Everyday Tips to Being Productive

Social Media... Just Say No

There's nothing wrong with logging into your Facebook account once in a while to update your status and stay in touch with friends, family, coworkers, etc. However, you should use caution to limit the amount of time you spend on social media. You may log into your account with the intention of adding a new profile pic, and before you know it several hours have passed. Sound familiar? Try using the Chrome browser extension StayFocused, which does just that: encourages users to stay focused by placing a time limit on specified sites. For instance, you can set a time limit of 15 minutes for Facebook.com, at which point you'll be automatically kicked off the site.

Eliminate Distractions

When you have a project or task that needs to be completed, you should eliminate any and all distractions from your surrounding environment. Leaving the TV on for “background noise” will only hurt your efforts in the long run, diverting your attention away from the task at hand. Other distractions may include the radio, smartphone, pets, etc.

Get a Good Night's Sleep

Sleep and productivity go hand in hand. Of course, this isn't exactly a shocking revelation, as most people are fully aware of the importance of sleep. When you get a good night's rest, you'll wake up the following morning feeling rejuvenated and ready to tackle whatever the day has in store. When you don't get a full night's sleep, however, you'll feel exhausted and fatigued, which can directly affect your productivity – and not in a good way.

Cut Back on Email

Email has become an integral part of many people's daily routine (myself included). Whether it's for personal or business-related purposes, it offers a simple and effective way to communicate with others. But checking your email dozens of times throughout the day can negatively impact your productivity levels. Instead of refreshing your inbox every 30 minutes, perhaps you can check your email once in the morning, once mid day, and once more at night.

Eat Right

Food is the fuel that drives your body, which his why it's important to follow a nutritious, well-balanced diet. Focusing your diet around processed foods that are loaded in sodium and sugar will slow down your body while clouding your mind. Natural foods, on the other hand, will boost your energy levels and cognitive function, allowing you to be more productive throughout the day.