I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that productivity was one of the things I majorly struggled with during lockdown this past spring. But that said, this lockdown has definitely not been the only time in my life where I have lacked motivation and a drive to get stuff done. Whether its work, chores or simply a list of to-do tasks, I often find myself putting them off until the last minute.
Anyway, over the months that everyone was stuck at home, I began to see that my was productivity increasing as I became more focused and driven. I came up with a plan for each of my days, stuck to it- and boom! I was suddenly getting stuff done doubly quickly and without too much of a lack of productivity.
In this post, I will share my top 5 tips for inspiring productivity and staying motivated!
Have a plan
The most important one first! The first thing I always try to do when I have a long day of work or tasks ahead of me is to make sure I have a plan- and then stick to it! Whether this may involve when to wake up, when to take lunch breaks, or when to go outside, having a plan, and some structure, is the key to staying productive and motivated throughout the day.
Stay on task
Although you might lack the motivation to stay on task at first (trust me- I do often) forcing yourself to keep going is key. It builds up momentum and productivity which means it will be easier to keep going. For example, if you were to work for two minutes and then take a break to scroll through Instagram for the next five, you would have no rhythm or flow, and would find it harder to get back into working and to find wherever you left off. If you can work for an hour without stop-starting on and off, you will find that you can get so much more done!
Selfcare!
Another super important one- self-care! Drinking lots of water, going for exercise and making sure you’re eating well are all things that will keep you feeling good, and therefore keep you super productive. I find my productivity is at its highest when I’m dressed nicely, fully fed and hydrated, and not too tired. These things help me to be more motivated to be productive and to get stuff done!
Keep a tidy workspace
If you’re anything like me, you won’t be unfamiliar with the sight of a desk piled up with books and papers and stationery and more and more things… on top of other things! However, I find that I am most productive and driven when my workspace is neatly set out for me. I find that it’s always worth taking half an hour to declutter my space before starting to work, because I’m overall more productive when I have a neater workspace.
Take breaks
And finally, always take breaks! Taking breaks allow you to recharge before refocusing again and getting back to work. I like to adjust the breaks I take, depending on how productive I’m feeling on at a given time. For example, if I’m super tired and uninspired, I might work for 30 minutes and then break for 10, however, if I’m feeling fully motivated to get lots done, I might work for longer- say, an hour- and then take a 15-minute break.
Hopefully, you’ll be able to find something here which you can use to inspire productivity in your own life. If you have any more ideas, I would love to hear them in the comments below!
Not So Perfect 