Did you know the average employee in the UK is only productive for 2 hours and 53 minutes a day? [1]
We spend the rest of the working day procrastinating, trawling social media and news sites, discussing out-of-work activities, and taking drink/ food/ smoke breaks.
Shocking, huh?
Or… is it?
Nowadays our lives just seem full of distractions. The above study took place among people who work full-time in an office. As a home worker, I can testify that there are far more distractions at home than at the workplace!
When I first started working from home, I used to have a huge productivity issue, until I discovered these 10 productivity hacks. I’ve tried each one and they’ve helped me significantly. I still use them today.
So, I thought I’d share them with you and give you some productivity tricks and tips to help you keep up with your ever-growing to-do list.
If there never seems to be enough hours in the day – but you’re simultaneously not getting enough done – these 10 productivity hacks could help you work smarter and faster…
Top 10 Productivity Hacks
1. Embrace the Power of Prioritisation
Effective prioritisation is key to being productive. There’s no point spending hours on a task that isn’t that important while you neglect the jobs that are.
Are you guilty of that? I know I often veer towards the easier tasks because I can’t face doing the jobs I really should be getting on with.
They say that you should start with the most important task first thing in the morning to get it over with – but sometimes, I just can’t face it.
Here’s what changed that for me – a little tool called the Eisenhower Matrix. This tool helps you tackle urgent and important tasks first. It also shows how to avoid wasting time, making room for more important work. Here’s how it works…
Categorise your Tasks
The Eisenhower Matric helps you sort your tasks into four different groups:
- Urgent and Important
- Important but Not Urgent
- Urgent but Not Important
- Not Urgent and Not Important
Re-write your to-do list using these categories.
The benefits of this tool are obvious: you can see immediately which are your most important tasks, and which are timewasters. You can forget the latter and free up your schedule for the more important tasks.
It makes a huge difference to your productivity and time management.
2. Conquer Procrastination, Improve Time Management with Pomodoro
Be honest: do you spend your day procrastinating or making excuses for not doing tasks? I certainly used to.
I had so many things on my to-do list that I was often a rabbit in headlights, jumping from one thing to another and never really finishing anything.
Or I’d spend so much time rewriting my to-do lists (for which read, procrastinating) that I’d run out of time by the end of the day.
Procrastination can really hold you back, but I’m going to tell you about a great technique to tackle it: the Pomodoro Technique.
This method helps you focus, avoid distractions, and work more efficiently. It’s a great time management tool, and very easy to follow.
The Pomodoro Technique works by focusing on tasks in short, timed sessions. Here’s how to use it to beat procrastination:
- Set a timer for 25 minutes and work on one task without distractions. This is called a Pomodoro.
- When the timer stops, take a 5-minute break to rest and clear your mind.
- Keep doing this cycle until you finish your task.
- After four Pomodoros, take a 15-20 minute break to really relax.
The Pomodoro Technique fights procrastination by breaking big tasks into smaller ones. It also helps you stay focused and avoid distractions. By using this productivity hack every day, you’ll improve your time management and fight off procrastination.
3. Productivity Hacks: Master the Art of Focus
To boost your productivity, staying focused is key. The Pomodoro technique certainly helps with that, but there are other tricks you can do to boost your focus further, and to dive into deep work.
Eliminate Distractions
The modern workplace is full of distractions. From social media to endless emails, it’s hard to stay on track. To improve your focus, try these tips:
- Turn off device notifications
- Set times for checking emails and social media
- Make a dedicated, distraction-free workspace
- Use apps to block websites and apps that distract you
By focusing on a clear, distraction-free space, you’ll work more efficiently.
4. Embrace Deep Work
Deep work means focusing deeply on hard tasks without distractions. It’s a way to get more done in less time.
To do deep work well:
- Set aside time for deep work, without interruptions
- Remove all distractions during these sessions
- Use rituals to signal focus time
- Take breaks to avoid burnout
5. Improve Your Workflow
Are there certain tasks that you find yourself doing again and again? Or emails that you end up writing from scratch for each customer when you don’t need to?
One of the most effective productivity hacks is to streamline your workflow and automate as many tasks as you’re able to.
This saves you both time and mental energy. After all, nothing tires you out sooner than doing the same thing day in and day out.
Here’s how to do that…
Streamline Processes
Look closely at your daily tasks and find ways to make them simpler. Here are some tips:
- Remove unnecessary steps and bottlenecks in your processes
- Standardise repetitive tasks and create reusable templates
- Use project management tools to improve collaboration and visibility
- Keep reviewing and refining your processes to stay efficient
Automate Repetitive Tasks
Automation can significantly boost your productivity hacks. Find the boring, time-wasting tasks you do often and see how you can automate them. Here are some ideas:
- Automate email responses and scheduling
- Set up automated data entry and report generation
- Use workflow management tools to streamline approvals and document processing
- Integrate task automation software for repetitive admin tasks
6. Fuel Your Body, Fuel Your Mind
How do you start your day? Is it with muesli and juice, or a sausage sandwich?
I’m not going to lie – I’ve started my day with many of the latter before, and yum – but I came to learn that it didn’t fuel my brain.
Starting your day right means taking care of your body. Eating the right foods and drinking enough water directly boosts your brain power. Yes, you can fuel your mind with good nutrition and hydration.
