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10 Tips To Stay Productive While Studying At Home

When you’re at school, it’s easier to remain focused and productive than it is when you’re at home. At home, you have to do your best to avoid the lure of your phone, the TV, your laptop, your bed, and so much more! At school, many of these distractions aren’t even present. So how can any student, even the most responsible ones, study efficiently when they’re not in the school environment? 

There are a few simple things that students can do in their everyday life to make sure that they are productive while they’re working from home. If you want to be able to study hard during the day so you can have some carefree hours to yourself in the evening, check out these easy-to-implement study tips. 

1. Create a Distraction-Free Study Space

The key to studying at home is to create a space within your home that has some of the benefits of a school or library, with as few of the distractions of the home as possible. In other words, you need a nook where you can work without a TV, bed, or other distracting objects near you. 

Some students have achieved this by setting up their study space on a dining room table in their home. Others have set up a desk in the hallway so that they won’t be tempted to go to their room and sleep. Some may be able to use the common computer room or study space.

Of course, this study space doesn’t have to be barren and plain. You can have a bright and comfortable study space with color, light, and even fun things like stress balls and bean bag chairs for when you need a break. As long as this is a space where you can block out the rest of the world and spend a few hours focused on schoolwork, you can decorate and set it up however you want.

2. Follow a School-Like Schedule 

The easiest way to mimic the focus and productivity that you have in school is by working on the same schedule you would when you’re in school. Similarly to how you spend consecutive periods in different subjects during the school day, you can set a schedule for yourself that has you spend a certain amount of consecutive hours studying each subject every day. 

This routine may seem a bit odd at first since you won’t be moving around like you do when you switch classes at school. However, much like you get used to the school schedule in a few days after summer vacation, you’ll get used to the new schedule you set for yourself as well. 

The great thing about setting your own schedule is that you can create a schedule that is optimal for your study habits. You can set as many breaks as you want for as long as you want. You can give yourself as much time as you need to study each course sufficiently. Unlike school, where every study follows the same schedule, you can optimize your study-at-home schedule to fit your study needs. 

3. Dress The Part 

Remember the feeling of comfort and laziness you feel when you’re in pajamas (some of you may be feeling it right now)? Now think about the feeling of purpose and determination you can feel once you’ve showered and gotten dressed for the day? They’re very different mindsets, and you can probably guess which one is best for studying from home. 

Something as simple as getting ready in the morning as if you were going to school can really put your mind in a more determined, focused state. This can really help you get into that focused, productive mindset. In other words, if you dress the part of a focused student, you have a better chance of acting the part of a focused student. 

So when you get up in the morning, if you know you have a long day of studying ahead of you, take a shower, brush your teeth, and put on clothes as if you were going to school. You’ll likely feel refreshed, clean, and ready to tackle the day’s work. 

4. Avoid Your Bed At All Costs

Most students have fallen prey to this sneaky trap. We get tired in the middle of the day from being productive in the morning. We think we can take a small nap break. Next thing we know, we’ve slept most of the afternoon away and then wake up not wanting to do any more studying. It is so easy to do, and it can ruin what could have been a very effective study day. 

So, as a general rule, when you’re trying to study, avoid your bed as much as you can. Try to study in a chair or at a desk, where you have to sit up and pay attention. If you let yourself lie down or try to study in bed, you are guaranteed to feel sleepier and not be as productive. If you don’t really have any other space to study, try to sit on your bed a different way, away from your pillows, so you’re less tempted to fall asleep.

5. Take Breaks

There is no sense in trying to study for 10-12 hours straight if your body and mind can’t handle that. After the first few hours, you are going to get tired, and your brain won’t be able to absorb and retain information as well as it could if you were rested. At this point, you can study all you want, but you will not be studying productively. 

It’s okay to take periodic breaks during the day as often as you need to. Mind you, these won’t be long breaks. You don’t want to lose your motivation! But you can take 15 minutes here and there to clear your head, recharge, and be ready to tackle those books again at full force. 

It’s important to note that the most effective breaks are those where you get away from your study space and take your mind off of the task at hand. You’re not really going to be resting your mind if you’re still at your desk and thinking about all the assignments you have to do. Instead, walk around the house, take a short walk, get something to eat, and just clear your mind as much as you can. 

