You are here: Home / Archives for productivity

Tips for Productivity

January 25, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Tips for Productivity

I have many weaknesses, but for the sake of time, I will cut to the chase and tell you one of them is not productivity.  I am a fairly motivated person who likes goals and deadlines and just getting stuff done.  I am a procrastinator by nature, but after years of practice, I have learned to value efficiency and productivity.  I am a mother of 3 small ones and I work from home.  I cook 6 nights a week and I still put 3 meals on the table…and I’m not crazy or pulling out my hair by the end of the day.  It’s not that I’m amazing or particularly gifted, but I have learned a lot since working and writing from home 4 years ago.

Step 1: Getting rid of distractions

I can’t exactly tell my kids to quit crying {though I have instituted taking turns on who gets to cry}, but I can set up some good boundaries for actually getting work done at home.  I believe in a good home office, white noise, and general organization.  But what do you do when you have writer’s {or worker’s} block?  Even if you do everything known to man to get to work, that doesn’t mean the muse fairy will hit you over the head with a brilliant idea or plan that will set you on a pedestal for the rest of your life.  While it’s crucial to clear your mind, ears, and desk of distractions, bottom line is you still have to work.

Step 2: Getting rid of writer’s (worker’s) block

So, here are few tips for breaking the barrier when you’re staring at a blank screen:

  • Sit and think for 10 minutes.  Seriously, before you give yourself (another) break, try to come up with a starting point.  It’s not that I don’t value breaks- in fact I have a lot due to the nature of my work day and kids.  However, I think it’s easy to procrastinate by allowing yourself too many.
  • Make a list of things that need to get done and start doing them- it may be that you have a break-through as you make the list or start checking things off.  Sometimes, the feeling of accomplishment is enough to get your mind going.
  • If you’re writing, do a google search and see what others have written.  Sometimes this is good fodder for a new idea or a response to someone else’s.  I find that I write best {i.e. not plagiarize} if I read an article and then close it, whether I agree with it or not.
  • Since I do work from home and also have small children still at home, I don’t work 9-5.  So, I have a couple hours a couple times a day.  I push it hard while I have the peace and quiet to do it, then when I’m on with the kids, I keep a pad and paper by me so I can jot down any ideas that come to mind.  That way, I’m not working while the kids are around and I also don’t lose an idea.
  • Take breaks.  See, I do value breaks.  I just think they need to be earned.
  • Frequently, I work on an idea in the back of my head…maybe it’s a real life experience, maybe it’s not, but either way, I find that my best ideas come when I am not technically working.  I usually mull them over in the back of my mind as I wash dishes {we live in the UK- no dishwasher, so there’s lots of that} or pick up toys or even play with the kids.  Then, I either work on it the next chance I get, or I at least write it down so I don’t forget.

Step 3: Go Ergonomic

 I’m in my 30′s, I have 3 kids, and I have worked during all 3 pregnancies, up to the day before I delivered.  As a result, I believe in supporting all the work your mind is doing with ergonomic principles for your body, too.  I’m not talking about yoga or weird meditation stuff- really just taking care of your muscles, joints, and tendons so you are comfortable and efficient and certainly not pain-ridden.  Having the right tools can make all the difference in your productivity, especially when they minimize movement and over-reaching.
  • Try some back support.  Ergo chairs aren’t for everyone’s budget, so a good go-to is portable lumbar support.  This is particularly helpful for those of us who don’t always work in the same spot.
  • Upgrade to an ergonomic work station.  Dock your laptop, elevate it to eye level, and plug in an ergonomic keyboard and mouse.  Your back, eyes, hands, and wrists will thank you.  We put so much strain on our bodies when we work from a too-low screen or cock our wrists to type.
If you’re struggling to be productive, rework your work space for minimal distractions, discipline yourself to actually work, and upgrade to efficient ergonomic products.
Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,

Productivity Add-Ons

January 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment

These days, we’re all looking for ways to boost our productivity.  There just isn’t enough time to get it all done- for anyone.  You are not alone in your frustration as you search for ways to avoid the seemingly inevitable time sucks that common distractions make.  Did you know that the average worker loses more than 2 hours a day to distractions??  Those distractions can be internal or external, meaning they come from yourself and others.  External distractions can range from clicking high heels and fingernails to co-worker chatter to whatever else your office offers.  Few, if any, are immune to distraction at work.  That’s why so many people are looking for ways to cut down on distraction.  Forgive me if you already have these, but here are some great finds for those of us legitimately looking to be more productive. {note that these are all for Firefox.}

  • Customize Google

    LeechBlock: a Firefox add-on that allows you to block sites so you can avoid their distraction.