It’s the difference between starting your day all fired up or feeling a bit sluggish and lethargic before you even begin.
Nutrition for Enhanced Productivity
What you eat affects your energy, focus, and brain function. Add these productivity hacks to your meals for better mental clarity and energy management tips:
- Eat complex carbs like whole grains for lasting brain energy.
- Choose lean proteins to help your brain stay sharp and focused.
- Include nutrition for productivity superfoods like blueberries, nuts, and leafy greens for better concentration and memory.
Hydration: The Unsung Hero
Drinking enough water is key for staying sharp. Make sure to drink water all day to:
- Improve your thinking and decision-making.
- Keep your energy up and fight off tiredness.
- Help your body get rid of toxins, boosting your productivity.
7. Cultivate Energy-Boosting Habits
There’s a reason people like to go to the gym before work – it’s not just to fit the exercise into a busy day, but to boost their energy for productivity before work even starts. You see, exercise is the ultimate productivity enhancer.
Exercise: The Ultimate Productivity Enhancer
Exercise is crucial for boosting your productivity. It improves your energy, focus, and overall health. Exercise helps you stay motivated and achieve more.
Choose an exercise you like, like walking, running, or weightlifting. Even a short 20-minute workout can help a lot. As you keep exercising, you’ll see big changes in how productive you are.
- Improve focus and mental clarity
- Boost energy levels and combat fatigue
- Enhance cognitive function and problem-solving abilities
- Reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a more positive mindset
- Foster a sense of accomplishment and increased motivation
Adding exercise to your day is a smart move. It will make you more efficient in the long run. Start this energy-boosting habit and see your productivity soar.
Our recommendation: If you want to start a dedicated exercise routine, you should consider a strong pre-workout supplement, ideally one that also contains brain-boosting herbs, like Pre Lab Pro.
Read our review of Pre Lab Pro
8. Productivity Hacks: Leverage Technology
In today’s digital world, technology can help increase your productivity. It can make your workflow smoother and automate tasks you do over and over.
There are many apps and tools out there to help you achieve more in less time.
Productivity Apps and Tools
Discover the apps and tools that can make your work better:
- Task Management Apps: Keep your tasks in order with apps like Trello, Asana, or Todoist.
- Time Tracking Tools: Learn how you spend your time with apps like Toggl or RescueTime.
- Distraction-Blocking Software: Stay focused with tools like Freedom or Forest.
- Note-Taking Apps: Use apps like Evernote or OneNote to jot down ideas and important notes.
- Collaboration Platforms: Make teamwork easier with tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams.
Using these apps and tools can make your work more efficient. They help you manage your tasks better and save time. Look for the ones that fit your needs and work style.
9. Boost Brain Power with Nootropics
Smart people are using “nootropics” to get better at thinking. I know I am.
These “smart drugs” help improve focus and mental energy. They take your productivity to the next level.
Nootropics, natural or made, help the brain in many ways. They improve blood flow and change how neurotransmitters work. This lets you do tasks with better concentration.
Some top nootropics include:
- L-theanine – An amino acid that can promote relaxation and improve cognitive function.
- Creatine – A compound that may enhance brain energy and memory.
- Rhodiola rosea – An adaptogenic herb that can reduce stress and boost mental performance.
- A Special Note about Caffeine – While not technically a nootropic, caffeine is a classic stimulant that can enhance focus and alertness.
You’ll find all of these in supplement form to pick and choose your favourite, or you can opt for a ready-made nootropic stack. I prefer the latter.
My nootropic stack blends 11 different nootropic ingredients that work better together than they would alone. Plus – bonus – I don’t have to bother weighing out ingredients or making sure I choose the right ones to mix safely.
Every day, I use Mind Lab Pro, my favourite nootropic stack. It helps me with my focus and gets rid of any brain fog I may have. Put it this way, if I forget it on any given day, I can feel the difference!
Read our review of Mind Lab Pro
10. Master the Art of Delegation
Delegation always used to be a problem for me. It wasn’t that I was a control freak (though my former staff may tell you differently!) but I found it hard to explain what I wanted from people. As such, it seemed easier and faster to do most jobs myself.
That was a productivity fail.
Boosting your productivity starts with learning to delegate tasks. By finding tasks to delegate or outsource, you save time and mental energy. This lets you concentrate on what’s most important and strategic.
Knowing When to Outsource
Outsourcing can change the game for your productivity. Look at your workflow and spot tasks that take too much time or are routine. These might include data entry, research, customer service, or social media management.
- Identify tasks that don’t need your special skills or knowledge.
- Think about whether outsourcing is cheaper than doing it yourself.
- Check the quality and reliability of potential outsourcing partners.
By outsourcing these tasks, you can focus on work that matters.
Conclusion
I hope these 10 productivity hacks will work for you; they’ve changed my professional life for the better. If they seem overwhelming, start with one or two methods that make the most sense to you.
I highly recommend the Eisenhower Matrix and the Pomodoro Technique, backed up by good nutrition and a solid nootropic.
Keep an open mind, pick the strategies that fit you, try new things, and improve your methods.
Good luck!
- https://www.vouchercloud.com/better-living/office-worker-productivity