6. Form Virtual Study Groups

Who says that study groups need to be in person? In this day and age, with technologies like Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, or just a plain phone call, you can connect with your fellow classmates from the comfort of your home and help each other learn just as if you were together in class. 

There are several benefits to virtual study groups. Some video conferencing platforms allow you to record your meetings, so you can look back on the study session you and your peers had if you ever forget what was said. You can also mute yourself whenever you need to so that you can multitask, if needed. Finally, the home environment seems far less lonely and maybe even more fun when you have students like you to talk to you and compare notes with. 

If you think it’ll help your productivity, try to connect with some friends and form a virtual study group. Even if you don’t get as much out of it academically, it may be beneficial for your mental health while you’re studying at home. 

7. Get Your Other Chores Out Of The Way 

One of the most annoying things that can happen to a teenager is to be working in the zone, then to be distracted by their parents asking them to do the dishes, laundry, etc. Taking unplanned breaks during your study time to do something else can really mess up your concentration. It’s hard to get back in the zone once you’ve been pulled out of it. 

So if you know that you also need to do some household chores in addition to your math homework, try to knock the chores out either before or after your study session. This way, you won’t be constantly worried about getting them done, and you’ll be less likely to be distracted while you’re trying to study. 

8. Set Boundaries For Yourself 

If you find that you’re going to be working from home for a few days or even a few weeks, you’re going to need to make sure that you’re setting boundaries for yourself that will allow you to keep your sanity while not leaving the house. For instance, if you let yourself study for 12 hours a day for days on end, odds are that you are quickly going to get really sick of studying at home. 

Set time limits for yourself each day. Maybe you won’t start working until mid-morning so that you can go for a run and eat a healthy breakfast. Maybe you won’t work best at 6 PM since you want to spend that time with your family. If you set these boundaries for yourself, you will help keep your mental health in check. You may also find that placing time limits on your study time helps to motivate you to get more done during the hours that you are studying. Generally, the more time we give ourselves to do something, the more time we take.

You can also consider setting physical boundaries for yourself. Maybe while you’re studying, you make a deal with yourself to not go into your bedroom. This way, you won’t interact with as many things that can distract you. On the flip side, try to not dawdle in your workspace after you’re done studying for the day. And, if you need to take a break, go to another room; that way, you associate your study space with studying. 

9. Exercise Regularly 

It is well known that exercising can give your body the endorphins and serotonin that it needs to be relaxed, focused, and more productive during the day. The downside to studying at home is that you probably don’t have a gym inside your house where you can get in an intense hour-long workout. While you can’t necessarily do a full workout if you’re stuck at home, there are little exercises that you can do at home to help you be more productive. 

If you have an empty and clean space in your home, you can do floor exercises like crunches, push-ups, and jumping jacks. There are tons of YouTube videos with quick workouts, and they don’t have to be boring; there are even dance workouts! If you are in a safe neighborhood, you can go on a quick walk or run before you start exercising to get your blood pumping. And, if all else fails, walking around your house counts as more exercise than you might think. 

Overall, exercising and staying healthy will not only be good for you in the long run, but will also help your productivity in the short run.

10. Give Yourself Something To Look Forward To 

At the end of the day, if you’re truly not feeling like you’re studying your best, try to set some goals for yourself and reward yourself for hitting those goals. For instance, you can set a goal to memorize 100 flashcards by the end of the day. If you do, you’ll reward yourself with an hour of watching your favorite show. 

When you have to study from home for a while, it can be easy to fall into a rut. After all, you’re in the same place day after day, and your days aren’t that varied. So positive reinforcement mechanisms like this can really help to keep you going and give you a reason to keep studying. 

As you’re studying from home, you may be thinking about how your college applications and which colleges you should apply to. To help you navigate these tough decisions, use CollegeVine’s admissions calculator . With this, you’ll find out your chances of getting into your dream school and how to improve the odds. The best part? It’s completely free! Sign up for your CollegeVine account to get started.