  • Customize Google: CustomizeGoogle is a Firefox extension that enhance Google search results by adding extra information (like links to Yahoo, Ask.com, MSN etc) and removing unwanted information (like ads and spam). All features are optional and easily configured.
  • FlashGot: Download all the links, movies and audio clips of a page at the maximum speed with a single click, using the most popular, lightweight and reliable external download managers.
  • StatusBar: View and manage downloads from a tidy statusbar – without the download window getting in the way of your web browsing.
  • Flashblock: Flashblock is an extension for the Mozilla, Firefox, and Netscape browsers that takes a pessimistic approach to dealing with Macromedia Flash content on a webpage and blocks ALL Flash content from loading. It then leaves placeholders on the webpage that allow you to click to download and then view the Flash content.
  • URL fixer: URL Fixer is an extension for Mozilla Firefox that corrects typos in URLs that you enter in the address bar. For example, if you type google.con, it will correct it to google.com (asking first, if you enable confirmation).
  • Tab Mix Plus: Tab Mix Plus enhances Firefox’s tab browsing capabilities. It includes such features as duplicating tabs, controlling tab focus, tab clicking options, undo closed tabs and windows, plus much more. It also includes a full-featured session manager.
  • ScrapBook: Helps you to save Web pages and organize the collection.

And, a final productivity booster for any browser:

Check out these free productivity add-ons and this free white noise generator to get a little boost at work.
Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

8 Ways to Improve Your Productivity & Efficiency

December 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment

I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas…

It’s a weird time of year- Thanksgiving is over, Christmas is looming, and there is a lot to get done…yet, the mind often wanders and attention drifts, and before you know it, the day is gone and very little has been accomplished.  Even when it’s not the Christmas season, full of stress, shopping, visiting family, school programs, and extra activities, the average worker is distracted more than 2 hours every day.  I imagine that number increases during the holidays.

If you find yourself daydreaming, stressing, or just being plain old unproductive, try some of these tips to help you get more out of your day so that when your Christmas break comes, you can actually take a break and not worry about all that you didn’t get done on time.

Tips to increase productivity and efficiency

  • Prioritize your day – Instead of losing the first hour of the day to email and catching up, try to start with the most important tasks first thing in the morning.  Even if you’re not a morning person, you usually are the freshest then and you also ensure that something important gets done.
  • Use white noise – Random office noise, completely unrelated to you and your work, consumes almost two hours a day for most people. Try out this free white noise generator to see if you could benefit from masking the miscellaneous noise at work.
  • Establish a ‘No-Interruption’ Mode – Set aside a specific period of time each day or at least a couple times a week in which you turn off all distractions, including but not limited to Facebook, Instant Messenger, email and even your phone.  You may have to book an unused conference room to make the most of this time.  Then, at the end of your time, take a short break to check your phone and email.
  • Take a break – Get up from you chair and walk around. About once an hour, stretch your muscles, look around and breathe deeply. This will help relieve stress, relax your muscles and increase blood flow to your brain.
  • Drink more water – Your brain is about 75% water. Getting even slightly dehydrated can decrease your productivity and energy by up to 20%. Interestingly, if you feel thirsty, you are already on your way to dehydration!  Thus, keep a water bottle at your desk.  If you’re like me and prefer coffee, tea, or even Coke, try to at least match your other beverage consumption with water.
  • Sit up straight – Good posture one of the most important changes any computer user can make to improve comfort and productivity. The ultimate goal is to maintain a neutral typing posture while using your computer more productively.  Start with a good, ergonomic chair and adjust it to support your body. Move the back rest up or down to find the angle that best fits the curve of your back. Make sure your lower back has enough support, or add portable lumbar support. Lower your chair height so your feet rest firmly on the floor and adjust your arm rests to provide easy elbow and arm movement.
  • Get Organized – Clear off all the clutter on your desk and stop wasting time looking for things. Place the frequently used items, like your phone or stapler, within easy reach. Try using an adjustable keyboard tray to open more space on your desk, and to allow for better typing posture.
  • Upgrade your keyboard – Ergonomic keyboards are designed to help you type faster, more comfortably and more efficiently. Try out several different keyboards to find one that best fits your hands. Give yourself a few weeks to adjust to the new fit and style.

