Reduce Stress, Maximize Time And Improve Your Quality Of Life With These 13 Easy Productivity Tips

During a typical work day, do you: feel overwhelmed by the amount of work you need to complete? Feel like you never have adequate time? Feel distracted by constant interruptions? Feel panicked about never being able to get organized?

Take a minute to think about your typical workday. How do you feel? Overwhelmed? Distracted? Always running behind? Frustrated by a lack of organization? These negative emotions can affect your health as well as your job performance.

But what if you’re not naturally organized? There’s still hope! First step: start small. Begin by choosing one of these productivity tips below. Try it for a few weeks and see if it makes a difference. If so, try adding another; if not, try a different one. Mix and match the productivity tips that work for you.

* Make a plan. Put the most important items of your to-do list at the top. Keep track of daily activities to give yourself enough time and avoid double-booking. Planning each day can increase your sense of control and accomplishment.

* Prioritize your tasks. Figure our which things are important and urgent; put them at the top of your list so you know you are spending your time on what really matters.

* Say no to nonessential tasks. When co-workers ask you to take on new things, ask yourself: Is this task aligned with both my goals for the day and my schedule? If the answer is no, take a pass.

* Delegate. It’s okay to ask for help when you need it!

* Get it right the first time. Although it’s tempting to hurry through tasks, rushing often means making avoidable mistakes, which take more time to correct. Take a few extra minutes to complete a task well and double-check your work. It could literally save you hours down the road.

* Think bite-sized pieces. Break down large, time-consuming projects into smaller chunks.

* Use the 10-minute rule. If you’re feeling stuck, try devoting just ten minutes a day to a dreaded task. Momentum is a powerful thing. You’ll probably find that it’s not as bad as you thought.

* Try honest evaluation. How are you really spending your time? Keep a diary of everything you do for three days. Identify time slots that are not being used as wisely as they could. How could you re-allocate those moments? Exercise? Reading? Time with family and friends?

* Limit distractions. Block out chunks of time if you need to concentrate. Shut the door, turn off your phone or pager, or close your email if you truly need to focus.

* Get good sleep, good food, and good exercise. A healthy diet, sufficient rest and regular activity naturally boost your body’s energy levels and your ability to get more done in less time.

* Take a time management course. If your employer offers a class, take it. If not, request they get one. (Check out Power & Accomplishment. It’s available as a home study course and as a corporate workshop)

* Take a breather. Forcing yourself to keep going when you are drained or frazzled impedes progress. A quick walk, some stretches, or even an occasional day off can help you replenish your reserves and bring fresh energy to your work.

* Ask for professional help. If you’re too overwhelmed to try any of these productivity tips, or if your life truly feels unmanageable and out of control, it might be time to consult a professional. You can contact your employee assistance program (EAP) for help, talk to your doctor, or hire a productivity coach.

Heidi is a professional organizer, creator of The Fast-Filing Method home office filing system & publisher of Life Made Simple e-Magazine. Heidi energizes her readers’ lives by teaching effective organizational systems & time mastery skills to help you accomplish more in less time, make more money & GAIN peace of mind! Visit ClearSimpleLiving.com to get a FREE Home Organization Kit.