Cheap & Free Tips for Improved Productivity

Going from 120 days of vacation…to 14

I remember being a sophomore in college and my borhter who was graduating made the horrifying connection that his reward for finishing his degree was going from 4 months of vacation to 2 weeks.  It was staggering indeed…and maybe prompted, or at least confirmed, my desire to be a teacher.  Who doesn’t love summers off?

Unfortunately, if you’re one of the millions of office workers, chances are you don’t have 3 months off in the summer.  Your boss doesn’t care if it’s a gorgeous 80-degree day, your deadlines are still looming over you.  All your pent-up desire to be outside should inspire you to work faster and more productively so you can get out of the office on time and enjoy your nights and weekends to the fullest!

So, how about some tips for being more productive?  And, while we’re at it, let’s make ‘em cheap or free solutions, so you can put your money towards your next vacation.

Cheap {or Free} Ways to be More Productive

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  Which desks motivates you to work?

  Mentally prepare yourself before you arrive at work.  Know where you left off and where you would like to start so you don’t feel overwhelmed.

• Clean your desk.  Throw away any litter/trash, wipe it down, file papers, and organize your stuff.  A more organized desktop enables you to focus on what’s important rather than be discouraged by the mess.  It’s worth the time it takes to get it tidied, but try to keep it organized so you don;t have to sacrifice another day in a few weeks.
• Try white noise- you can even use a free generator.  By blocking out your annoying or just distracting co-workers, you can get up to 2 more hours out of your work day.
• If possible, adjust your chair and/or desk for a better, more productive fit so you can reach what you need without overextending.
• Pull your mouse in so that’s it’s right next to the keyboard.  This will help you avoid RSI and keep you in top-notch form.
• Avoid eye strain and unnecessary headaches by raising your monitor to eye level.  Any type of pain will keep you from performing at your best level.
• Switch tasks- you’ll give your eyes a break and keep your mind sharp by alternating between computer work and desk work.
• At the end of the day, jot down where you are so that you can jump right back in the next work day.  (see the first tip)