Work can be demanding these days. In the digital age, it’s possible to get far more done during a shift than you could have a couple of decades ago. This has resulted in a working culture where people feel the need to be as productive as possible, no matter the cost.
Does that sound familiar? If you feel you have to be efficient and productive in order to impress your boss, you might turn to unhealthy means, such as relying on caffeine, in order to achieve this goal.
That’s not good for you in the long run. Fortunately, you don’t have to sacrifice your wellness to boost your productivity. The following tips will help you get more done, without getting burnt-out as a result.
Focus on Sleep
This is crucial. Physicians remind patients of the importance of sleep for many reasons. The fact that it helps you be more productive at work is perhaps one of the more overlooked reasons sleep is essential. While many people assume they are working harder by choosing to skimp on sleep in favor of completing more tasks, you’ll actually be much more efficient in the long run if you prioritize rest.
Take Your Breaks
Even people who understand the value of sleep might still be inclined to think that taking breaks at work is unproductive. Don’t fall prey to this misconception. Research indicates that taking breaks guards against burnout and boosts engagement. That’s important to remember. Engaged employees tend to be more productive than disengaged workers. Quite simply, if you take breaks when you need them, you’ll be happier at the office, and thus more likely to be as productive as you can.
Exercise
Need another reason to dive into a fitness routine? Consider the fact that exercising regularly has been shown to boost overall productivity in the long run.
There are a few reasons this is the case. First, exercising promotes better sleep, which, as you know, helps you accomplish more in your career. Exercising consistently also gives you a natural energy boost. Instead of turning to caffeine to improve energy levels, choose a strategy that’s also good for your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
Don’t Multitask
Again, digital tools have made it easy to complete more work within a given day. They’ve also made it easy to trick yourself into thinking you’re addressing many tasks at once. What office worker can’t relate to checking email, completing paperwork, handling calls, and working on major projects, all within one hour?
Don’t make this mistake. Experts consistently find that it’s virtually impossible for anyone to genuinely multitask. Although you may assume you’re getting more work done, you’re actually distracting yourself, which can eventually lead to brain drain. You’ll be far more productive if you focus on one task at a time.
Although there’s nothing wrong with wanting to get as much work done as possible, it’s important to remember that being productive doesn’t have to involve being unhealthy. When you focus on smart ways to boost efficiency, you and your employer will benefit.
