My Top 10 Productivity Hacks

We’re two weeks into 2021! How’s it going?

If you’re like me, you started the new year strong last week. You completed your to-do list every day and the motivation had never been higher. Heading into the weekend, you may have thought, “2021 is the year I actually accomplish all my new year’s resolutions!”

And then this Monday hit, and all of a sudden, it’s too dark to wake up early and too cold to get out of bed. And what was I thinking trying to wake up at 6AM every day? Who do I think I am?

The mid-January slump is definitely upon us.

Before you give up on all your productivity hopes and dreams, I want to encourage you to keep going. That productivity slump is hitting all of us right now and it’s okay to feel a bit blah. That’s why today I’m sharing my top 10 productivity hacks because I’m not a productivity machine, but these hacks definitely help me get back on track!

{ONE} Write a to-do list

I’ll start with the easy, and most obvious, one. Have a to-do list. For me, I write it while drinking my coffee (are we surprised?). Your to-do list doesn’t need to be classic pen and paper (although that’s what I prefer). Maybe it’s a Google doc or a running list in your Notes app. The form it takes doesn’t matter as much as actually having a to-do list. The simple act of writing (or typing) your tasks will get them out of your brain and into motion where you can actually see them instead of just thinking about them. The last thing you need is the added stress of trying to remember everything!

{TWO} Wear actual clothes

It seems odd, but trust me, it works. With most of us working from home, it’s extremely easy to wear lounge and active wear all day, e’ry day. I fell into this trap and started noticing a shift in my productivity levels. I realized that my mind associated loungewear with relaxing, not work mode. It may be a pain to put on jeans and a real shirt every day but it’s one of my secret life hacks that has worked without fail. (Bonus: It also makes sure your jeans continue to fit because loungewear can be deceiving!)

{THREE} Create a designated workspace

Similar to wearing real clothes instead of loungewear, creating a designated workplace is critical for productivity and “getting in the zone.” Having a specific place where you work will train your brain that this space is only for work. When you work from the couch or the kitchen table, your brain knows that these are typically relaxation spots and so it could be more difficult to focus. If your space allows it, dedicate a place where you only go when it’s time to get your focus on.

{FOUR} Set app time limits

Instagram is my weakness. There’s something that always pulls me to open the app and scroll for a few minutes. If I’m not careful, I can get sucked in to watching everyone’s Stories, commenting on photos, and looking at my own feed. A few months ago, I realized my Instagram activity was off the charts (at least for me) and it was shocking to see how much time I spent on the app every day. A few minutes here or there adds up! I set an app time limit to 30 minutes and it really has helped me be mindful of how much time I spend scrolling. Every time I complain about not having enough time to do things, I check the app. If I can spend 30 minutes on Instagram a day, for example, then I definitely have time to do other things instead!

{FIVE} Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” or Airplane Mode

A more strict version of app time limits is putting your phone on “Do Not Disturb” or Airplane Mode. I do this if I really need to focus on a task, like writing or doing any creative tasks for work. When I know my phone won’t be buzzing with texts and notifications then I can fully concentrate on the task at hand. If I really need to, I’ll give myself breaks here or there to quickly check my phone before getting back to it.

{SIX} Try calendar blocking

Calendar blocking is the idea that you set specific times throughout the day to do certain tasks. It really is eye opening to see how you spend time throughout the day. Calendar blocking helps me concentrate on the task at hand and identifies a specific timeframe for when I’m going to check it off. Instead of it being this looming to-do, I give it time in my schedule so it doesn’t seem as overwhelming. For example, I write best first thing in the morning so I’ll try to block time on my calendar for 9am to 11am to complete any writing tasks because that’s what works best for me.

{SEVEN} Take breaks

Taking breaks is a productivity hack? Why yes, yes it is. Your brain can only process so much information and do so many things at once before it starts slowing down and you become unproductive. Even a 5-minute break to get up, grab a coffee, and return to your desk is better than not taking a break at all. One way I incorporate breaks into my day is by wearing my FitBit. If I haven’t taken at least 250 steps in that hour, it prompts me to get moving before the hour is up.

{EIGHT} Know yourself

Sounds a bit cliche but part of productivity is knowing yourself and how you operate. If you know you’re more creative in the afternoon, try to rearrange your schedule so that afternoons are free for you to focus on more creative tasks. If you’re more alert in the morning, maybe try to schedule meetings in the morning so you can focus better. You can read all the productivity hacks in the world, but the ones that will stick are those that easily fit into your already-established habits.

{NINE} Make time to relax

Similar to taking breaks, you need time to relax and “turn off” your work mode. My tendency is always to go, go, go but this year, I’m focusing more on resting and taking intentional time to “turn off.” Power down your phone or leave it in another room. Read a book and don’t look at a screen. The way you relax is going to be specific to you but my suggestion is to make “relaxation time” a time where you don’t look at a screen. For me, relaxation time consists of working out, reading, and hanging out with Luke and Lucy.

{TEN} Learn how to say no

Last but not least, learn how to say no. You can be the most productive person in the world, but if you have an overstuffed schedule with commitments out the wazoo, you’re not going to be productive. Learn how to say no to the things that aren’t necessary or that hinder your productivity. It sounds harsh, but a better way to look at this is every time you say yes to something, you’re saying no to something else. Make sure the things that you do say yes to are the things that bring you the most joy!