7 Powerful Techniques to Increase Productivity

On the days I feel most unproductive, my inner critic is loudest. Some days I listen to the criticism and feel like I have failed and am a failure. On better days, I can just thank the inner critic for paying attention to me and move on.

A culture of hard work is in every cell of our being, but in a society where there is so much to do and so little time, it is important to find a balance in the equation of work and play.

There are ways to do this, and you can do it quite quickly. How do you feel about exploring the unknown? Let us dive in.

#1. Create a workspace that reflects your personality

The environment in which you work has a significant impact on your productivity, although it is sometimes disregarded. Do you consider yourself to be an introvert or an extrovert? This makes a significant difference. 

Introverts require their own space. Avoid visual distractions and opt for a simple look. If you’re an extrovert, however, do the reverse. You’re at your best when you’re in a stimulating atmosphere. 

We may not be able to change our personalities, but we certainly alter our surroundings. This might be a significant step forward for you.

2. Strengthen yourself with the color green

I have always loved the outdoors. There is something about the natural beauty of trees, flowers, and greenery that makes us happy and content. But what if this natural beauty of greenery could also make you more productive at work?

Why not put a flower on your desk to increase oxygenation? Or hang a poster of a forest. More than anything, it’s the color green that makes all the difference. Participants in one study saw the color green for two seconds and increased their creativity. The color green is your passport to creativity, even if you do not realize it yourself. Just seeing the color green increases our creativity and helps stimulate brain activity.

Get some help from mother earth!

Put a flower or a plant on your desk.

3. Take advantage of production surges 

Nathaniel Kleitman, a sleep researcher, established that human bodies move in cycles in the 1950s. The cycle that the body’s inherent energy demonstrates throughout the day is a simple equation to comprehend. Like the waves of the ocean, the body has moments of high energy followed by periods of low energy. Working nonstop for long periods of time causes extreme exhaustion. As a result, it’s best to work in accordance with the body’s natural ultradian rhythm, which varies throughout the day and night. 

After 90 minutes of continuous labor, take a 30-minute rest. Then you can return to work with a clear head. 

The formula is as follows: Productivity = Work + Rest 

Work cycles take time and effort to implement, but they will make your body and mind feel a lot better.

4. Take it slow to increase your productivity

We often try to do everything at once, but that’s not an efficient way to do things. The best thing for productivity is to work slowly and steadily on one task at a time. Science has shown that multitasking is detrimental to our well-being because we need time to switch between different tasks. Our brains love to focus. In fact, we are monotaskers.

Working slowly is a good idea for several reasons. It reduces the mental load of your work, it’s easier to get started, and it minimizes the risk of procrastination. The quality of your work is also higher, as you make fewer mistakes and make more sensible decisions. When you feel the pressure building and you are racing from one task to the next, it is easy to panic.

One way to see your stress levels drop is to slow down and breathe more slowly. Walking and talking slowly can also help you relax. It’s better for your brain to slow down when you want to get things done quickly.

5. Leave something in the tank

Yesterday, you had a productive day and could get a lot of things done. But the next day, you can not get going. Why not stop while you are still inspired and end the day early! Just leave your workspace when you are on the go. Then you’ll know what to start with the next day.

Plus, you’ll have a fresh start the next day. Ernest Hemingway did it this way and his productivity was truly impressive.

6. Distract yourself to stay focused!

If your work environment is distracting, listening to music can help. You can also try white noise. These techniques make other sounds less distracting. White noise can help your brain focus. This has even been proven by studies. There are many sounds you can try - like the sound of rain, a blowing wind, white noise can increase the heartbeat of productivity. 

You can find free resources on YouTube.

7. How boredom can increase productivity.

Boredom is a horrible thing. But it is possible to turn boredom into a productive habit and use it to your advantage. 

If you are bored and find things like doing the laundry, unloading the dishwasher, cleaning the vacuum cleaner, or whatever else you find boring. You get the idea. In those moments, be mindful and let your mind wander, and pay attention to your new ideas. Research has shown that boredom can motivate you to explore new avenues.

The same goes for a child who is bored and invents a new game to play.

SUMMARY

1. Adapt your workspace to your personality.

2. Surround yourself with green things.

3. Try to work for 90 minutes and rest for 30 minutes.

4. Do things slower to be faster.

5. End your workday with unfinished work.

6. Try white noise.

7. Welcome boredom.

What would it be like to silence the voice in your head that calls you a failure? 

Imagine a feeling of optimism in your chest as you picture yourself achieving a goal. 

Watch yourself become a productive person again. 

Do not wait, the magic starts today.