Eliminate distractions by turning off your phone or email, and by adding a personal, free white noise generator to your work. Increasing your comfort with a well-designed, ergonomic chair or upgrading to an ergonomic keyboard can also help you remain productive all day long.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , ,

Giving Yourself a Little Freedom

June 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment

4th of July

It’s almost the 4th of July, and we’re all thinking about freedom {and hamburgers and hotdogs and swimming}.  Anyway, this Independence Day why not treat yourself to a little freedom?  You already have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, but do you have peace and quiet?  If not, sometimes it can be hard to live well, and even harder to sleep well.

So, that’s what I’m suggesting- a way to find peace in a busy and chaotic world.  Don’t worry, I’m not trying to convert you to anything…just make you aware of how awesome sound masking is.  Crazy, I know.  But sound machines have literally improved tons of people’s productivity, ability to relax, and sleep patterns.

Productivity

The average worker wastes/loses 2 hours a day to distraction.  Note, this is the average worker, not just slackers in general.  The main culprit, surprisingly enough, is conversational distraction.  It’s just too hard to tune out…unless you use a sound machine, which pulls in sound from all over the sound spectrum to mask the unwanted sound.  The result is that your brain doesn’t focus on that one sound, but tunes it all out.

Relaxation

If you live in a noisy apartment, on a busy street, or even have roommates or kids who are overly loud, you know how hard it is to relax.  This is particularly true for college towns and areas with a hopping night life.  Another application of a sound machine is for simple relaxation- turn on some nature sounds and drown out the craziness.

Tinnitus

Millions of Americans suffer from tinnitus, or a ringing in the ears.  It can range from mildly annoying to extremely distracting and debilitating.  Sound therapy sound machines can greatly reduce or eliminate the effects of tinnitus so you can work or sleep better.

Sleep

A final common use of sound machines is for improved sleep.  Some struggle to fall asleep, while others awaken throughout the night because of noise.  Whether you keep the machine on all night or use a timer to help you fall asleep {or even take a nap!}, sound machines are great resources for poor sleep.

This Independence Day, treat yourself to a little freedom from a loud and distracting world with your own sound machine, so you van work, relax, and sleep better.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,

White Noise can Increase Productivity at Work

June 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Do you find it hard to concentrate at work? The average worker loses over two hours a day because of distractions and interruptions at work. Here are some helpful tips to help reduce the distractions around you and increase your productivity at work.

Prioritize your day every morning by listing out your most important tasks or projects. Start your day by working on a high priority task while you are fresh and motivated. Don’t allow lesser tasks like e-mail take up more time than they warrant. Accomplishing something at the very start of the day can help boost your confidence and improve your attitude about your work day.

Use white noise to block excess office noise, instead of wasting time and energy trying to block the extra conversations around us. If you have never used white noise, try out this free white noise generator to see you find it helpful at work.  With white noise, the interruptive sounds and distracting discussions fade into the background.

Eliminate self-inflicted distractions! A recent study found that people tend to distract themselves at work as often as others distract them. Try turning off your self-distractions, such as email or phones, and turn on a personal sound machine to block surround noise. Spend 30 to 60 minutes focusing solely on a high priority task. At the end of your time, take a short break to check email and then get back to your distraction-free work.

Stand up and walk around when you start to feel stiff or struggle with concentration. A little movement can relieve muscle strain and increase blood circulation to the brain. A study at USC recently found that standing can increase brain function by 5% to 20%. Dehydration can also decrease your productivity by more than 20 percent, so have a drink of water on your break.

You can learn to accomplish more during a work day by eliminating. Start by using a white noise machine to block removing the time-consuming distractions and office conversations. Try taking a break from email and phone calls for a while and turn on some white noise to help you concentrate.  At the end of the day you will feel less stressed, more productive and able to leave on time for a relaxing evening.



Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

Wirelessly Tethered

June 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Wirelessly Tethered

I recently read an article about the tech distractions so many of us experience at work- this writer concluded that we are “wirelessly tethered” by our own gadegtry.  The article talks about the frequency of managers checking their email via their phones during meetings, even though most surveyed people turn off their phones to go to the movies.  It’s an interesting phenomenon- we multi-task during work but not during our free time.  Why is that?

…68% of people always turn their phones off at the movies. Almost two-thirds will tune out of meetings to read e-mails, tweet or take mobile phone calls. Half leave devices on at least sometimes when they go to bed.

The article doesn’t really say, but I would guess it’s because we feel so much pressure at work to perform- missing an important call, text, or message can kill a deal and take us out of the game.  Thus, maybe we feel tense about being available at all times.

