 © Entrepreneur/ portishead1 | Getty Images By Thérèse Bo-Wenge Many of us are working from home and striving to maintain productivity during these unprecedented times. Even those faced with free time may also find it challenging. Whether it be setting goals and achieving them, finishing a project or living a healthier lifestyle, we tend to struggle with procrastination. Here are FIVE habits that lead to productivity and well-being. Journal Your Thoughts  © Preferred Speakers According to The Personal Growth Lab, journaling is a powerful habit that enables clarity as you reflect on your actions. It supports your growth as a happier and stress free individual and ultimately gives room to productivity. Journaling involves writing learned lessons, short-term and long-term goals. You can take this a step further by visualising your goals with a vision board to further manifest them. Promote positivity for yourself by writing down your wins and expressing gratitude on a daily basis. Studies have proven that journaling boosts memory and comprehension capacities, regulates emotions and it provides a greater sense of confidence and self-identity. What a better way to start your day! Morning Routines Matter  © SHINE A good morning routine should be nourishing and beneficial for you to start the day on a good note. Avoid hitting that snooze button! Whether it be eating breakfast, reading, journaling, going for a run, or doing a face mask; this practice leads to productivity as you feel more confident and ready to face the day. Completing a solid morning routine demonstrates self-efficacy, the belief you can achieve goals and complete tasks. Make A Reasonable To-Do List  © Business World To-do lists are a great way to start your day and to manage your time. However, it can become a double-edged sword when you fail to accomplish the given tasks. It can cause stress and your list can feel almost impossible to achieve. According to The Guardian, while creating a to-do list, we do not differentiate the things we want to do and the things we do not have time for. This generates an unrealistic plan, in other words a “wish list”. Once that is distinguished, it is ideal to address ONE big task, THREE medium tasks and FIVE small ones. The 1-3-5 rule is an efficient structure known to be successful. Breaks are Important  © PWC We may consider ourselves productive focusing on one task for a long period of time. Yet studies confirm that you’re less likely to produce quality content because of a lack of focus and decision fatigue. It’s easy to stigmatize ‘’taking a break’’ as an act of laziness, when its purpose is the opposite. The same way a good two-week vacation from work fuels a refreshed, inspired and renewed individual; the same goes for a five-minute break. The Social Triggers blog affirms the importance of breaks, as it supports the emergence of creative ideas, new solutions, and better decisions while boosting your memory and focus. It is highly recommended to take a five to 15-minute break every 60 to 90 minutes. Recharge Your Body  © Employment Boom To be productive, you have to make sure your body is up for the task! Take care of your physical and cognitive health by getting 8 hours of sleep daily. Exercising, consuming a balanced diet and staying hydrated can never do you wrong! Be sure to apply these five tips to your everyday routine to help keep you focused and on task during the rest of quarantine. But don’t forget to take a break! |
