As the lull of summer comes to an end and fall workloads start picking up again, it might be difficult to get back into the swing of things. Do you find yourself still thinking about the beach and barbeques rather than your growing to-do list?
If you’re still feeling less than motivated, you’re not alone. According to a study by Captivate Network, productivity falls 20 percent during the summer months, and distraction levels rise 45 percent.
So, what’s the key to shifting out of summer vacation mode and back into work mode, so you can buckle down for the busier months ahead? Here are a few tips to increase productivity:
- Set daily habits. Doing something every day out of habit is a lot easier than just using willpower to tackle your growing to-do list. Take one or two necessary tasks, such as organizing your inbox or decluttering your desk, and put them on your task list each day, until it becomes a part of your normal routine.
- Complete your most challenging projects in the morning. It can be easy to put off a dreaded project by procrastinating with checking emails and your social media feeds over coffee. However, completing the most important task first thing in the morning gives you the greatest chance to do your best work while your mind is clear and the office is still quiet. In addition, it will set the tone for the rest of the day; you’ll feel more accomplished and have the bandwidth to take on less difficult projects that are still on your plate into the afternoon hours.
- Write down your to-do list. Keeping the list of your daily projects in your head takes your attention away from actually completing those projects. By writing down your to-do list, you’ll have a clearer mind, allowing you to focus on your tasks at hand.
- Take regular breaks throughout the day. Even during your busiest days, down time is essential for recharging and avoiding burnout. Actually, working non-stop can make it easier to procrastinate. So schedule a couple of 15-minute breaks in the late morning and afternoon hours to help you unwind and refocus. Use that time to get up and stretch, take a quick stroll, or even just to glance outside so that you can take your eyes off of your computer screen.
Summer schedules might be leaving a dent in your productivity. But now that the season is over, these tips will help you get back into your normal routine and leave you feeling more motivated than ever.