Tips for Staying Productive

Tips for Staying Productive

Even with a good night of sleep and the best intentions, it can be challenging to stay productive at work, especially with summer in full force.  Whether we’re hot, tired of working, or just wishing we were on vacation, staying focused is even harder.  Throw in work-related stress and strain from distractions and uncomfortable work spaces, and you’re toast!  Thus, here are some tips that might help you stay on top of your game and manage your time better.  They might not all work for you, but some of them just might help you keep going without losing your train of thought or motivation.

1. 

   Sound machines cab be great productivity tools.

   Think ahead. Know yourself and your best times for work, as well as your most exhausted.  Prioritize your most important tasks and end your day, at the most tired point, by organizing your desk or firing off some emails to get the information you need for the next day.

2. Stay ahead.  Some jobs cannot allow for working ahead, but I like knowing that if I were to get sick or one of my kids needed me, I would have some give and not lose money or time.  Thus, instead of “riding on my laurels,” I try to work ahead and meet future deadlines.
3. Establish an ergonomically friendly space. I like an ergonomic work space.  Besides preventing injury and providing comfort, ergonomic products and tools allow for greater efficiency.  For example, using a mini keyboard means that I literally have less space to cover when typing and also allows for my mouse to come in alongside it.  Centralizing the keyboard and mouse leads to faster, more efficient typing in that there are fewer movements.  Plus, I am less likely to suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
4. Turn on a sound machine.Working in an office is loud, and working from home can be pretty distracting, too.  Thus, a sound machine is a great investment.

Having a good plan, finding good ergonomic tools and fits, as well as taking advantage of a sound machine to reduce distractions, are essential in achieving efficiency and productivity at the work place.