Unplugging & Plugging Back In

Do you feel like you’re tethered in?  Like you just can’t get focused on work because of all your work-related gadgets?  It’s a no-win situation.  Almost.  I have 2 suggestions for this wireless cage we find ourselves in:

  1. Institute a “quiet time.”  Big companies like IBM do it- everyone unplugs and turns off and closes down all technology for quiet work.  This will look different for everyone, and you’re doing it for yourself, so tailor it for you.  It may be that you keep your computer on, but turn off your cell and minimize {or better yet shut down} email, Facebook, twitter, blogs, news readers, etc for a set amount of time.  Then boot back up.  You can do this once a day or several shorter times a day.
  2. Try a sound machine.  Sound machines are great for adding a peaceful sound {like nature} to a chaotic atmosphere.  Plus, they help the brain tune out unwanted noise.  If you don’t want to spring for a sound machine, you can even try out this free white noise generator.  See if you like it and if it works for you.

If you’re constantly distracted at work, try unplugging for a while and then plugging in a sound machine to increase productivity.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

Tips to Increase Productivity {with White Noise}

May 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment

We all want to make the most of our time at work.  But instead, we are constantly bombarded by distractions or discomfort at work. Here are some helpful tips to increase your productivity and efficiency.

1. Restore Good Posture – The goal while sitting at a computer is to maintain a neutral typing posture, where your muscles are almost completely relaxed. Improving your posture will make you more comfort and boost your productivity. Get a good, ergonomic chair that encourages good posture, and adjust it to specifically fit your body. Make sure you feet sit firmly on the ground and that your back is well supported; you can also add portable lumbar support if your backrest is not sufficient.

2.      Try white noise – Random office noise and interruptions consume about two hours a day for the average office worker. Most of us spend our day trying to concentrate through the conversations around us. White noise can help. Try out this free white noise generator to see if you could benefit from masking the miscellaneous noise at work.  White noise can help cover up interrupting noises and make surrounding conversations fade into the background.

3.      Set your priorities. Each morning, list out your most important tasks or projects and spend the first part of your day on a high priority task while you are fresh and motivated. Don’t default to checking e-mail or phone messages first thing. This will help lower your stress and make you feel productive.

4.       Eliminate distractions! A recent study found that people tend to distract themselves at work as often as others distract them. Set a period of time like a 30 to 60 minutes and turn off all your self-distractions, like your phone and e-mail, and turn on a personal sound machine to block conversations. Spend this time in focused concentration working on a high priority task. At the end of your time, take a short break and then get back to your distraction-free work mode.

5.      Take a break. If you are feeling stiff or are struggling with a project, stand up and stretch. This will relieve muscle strain and increase blood circulation to the brain. A study at USC recently found that standing can increase brain function by 5% to 20%. And drink water throughout the day; so even slight dehydration can decrease your productivity by more than 20 percent.

Increasing your productivity and efficiency can lower your stress and help you complete your work by the end of the day. Start by maintaining good posture with a good, ergonomic chair that is properly adjusted to support your body. Next, decrease the time-consuming distractions and office noise with a white noise sound machine. Working to make changes in your habits and environment can help you feel more productive and less stressed at the end of the day.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Recover Wasted Energy with White Noise

April 25, 2011 By 1 Comment

Do you feel completely drained of energy before you even reach the end of the day? We all have those days when we are extra tired, but there are some habits we can change to help retain some of the energy we waste during the day. Try these tips help recover your productivity.

  • Maintain Good Posture. Slouching or sitting in an awkward position requires extra work by the major muscle groups in your back and arms, draining you of energy and momentum. Instead, strive to maintain a neutral typing posture where your muscles are at their lowest strain and even relaxed. Ergonomic chairs are specifically designed to support good posture for long periods of time. Also, make sure your back is well supported and add more lumbar support if your chair doesn’t provide enough.
  • Start Using White Noise. It takes a great deal of energy and effort to concentrate in the midst of distractions and noise. Most people lose up to two hours a day from interruptions at work, but a personal sound machine can help. Start by establishing a distraction-free time with no e-mail or phone calls – maybe even hang a sign indicating when you will next be available for interruptions — and turn on a white noise machine to block out office conversations and noise around you. It is incredible how quickly and efficiently you can work when you don’t have to spend half your brain power just trying to focus.
  • Upgrade Your Keyboard. In the same way that poor posture strains you back and arms, poor positioning of your hands and arms wastes energy and can strain muscles. Ergonomic keyboards are wonderfully designed to improve hand posture and reduce the energy and muscle movement required for typing. You should try the many different designs and sizes to find one that fits your hands and needs.
  • Be Aware of Your Energy-Draining Tasks. Do you find that certain tasks or dealing with certain people drain you faster than your normal work? We all have things we don’t like to do and personalities that challenge us. Once you recognize what these are for you, be deliberate about how you deal with them. Find a good time of the day, when you are not too tired or easily irritated. Then set aside a short period of time to tackle these tasks, or calls these people. Afterward, take a break, drink some water and restore your focus before moving on with your day. If necessary, come back to finish the task a little later in the day.

