One of the traits of successful people is that they know exactly what to do even before they start working behind their desks. Don’t be the kind of person who is time-conscious in a way that will tell you to be behind your desk at exactly 8 o’clock. What the 8 am protocol simply means is that you are already raring to go. That means, your mindset is already well geared for the rest of the day. As such, it is always a lot better to come early and sit behind your desk at least 15 minutes before you officially start your work. That way you can plan what you are going to do the rest of the day.
Start Strong and Finish with a Smile.
Part of your work plan should be to start strong and finish with a smile on your face. Identify the three most important tasks that you have to accomplish for the day. Place them towards the first hour of your work. If you can accomplish all of these three tasks within the first 2 hours of work, then you know that you will have plenty of time to revel by the time work is officially over for the day. Remember to be your most productive in the first 2 hours of your work day, as this is the time when you have the most energy and focus.
Mix Hard Labor with Fun.
If you are expecting some tedious work ahead of you, plan it in such a way that it can be broken down into three meaningful components. In each of these parts, take time to perform lighter, more fun work routines. If you are going to concentrate on the very tedious task all day long, you will simply feel stressed out halfway into the day. So, make sure you do the hard work from 8 to 10, followed by some light tasks from 10 to 11, then another bout with the arduous tasks from 11 am to 1 pm before hitting a break for lunch for an hour. The point is for you to recharge several times during your work day.
Hydrate and Take a Break, Literally.
Like a machine, your brain will simply find it hard to function optimally if it is not well-hydrated. Drink lots of fresh, cool, and clean water to keep your cells hydrated. This helps in cellular metabolism, making them more efficient in the processing of information. Additionally, when you go on a break, this means, literally, away from your desk. Find time to relax and unwind, even if it’s for less than an hour.
Be Organized and Professional.
One of the things you can do to be more efficient is to stay organized. Create a system which will make work a lot easier for you. This can also translate to the management of your time, especially when entertaining non-business-related calls and other forms of communication.
Everyone strives to become more efficient at work and in their personal matters. By following these simple tips, you too can establish efficiency in your own life.
Author: Mike Bonners writes for Simply Plastics. Mike currently balances a tight schedule between work and family and after many years, he’s mastered the skill of efficiency. Now, he works a lot less, and enjoys life more.
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