Tomorrow will be the first day of March. We’re already 3 months into 2019. Have you accomplished all you had hoped? I know I have a huge list of ‘to-do’s’ each day and weekly, monthly, and annual goals to accomplish.
When asked ‘How are you doing?’ my answer is generally ‘Great but extremely busy!’
Is this you too?
Of course we’re always going to be busy, but it’s important to take some time for yourself, too. Take a break. Clear your mind. This will help you increase productivity while you’re working and increase your presence.
Working ALL THE TIME and not taking any breaks can actually set you farther behind. You may not work as fast. You’ll get ‘burnt out.’
It’s Time for a Slow Down
We live in a fast-paced world. Everyone is always in a rush. I have found myself in a rush lately. And, even when I have time, I still feel like I need to hurry to finish all I have to do each day.
That’s why I wanted to write about this topic today. Not only to help you, but to help myself as well.
With that said, I hope this article helps increase your productivity and clear your mind.
Zero Distractions
I’m sure you have heard your boss, supervisor, or other leadership figure say ‘be sure to work without distractions.’ You may not feel distractions are affecting your work, but they do even if it’s unconsciously affecting you.
Facebook is usually the biggest distraction (or other form of social media like Instagram). Don’t check your social media until the task is finished. Don’t begin a task, then hop on social media to check out what Susan is doing today. Instead, start your task and end your task without feeling the need to grab your phone.
Time Management is Critical
As a business owner, one of the most common questions I hear is ‘how do you manage your time effectively?’
Let me tell you, even after years in business, it’s still difficult to manage my time effectively sometimes. There’s so much to do and so little time to do it.
The best method I have found to use is to try to create some sort of routine. In my case, it’s harder because I have kids PLUS I work from home. Time isn’t exactly on my side here. But, I have found I work most effectively early in the morning and late at night.
Usually, after my kids go to bed, I sit down at my laptop or with my journal and write away. The words just flow out of me while the house is quiet and all is peaceful.
For you, it may be different. Remember, not all people are the same. Do what makes you feel most efficient.
Priorities Come First
When I first started writing, one of the CEOs I was working with provided me with the best tip I have heard. And, it is common sense but it’s something you might not think about in the rush to get work done.
If you sit down to work, regardless of what field you are in, and there are other tasks on your mind your work will likely be of lower quality. For example, when I am writing, if I am thinking ‘I have to put all the laundry away’ or ‘I really need to clean the house,’ that’s really going to affect the quality of my article because my mind will be in two places at once.
Sometimes it’s also just good to take a break. Go take a shower. Go relax in the bathtub for a while. Sit outside in the sun for a few minutes.
Vacations are Good For You, Too
If possible, vacations can really help clear your mind. Get away from your normal. Get out of town. See new things. Experience new things. And, don’t even think about work while you’re gone.
What Helps You?
Now that you’ve read this article, what helps you relax? What do you do in your down time to clear your mind and become more productive? Or, did you not think about it before this? We’d love to hear from you!
