Productivity is an essential aspect of our daily lives, whether we are working or pursuing personal goals. 

One benefit to productivity is that it allows us to accomplish tasks at a quicker rate. When we are productive, we can complete our tasks in a more structured manner and move on to other important activities. The sense of accomplishment kicks in and the motivation for completing other tasks can help us finish our remaining goals. 

Another benefit of being productive is that it can help  reduce stress and anxiety. A study by professors Baumeister and Masicampo from Wake Forest University showed that, while tasks we haven’t done distract us, just making a plan to get them done can free us from this anxiety.

Stress and anxiety are common obstacles in productivity. Stress can feel so overwhelming that it hinders our daily routines.

 However, when we have a clear plan for completing our tasks, we can avoid feeling overwhelmed about what needs to be done. This can help improve our mental health and reduce the negative effects of stress on our bodies.

A common struggle is taking the first step. There is no need to jump in full force to your tasks. It’s okay to begin things at your own pace. Being productive means achieving one’s goals efficiently and effectively within a set time frame. It requires a combination of focus, discipline and motivation. 

“Simplicity boils down to two steps: Identify the essential. Eliminate the rest.”  

― Leo Babauta, author of the Zen Habits book and Essential Zen Habits

Here are a few tips to help boost your productivity on a day-to-day basis. 

Set clear goals and priorities: Establish clear goals and priorities for each day or week, and make a list of tasks to accomplish. Use tools like to-do lists, calendars and reminders to help you stay organized and focused. Using reminders can help eliminate distractions. By doing so, you can maintain concentration and avoid wasting time on unimportant activities.

Eliminate distractions: Turn off notifications and avoid interruptions during work hours. Try to work in a quiet and clutter-free environment. Visiting a library or a public workspace can give you the peaceful and distraction-free environment you need to focus. The simple act of eliminating distractions at home can be the start to a productive day. If your task remains at home, turn your phone on “do not disturb” as the notification ringtone can hinder your focus or enhance temptations. 

Use technology to your advantage: Although technology can be distracting at times, productivity apps and tools such as time-tracking apps and task management software can help you stay organized and focused. Evernote helps many people stay organized through reminders and different format tools. The Notion app is another way to maintain a balanced life. The app allows users to create folders, reminders, lists and connect your Google calendar to the app. Whether you need to create a grocery list, errands, reminders, or goals. It’s a personalized app to make stressful tasks easier one step at a time. Technology was made to make our lives easier, so don’t be afraid to take advantage!

Prioritize the most important tasks: Most people feel overwhelmed by the immense number of different tasks. Learning to prioritize the most important ones over the easiest ones can reduce stress and anxiety. Focus on completing the most important tasks first. This will help you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed. 

Stay healthy: Take care of your physical and mental health by getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly. You may be tired of being told to “eat a healthy diet” but it’s so commonly advised because it’s true. A healthy diet feeds your body nutrients that give you the energy you need to live a productive lifestyle. 

By setting clear goals, prioritizing tasks, eliminating distractions and maintaining good physical and mental health, we can increase our productivity and accomplish more in less time. Whether you are pursuing personal or professional goals, being productive can help you achieve success and fulfillment in all areas of life.

Daisy Beltran can be reached at [email protected].