Small and simple changes to your daily routine that will make you more productive.
Before leaving home:
Try waking up earlier than usual for a few days. Generally, “early birds” tend to be more active.
1. Set your alarm clock 5–7 minutes earlier each day.
2. Place your alarm farther from your bed, so it’s harder to reach.
3. When you get up, open the curtains immediately.
Create and stick to morning rituals to wake up better.
4. Spend 10–15 minutes doing morning exercises.
5. Spend another 10 minutes meditating.
6. Add fruits and protein to your breakfast.
7. Drink a glass of water — it boosts productivity.
8. Spend 10–15 minutes writing by hand. Start a dream journal.
During your commute:
Use your travel time to work productively, either for self-development or relaxation.
9. Listen to podcasts.
10. Read interesting articles.
11. Check the news in your favorite communities.
12. Set 2 daily goals: 1 personal and 1 professional.
13. Take online courses.
14. Rehearse your speech or presentation.
15. If possible, walk or bike to work.
Maintain mindfulness to both relax and stay focused.
16. While driving: focus on what you feel in your hands and feet.
17. On public transport: observe what’s outside the window.
Before lunch:
Most people work best in the first half of the day, when they are fully awake and not yet tired, making it easier to focus on tasks.
18. Start working at the same time every day.
19. Avoid checking your email during the first hour.
20. Prioritize when making your to-do list.
21. Make sure your tasks are specific, achievable, and time-bound.
22. Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” mode to avoid distractions.
23. Let your colleagues know not to interrupt you.
To stay on top of your tasks, focus on one task at a time.
24. Tackle the most unpleasant tasks first.
25. Track how much time each task takes.
26. Take a break every 1.5 hours to maintain productivity.
27. Don’t multitask; complete tasks one at a time.
After lunch:
Productivity tends to drop after lunch.
28. Avoid heavy meals that make you sleepy.
29. Stand or sit up straight.
30. Take short walks.
31. If you feel sluggish, start with small, simple tasks.
32. If you can’t focus, switch to creative tasks.
33. If possible, take a 10–15 minute nap.
Before sleep:
Good sleep is essential for high productivity, so preparation should start well before bedtime.
34. Set a cut-off time after which you stop working.
35. Do stretching exercises for 15 minutes.
36. Write a to-do list for the next day.
37. Avoid looking at your phone to reduce blue light exposure.
38. Set your phone to “Do Not Disturb” mode.
39. Avoid drinking coffee within 6 hours before bedtime.
40. Avoid alcohol; if you must, limit yourself to one glass of wine or one beer.
41. Avoid fatty foods; eat a banana instead, which will positively affect your mood.
42. Use blackout curtains to block natural light.