There are always those tasks that we don't really want to do...the ones that feel daunting and tedious but that need to be done in order for all the fun and exciting things to be able to exist.
As an Entrepreneur and an Event Planner, I am extremely aware that the spreadsheets and website updates, social media, data entry, marketing, meetings and every other thing that needs to get done will not happen on its own...so when it's time to hunker down, I have had to learn some tools to stay focused.
Productivity can be increased by making a few simple changes to our daily routine or sometimes just allowing the brain some time to be at ease can be super helpful in regaining the ability to focus.
The EMM team is starting this year optimizing our productivity while making time for self-care and our hobbies.
Read below for some tips that we are using that could also help you be the best version of yourself this year:
1. Positive Affirmations & Inspiring Reminders
A common cause for procrastination is that the task seems too intimidating to complete or people might believe that they do not have the ability to complete it or achieve the desired outcome.
Positive affirmations have been known to help increase self-confidence and self-worth. These are two of the most powerful tools in taking the first step in completing even the longest to-do lists.
Inspirational reminders help us to visualize our goals in our mind and help believe that we can achieve them, enabling us to taking steps towards making things happen.
2. Exercise as an Energy Booster
It's been said many times over, but that's because it's true! Exercise can help combat symptoms of anxiety and depression by releasing endorphins. Endorphins are a chemical that is released during pleasurable activities such as exercise, massage, eating and sex! They help relieve pain, reduce stress and improve general sense of well being. An increase in neurotransmitters like dopamine can help us feel more motivated, positive, and focused. It also helps memory retention.
As well as good for you, exercise should be enjoyable! It doesn't have to be going to the gym at 5am. It can be doing a quick 12 minutes before your first meeting, grabbing a fitness class before dinner, practicing some lunch-time yoga, or even just taking the dog out for a walk in between screen time. The goal is to practice some physical movement on a regular basis...if you like to challenge yourself, take this on up a notch by aiming to SWEAT once per day.
3. Shower away the Brain Fog
Having a stressful day? Feeling tired or burnt out but the To Do list is so long or the day got so ahead of you that you're already planning how you're going to cover up your eye bags tomorrow at the office?
Maybe taking a brisk shower is just what you need. Brave a cold one if you are really in need of a hard reset.
The act of cleansing ourselves helps us take a step away from the thing that is causing stress while still doing an activity that is considered productive. A cold shower can help release neurotransmitters that help you feel more lively and positive. A shower will relax tense muscles and help clear the brain fog that increased stress can bring in.
4. Time Blocking
Time blocking is a simple concept that creates structure and boundaries around our day-to-day routines and helps create time for the tasks or hobbies that are taxing but need to be done or are largely beneficial to our wellbeing, but are often pushed down the priority list due to other "more pressing" things.
It is a strategy that can help people with loose work schedules or workaholics get tasks done in a timely manner, take some well-deserved time to relax, fit in that daily exercise or practice a hobby without falling in to habits of procrastination or feeling guilty from being away from all the things we need to get done.
This tactic simply involves scheduling in time blocks during the day for the things you want to do the same way you would schedule any appointment, client meeting or call.
I mainly struggle with making time for myself, so some examples of personal time blocks I use are:
Reading Hour (spend an hour reading a book)
Language Hour (spend an hour reading a language)
Workout Time (this varies from scheduled dance classes to solo workouts at the gym)
As a person with a super sporadic work schedule, it's not always easy to keep the same times every week, so the key is to be flexible when necessary but firm when it comes to sticking to the critical weekly tasks, which is why it's important to keep this one manageable.
Make sure not to overwhelm and block every hour of your day! It's good to start with 1 or 2 scheduled time blocks per week and then gradually increase as you become more consistent with sticking to the schedule.
5. Using Lists Effectively
This one may seem like an obvious one but effectively using lists is not always easy. It is very common to get carried away with To Do's and then end up staring at a huge terrifying list that lacks direction and leaves people unsure where to start.
Giving ourselves boundaries with list making can be so useful in increasing productivity. It's often not just enough to making a list of tasks you need to get done - normally the large tasks are made up of multiple smaller things that need to happen in order to achieve the desired outcome.
It's helpful to analyze the desired outcome from the perspective of the desired end-result and then break that in to the smaller tasks that need to happen before getting to phase 1. From here we go a step further and break these tasks down to even smaller, more manageable chunks and we complete each necessary phase over a reasonable amount of time.
Each day of being on track can help you be more organized and gain momentum in increasing productivity.
Being prepared for the day can curb feelings of overwhelm and help you and your team keep track of progress throughout the day.
The most satisfying part a list is not only the joy of colour-coding your day, but that at the end of a long week, you can look back and celebrate your achievements. Giving yourself credit for accomplishing goals helps increase confidence as well as not only the quantity but quality of work that is produced.
6. Practice proper Sleep Hygiene
In my world, a full 8 hours of sleep is a virtually impossible feat if I want to get my whole list done and have some quality time with myself or loved ones, so practicing proper sleep hygiene can ensure that the few hours of sleep I do get leaves me feeling well-rested and ready to take on the next day.
Sleep hygiene can mean different things to different people. Sometimes it's making time for downtime before bed in the form of a skincare routine, reading a book, journaling, meditating, or anything else that helps clear your busy mind. The goal is to help your brain relax and your body to calm down resulting in better sleep that is not plagued by anxious, racing thoughts.
7. Make it Fun and Comfortable
This might be the most important tip of the bunch!!
It's really difficult to get into a task when you're not physically comfortable or sitting in dread of the things you need to get
done. Sometimes we need to find ways to make the boring tasks something to looks forward to so it's easier to stay focused and get it done quickly!
Some of my favourite tactics are:
An awesome sound track! - Start with a song that feels great in a playlist that makes your day feel bright and let your groovy mood help you get to it and through it!
- Need some help? Check out our new February 2023 playlist on Spotify With bangers from throughout the decades guaranteed to get you in your feels, we are sure it will get you pumped with love for yourself and your list today!
Wear something new! - Even if you work from home, there is something to be said for dressing the way you want to feel. I love this one because how we present ourselves on the outside is a huge part of how we are perceived to the outside world and even how we perceive ourselves. From Pinterest girl chic to Vanity Fair power suit or your comfiest matching sweatsuit, wear what makes you feel great today and use that attitude to take on your day.
- PS: It doesn't have to be a new purchase! Try styling things you already own in a way you wouldn't normally. Get creative and see how much you can get done when you're feelin' like a million bucks!
Reward Yourself - For the most daunting of tasks, I often incentivize myself with a reward. Normally it's something small, like a visit to my favourite local bakery for a mid-day coffee and croissant or spending some time with myself and an episode of my favourite brainless TV show, but it helps to know that the sooner I get something done, the sooner I can indulge in the things that I love.
Work dates with friends - If you work remotely, sometimes office days can get lonely. Have a "working date" with one of your pals who's in the same boat. Bring your laptops, order brunch, sit at the dinner table and get shit done separately, together. :) Make it even more fun by making some drinks for when you're done your work day to celebrate all you got done!
Need drink ideas? Check out our recipes for a delicious and quick Cranberry Mojito or the sparkling frozen Prosecco Pizzazz!
BONUS TIP: Stay hydrated - Sometimes all it takes to re-focus is a sip of water. Keep a water bottle or large cup of tea if it's cold in eye-sight and within arms reach on your workspace for a 2 second reset and dose of hydration during your keyboard breaks.
Happy creating!
Written by Erica Marrello - 02.01.2023
Founder, EMM Creative Arts Co. (c)
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