In the past three years, I have read over 500 books, written and published three books of my own, travelled around India four times, and balanced my work. How do I do this? How do I ensure I stay on top of everything? What is the art of productivity to getting things done?
Develop a Slow Morning Routine
How you get up in the morning really does determine how the rest of your day will go. Start by waking up early and allowing yourself time for a slow, fulfilling routine. Try not to schedule work too early into the morning either. You will dread it. You won’t do it. Your morning should be kept free. It should feel enjoyable. The morning routine should also consist of an activity you enjoy – reading, journalling, or meditating are just some examples. Do not work straight away. Wake up an hour earlier and do something you love.
Go For a Walk
It may seem like a chore or an unnecessary thing to do, but just go for a walk. You must reframe your mindset. You’re doing it for the feeling of accomplishment, success and health. Research has shown that exercise leads to spikes in productivity; it creates new mitochondria, meaning more energy, and that means you can work for longer periods without a drop in productivity. You also tackle stress this way too. Even a ten to fifteen minute walk can do magic. Try it and let me know how it goes for you.
Breakfast Matters
I’m not here to tell you whether you should have breakfast or not, or whether it is the most important meal of the day or not – those little details we will delve into in my next book. But one thing that really does matter is sugar. Many breakfast items that we have in the morning contain added sugar, and this is destroying our productivity.
Avoid foods high in added sugar because they will cause spikes in your blood sugar, causing you to creash later and to feel tired. Then, you won’t be able to work efficiently and you will feel lazy. Limit sugar intake in the morning. Caffeine is fine.
Create a System and Use Time Blocking
As much as you may think it is unnecessary or just a form of procrastination – use a calendar. I use Fantastical, but there are default options on your mobile devices and laptops that are equally as good.
Make a list of the tasks you need to complete in the day and block out time slots in your calendar. You do not have an infinite amount of time, so do not schedule a whole day for work, it won’t work. This will only breed procrastination and you won’t complete the tasks at hand. Instead of working 9am to 5pm, if you can, work in increments that suit you, but use time blocking.
Another effective technique that I use to maximise my productivity is the Pomodoro technique. This is a time management method where I work for 25 minutes at a time, I take a 10 minute break, and then another 25 minutes of work. This completes an hour, and allows for a break in between.
Create a schedule that works for you and also allow for flexibility. You do not have to be completely rigid. Play to your strengths and do not force yourself to do a task that you do not want to do.
Separation is Key
Separate tasks by spaces and stimuli. This is very important. Don’t ask why, just trust me on this one. If you’re eating, eat in the kitchen. If you’re working, you work at your desk. If you’re reading, you read on your sofa or in the library. If you sleep, sleep in your bed. When you force yourself to perform tasks in a set environment, you will be primed to act accordingly. Use priming to your advantage.
Switch On Relax Mode
Of course, how can we end without talking about rest? Rest is so important. We often think that rest is a sign of laziness, but it’s not. It’s okay to rest a day or an evening. Take a break. Your purpose and work is not tied to how productive you are or how much you get done in a day. Do not get burnt out, you will get worked out.
Make the the time in your daily schedule to bring comfort back into your life. Create rewards for yourself. If I complete all my tasks today, what can I do this evening or tomorrow morning? Reward myself with a Netflix show, coffee or lunch dates (solo coffee dates if you don’t have someone to go with are just as good), or just some simple leisure reading.
You can even journal at the end of the day, but this isn’t just for comfort or relaxing, it allows for accountability too. Your evening routine should be slow just like your morning routine. Wind down slowly but properly. Have a herbal tea or warm drink, watch something on Netflix, read a book, whatever it may be. Just make sure you’re well rested for the busy day to follow…
There’s so much more to say about productivity, but we will leave it at that. My 25 minutes of writing this blog are up. Now I’m taking a ten minute break and making myself a coffee, and then I am going to get back to my writing my book.
Prayers and Love,
Vinay