![]() “Too much stress interferes with our capacity to think clearly, innovate, and design solutions to sticky problems or new scenarios, or even have constructive conversations with others.”įeeling too stressed and overwhelmed can lead to burnout - something adults in the United States are experiencing more than ever.īurnout is “defined by exhaustion, cynicism, and inefficacy,” shares Haig, “and these three defining features all have a significant impact on our productivity.” “Ironically, when we are pressured to be super-productive, we get to a point when we are no longer productive,” shares Lopez. There’s a fine line between efficacy and putting too much pressure on yourself. Life is all about balance, and “despite what social media tells us, we can’t be productive all the time - it’s impossible,” Haig states. Whether it’s reading a good book, walking the dog, listening to music, or going for a coffee with friends, “making time for these things should not be a luxury, but a necessity,” she notes. Plus, me-time is important in helping “restore your brain for the next day, thereby being the most productive you can be,” states Haig. Studies show that feeling unhappy leads to lower productivity levels - so it’s vital to incorporate activities you enjoy into your schedule. “Appreciating how and why your work impacts others is beneficial in providing personal meaning and purpose, which in turn helps our motivation and productivity,” she explains. Lopez suggests that, whether at work or home, try to ask yourself who your work is helping, why it matters, and how it aligns with your values. It can be easy to lose sight of the bigger picture when you’ve got a particular task to complete. Whatever points of the day you feel most focused, “maximize that time with deep work,” says Lopez. Instead, “start to work cleverly with your time and personal energy levels,” recommends Haig. in the hope of getting your to-do list checked off - chances are you’ll feel too groggy and unmotivated to even get started. If you’re a night owl, there’s no point setting an alarm for 6 a.m. Plus, checking off completed jobs provides a sense of achievement and motivation to keep going. Research shows that doing so enhances productivity and helps free up valuable brain space by preventing it from worrying about unfinished tasks. It seems almost too simple, but writing down a list of tasks you need to complete can make a major difference. “Use feedback as an inspiration to do more, do better, or do differently,” suggests Lopez. You may think you’re doing a great job and being your most efficient, but the reality might not be quite as rosy.Ĭonsider asking those around you for their opinions on how you’re doing. “Knowing that you are continuing to grow and develop, and ultimately enhancing your self-worth and capacity to contribute to your team and organization, will spur you to be more engaged and productive.” 3. Denise Lopez, Professor of Organizational Psychology at Alliant International University in California, U.S. “Think about what you will be able to learn today,” states Dr. ![]() Be open to learningĪs the saying goes, ‘learning is a lifelong process’ - and welcoming new takes and opportunities has more benefits than just bumping up your CV. You can read about ways to set work boundaries with yourself and others here. “If you have open goals and achievements without time, they can end up taking endless time and becoming a dead weight,” she explains. Try not to forget to set boundaries for yourself, too. “I suggest blocking time in your diary and asking people not to call you unless it’s an emergency matter,” says Dannielle Haig, Principal Business Psychologist at DH Consulting in London, U.K. So if you’ve got a task that needs doing, consider telling your colleague, friend, or partner that you’ll be available after a certain time. It can feel annoying to be in the flow only to be interrupted to do something else. Whether you’re looking to feel more productive in your home or work life (or a bit of both), small steps could make a big difference.
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