We all encounter distractions and interruptions that drain us of our energy and break our concentration. Try using white noise to cover the constant conversations and noise present in any office. Set aside a distraction-free time and use a personal sound machine to help you focus and make the most of your time. Establishing new habits can help you restore lost energy and remain productive all day long.

Filed Under: Business Tagged With: , , , , ,

Increasing Your Productivity {Remove Distractions with White Noise}

March 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

I am always looking for ways to make the most of my work day. Here are some surprising, but effective tips to increase productivity and efficiency:

  • Prioritize your day – Always jump into the most important tasks first thing in the morning, before checking your email or answering phone calls. This guarantees that the priority tasks get done while you are freshest.
  • Use white noise – Random office noise, completely unrelated to you and your work consumes almost two hours a day for most people. Try out this free white noise generator to see if you could benefit from masking the miscellaneous noise at work.
  • Establish a ‘No-Interruption’ Mode – New studies have found that people distract themselves at work almost as often as they are distracted by other people. Designate a specific period of time to turn off all distractions (such as Facebook, Instant Messenger, Email and even your phone) in order to optimize your focus on the project at hand. At the end of your time, take a short break to check your phone and email, then go back to the ‘No-Interruption’ mode.
  • Take a break – Get up from you chair and walk around. About once an hour, stretch your muscles, look around and breathe deeply. This will help relieve stress, relax your muscles and increase blood flow to your brain.
  • Drink more water – Your brain is about 75% water. Getting even slightly dehydrated can decrease your productivity and energy by up to 20%. As a general rule aim for eight full glasses of water a day.
  • Sit up straight – Good posture one of the most important changes any computer user can make to improve comfort and productivity. The ultimate goal is to maintain a neutral typing posture while using your computer more productively.  Start with a good, ergonomic chair and adjust it to support your body. Move the back rest up or down to find the angle that best fits the curve of your back. Make sure your lower back has enough support, or add portable lumbar support. Lower your chair height so your feet rest firmly on the floor and adjust your arm rests to provide easy elbow and arm movement.
  • Get Organized – Clear off all the clutter on your desk and stop wasting time looking for things. Place the frequently used items, like your phone or stapler, within easy reach. Try using an adjustable keyboard tray to open more space on your desk, and to allow for better typing posture.
  • Upgrade your keyboard – Ergonomic keyboards are designed to help you type faster, more comfortably and more efficiently. Try out several different keyboards to find one that best fits your hands. Give yourself a few weeks to adjust to the new fit and style.

These simple tips can help you make the most of your time. Eliminate distractions by turning off your phone or email, and by adding a personal white noise generator to your work. Increasing your comfort with a well-designed, ergonomic chair or upgrading to an ergonomic keyboard can also help you remain productive all day long.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Is Multitasking Really Working for You?

October 29, 2010 By 3 Comments

Recently a study came out about multitasking and memory. Turns out that perhaps we can’t multitask as well as we think we can.

“Heavy multitaskers are often extremely confident in their abilities,” says Clifford I. Nass, a professor of psychology at Stanford University. “But there’s evidence that those people are actually worse at multitasking than most people.”

Indeed, last summer Nass and two colleagues published a study that found that self-described multitaskers performed much worse on cognitive and memory tasks that involved distraction than did people who said they preferred to focus on single tasks. Nass says he was surprised at the result: He had expected the multitaskers to perform better on at least some elements of the test. But no. The study was yet another piece of evidence for the unwisdom of multitasking.

If you find yourself struggling to remember things, making mistakes, or having trouble getting tasks done, perhaps you are trying to do too much at once. Instead, put on some white noise to drown out distractions and focus on a single task at a time.

For the rest of you who can’t do that because your job won’t allow it, then try not to do more than seven things at once. Any more than that and you can’t really do it. :)

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,
« Older Posts