Time for action! What are the small changes you can do every single day to set yourself up for success? Based on my experience as a project manager, researcher, and teacher, these are the eight habits which have helped me to have a productive day. There is a caveat, however. It’s all up to you. We’re all different! Try and make mistakes, pick what works for you. The point is to experiment so that you find the habits that make you be the best version of yourself.
Make your bed in the morning
Tidy home, tidy mind. Help yourself feel refreshed, and keep your environment clean and decluttered. That starts with your bed in the morning, followed by a morning routine of your choice. Several studies have shown that people living in tidy homes tend to have a healthier and happier life.
Master the art of to-do lists
Every day, differentiate between urgent tasks, important tasks, personal rewards, and medium- to long term-goals (check out my favourite apps). The secret to effective to-do lists is to make them realistic. You are much more likely to stick to your plan if it’s actually feasible. You also will feel more encouraged to keep using to-do lists if you actually tick them off.
Plan both rest and active time
It is just as important to plan your rest time as your work time. Thus, each week, I plan my workouts and my personal and social time, just like I plan my important tasks. It’s crucial to keep a balance between work and rest, if you want to sustain the pace of your progress in the long run.
Find a physical activity that you truly enjoy
The key to reaping the benefits of physical activity is consistency. For that regularity to actually happen, you’re best at picking exercises you actually enjoy. It might just be long walks, or cycling to work. Find what makes you go into ‘active meditation’ mode: focused. For me, it’s yoga!
Have a separate space for deep work
One of my core advice to increase productivity is to create a space for it. Our brains thrive on patterns, especially visual cues. You can train your mind to go in ‘deep work mode’ as soon you enter a certain room or place at your table. It’s up to you to create the environment that works for you.
Lead a healthy lifestyle
Your lifestyle impacts your neuroplasticity, i.e. your brain’s ability to develop and adapt. Having at least seven hours of sleep daily, eating healthy foods, practicing meditation, and regularly spending time in nature are essential habits to develop if you wish to boost your productivity.
Find your peak, rest, and rebound times
We all have a time of the day when our bodies are at peak, best to rest, and rebound (read When by Daniel H. Pink if you are curious). Personally, I also found that such times vary depending on my location, the season, and my mood. Identifying those moments in your personal life will help get the most out of your days.
Have regular reset days
Taking a break, refreshing your environment, and re-thinking your priorities are essential aspects of productivity. It also boosts creativity. It’s important that you regularly pause, review, and reset. Don’t wait until the 1st of the month to start with a clean slate: every week, every day is a new opportunity to start anew!
What should I bring with me?
How safe is Tulum?
Now that you have explored my habits to increase productivity, which one would you like to pick first? You can progressively build up your productivity habits, as well as come up with your own. The most important tip is to keep trying!
My tools for growth
Discover many articles like this one on my Growth Toolkit, a collection of resources to start or enhance your personal and professional growth journey whilst keeping your wellness in check, boosting confidence and critical thinking, as well as continuously expanding your skills and knowledge.
Hi! I’m Sophie
I am a social scientist and world explorer. In my work, I analyse the evolving meaning of security. I enjoy traveling, yoga, and electronic music in my free time. I consider myself an enthusiastic feminist and self-care advocate.
