9 Tips to Be More Productive

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Eight O’Clock Coffee for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Tips to be more productive may differ for each person.

For me, working from home, it’s essential that I have discipline throughout the day.

There’s no one cracking a whip over here.

It’s just me to hold myself accountable.

One of my main goals for the new year is to be more efficient.

I have to recognize that sitting behind the computer does not always equal getting things done.

9 Tips to Be More Productive to Gain Precious Downtime

1.) Know your peak hours.

I have about two hours where focus feels effortless.

Over time, I can now predict those hours will be in the morning during coffee.

I purposely do not schedule anything during those hours.

I complete my most challenging task for the day at that time.

I never want to waste sharp brain time on checking emails or doing laundry. 

Eight O’Clock Coffee Infusions help enhance this time of day for me with their Alert Hi-Caffeine blend.

2.) Train your brain.

Those hours I just mentioned — they used to happen late at night.

Staying up late hurts me in other ways, so I eventually trained my brain to get on board with a schedule that meshes better with the rest of the world.

3.) Establish a routine.

Yes, working from home gives you the luxury to create your own hours.

I promise you that you still need a routine.

At least for me, as monotonous as it might feel, a stable routine is essential for my productivity levels.

4.) Set realistic goals.

There are days when I pull up my to-do list and shake my head in defeat.

A person can only do so much in one day.

As a mind trick, try to consolidate tasks, or do whatever you can to make your list appear less intimidating.

5.) Savor small moments.

If you think of happiness as a place, you’ll never get there.

Find happiness in that first sip of coffee, in the look your dog gives you, in the satisfying line you draw through a completed item.

Whatever you do throughout the day, don’t miss the simple joys.

6.) Get up early.

I love to take advantage of the hours where there are few interruptions.

The later in the day, the easier it is to check notifications and switch tabs frequently.

I swear I am more productive during those early AM hours than I am the rest of the day combined.

7.) Move around.

Get that blood pumping when you wake up.

Even if you don’t hit the gym for a full workout, do some jumping jacks or run up and down your stairs.

Anything to let your body know it’s time to deactivate sleep-mode.

8.) Be honest with yourself.

I have days where I sit at my desk for 16+ hours.

On those days, I need to get super real with myself about how many of those hours were productive.

How many hours were planting tiny seeds toward goals?

How many hours were frantically switching browsers and tabs for whatever reason?

How many hours were spent on chat?

Shave off all the unnecessary fluff in there to get things done.

Stop multi-tasking and laser focus to fully complete a task.

It feels so good to cross something off my to-do list.

I’d rather have that feeling than working on way too many things at once leaving the checklist unchecked.

9.) Read more.

I will no longer consider reading a guilty pleasure.

Reading books often makes me feel more relaxed, sharper, and just plain happier.

Also, once I get into a good book, I become extra efficient to get my work done in order to get back to the book!

I avoid caffeine after 2 pm, but I can still enjoy a hot cup of Relax Decaffeinated by the fire while I read.

Here are more details about the new Eight O’Clock Coffee Infusions:

• Alert Hi-Caffeine: 100% Arabica beans are medium roasted for a bold, robust flavor and gently blended with caffeine and guarana to help brighten your day.
• Relax Decaffeinated: Decaffeinated 100% Arabica beans are gently roasted for a smooth, well balanced, flavorful finish and blended with cuts of chamomile and lavender to help soothe and relax you. A perfect combination to enjoy as you unwind.
• Super Spice: Gently roasted and blended with turmeric and cinnamon for a smooth, mild spiced flavor to awaken your senses.
• B6 Metabolism: Gently blended with a fruit and herbal blend rich in Vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 helps support normal energy-yielding metabolism.
• Acai Glow: Gently blended with acai berry for a rich, fruity, vibrant flavor. A lively combination to help invigorate your day.

Do you have any tips to be more productive to add?