Hustle culture is everywhere online making us feel guilty if we’ve not optimistic every second of our day for success. Being productive makes us think we should be doing more constantly. But really, being productive means doing more of what actually matters and less of everything else. It may seem crazy but by adding these positive habits you can become more productive while reducing your commitments.
Morning Productive Habits:
Wake up without immediately checking phone
This is one less thing to do each day but can be a hard one to stick to. Often our alarm goes off and we instantly open our eyes and within 30 seconds find ourselves on social media looking at everyone else’s lives before we’ve even set foot on the ground. This has a really negative effect on your mind because you’re already focused on everyone else instead of yourself and is a slippery slope to wasting 20 minutes of the day. Try using a physical alarm clock or using time-blocking apps so your mornings are more peaceful.
Say a focus affirmation or gratitude
Gratitude and affirmations are great habits to make you feel more productive and focused on your day. Read our guide to ‘Using Gratitude to Beat Burnout and Overwhelm’—this covers everything you need to know about adding gratitude into your day and gives you some great prompts to get started.
Move your body (stretching, walk, etc.)
Moving your body creates endorphins which instantly boost your mood, and better moods allow you to be more productive. Plus, moving your body is also great to get you fit and healthy. If you’ve not got a regular exercise routine, start small and just add in a 5-minute stretch or short walk to your day to see great results.
Plan your 3 priorities for the day
Often we can take on too many projects at once, or start multiple jobs without getting any finished thinking we are being productive, but then stressing ourselves out even more with these half-finished tasks. Planning out your top 3 priorities each day not only avoids overwhelm but also allows you to get that boost of dopamine when you complete each task.
Midday Habits:
Take screen-free breaks
Stepping away from the screen is so underrated. Even just 5 minutes can calm your mind down, especially if you have a job that requires a high amount of screen time each day. Plus, your eyes will also benefit from a screen-free break.
Eat nourishing meals mindfully
It’s so easy to eat junk food while staring at a screen, but this does not fuel your body and mind correctly, making you feel sluggish and less productive. Being aware of what you’re eating and how you’re eating can be a form of meditation which helps reduce stress and be more present.
Evening Habits:
Reflect: What went well today?
Reflecting on the positives of the day puts you in a better mood and over time helps train your mind to naturally look for the positives in every situation. Having a better mindset allows you to snap back from setbacks much faster, creating a much more productive way of life.
No tech 1 hour before bed
Taking time out away from technology may not seem like a productive thing to do, especially when we could easily fill that time up. Creating space to relax before bed without notifications popping up constantly allows the mind to reset, which makes you more productive and ready to go the next day.
Gentle wind-down routine
Setting the mood for a good night’s sleep can be life-changing, especially if you struggle getting to sleep. Try using a relaxing wind-down routine to prepare your body and mind for sleep. Use warm lighting or candles to create a cozy vibe, then create a routine that works for you. This could include mindset work like journaling and affirmations, or a wind-down routine including taking a shower or doing your skincare routine.
Bonus Habits:
Creating a schedule using time blocking is a great way to maximise your time efficiently, however going from one task to the next without a break or time to adjust your day if one task takes longer than expected can cause mental stress and eventually lead to burnout. Allowing buffer time in your schedule can avoid this overwhelm while still allowing you to be efficient with your time.
Small changes can lead to big impact in your overall mental wellbeing. Try using these habits to make you more productive but don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to implement them all at once. Even adding just one of these habits will give you great results.