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14 Productivity Tips To Help You Study and Work More Efficiently Than EVER

by William Wadsworth | Last updated Jun 27, 2024 | First published on Dec 14, 2022 | 4 comments

Meet the expert

William Wadsworth

By William Wadsworth , the Cambridge University trained cognitive psychologist and specialist in how to study smarter, not harder. He leads the world’s largest research study on use of effective learning strategies, is regular exam prep expert for The Times , and hosts the Exam Study Expert podcast , with 1 million downloads to date.

Review and additional research by Dr Kerri Edinburgh .

It’s the productivity dream : How to get MORE done but spend LESS time doing it!

It’s a dream sold by armies of productivity gurus, especially to business-people: because in business, time really is money. So doing more work in less time really does equal more money. That means there’s a veritable flood of advice out there .

Unfortunately it’s easy to get a little lost in this productivity sea! Many of us (myself included) dive deep into fancy strategies with good intentions – totally forgetting to actually get some work done !

And that’s why I’m here to fish you out, with a life-raft stocked with my 14 top high-impact productivity tips for work and studying – to help you sift the real pearls from the silt. They’re perfect for making a difference TODAY .

So, whether you’re a student, business-person, writer … or champion procrastinator: let’s get going!

Part 1: Fitting it all in

Is it really possible to be so productive that there are enough hours in the day? Try these first 7 tips to find out!

1.     Have a “no willpower needed” system

If a day’s work means constant decisions about what to focus on next or when to take a break, you’re in for a tiring day.

Instead, make the post of one of my favourite productivity tips, whether you’re working or studying:

You want to have made all those decisions in advance : you need a plan ! Answer all the questions: what, when, for how long – so that all you need to do is sit down and get to work. No questions asked.

There are two ways to make decisions in advance of your study / work sessions. Hint : you can use either, or a mixture of the two together:

• This works great when life is predictable (I’ll do 10 mins of vocab after breakfast, or answer my emails after my 11am coffee)
• Sticking to the short-term is great when life is feeling variable!

2.     Manage your “mental energy units”

We all know there are a limited number of working hours in the day (about 8-10, for most of us).

But not all ways of using those hours are equal. Some tasks leave us spent after just a few hours!

The book The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz coins the term “ mental energy units ” to give us a way to talk about this. Different tasks consume or create units:

• Some tasks use up 1 unit per hour : say, studying at steady pace
• Others may use up units faster : a heated debate with colleagues may use up 2 or even 3 units even though it only lasted an hour
• And others, like going for a good walk, or a good chat with a friend – may create units

It’s a pretty neat way to think about managing your energy as well as your time .

So pay attention to how fast different study tasks “use up” your energy, and plan your days accordingly .

3.     Batch-process chores where you can

Any expert in running efficient manufacturing processes – from the most high-tech factory plant to the humblest craftsman’s workshop – will tell you that a fundamental principle for increasing output is “batch processing” jobs .

Having one person doing a task in a bigger quantity with greater focus – that’s far more efficient and time-saving than having everyone jump around between tasks.

For example: it’s a good idea to have one team-member go through the process of making a big batch of glue once a week than making 3 smaller pots every day.

You can apply batch-processing to your own life too, to help free up more time for studying or work :

Batch-cook and freeze meals to last a couple of days. Do a bigger load of laundry once a week. Do your emails once or twice a day, rather than checking all the time. You get the idea.

4.     Clear any roadblocks from your path

This productivity tip is all about streamlining the process.

Gather everything you need for your planned study stint or work session before you begin, so you don’t have any unwanted interruptions once you get into the groove. There’s nothing more frustrating than having to stop writing when your laptop battery dies, just as creativity is striking!

• Textbooks and stationery: check
• Monthly reports to review: check
• Laptop and charger: check
• Water and snacks: check

You’re good to go. Wagons roll.

4.     Choose (or make) a productive environment

This is one of those tips that might surprise you: it’s definitely winner for increasing study productivity!

Simply put: the environment you work in has a BIG impact on how productive you can be .

You’re looking for somewhere with a studious atmosphere , the right lighting, and a decent worksurface you can sit comfortably at. So, find a study room or library, or carve out a corner at home away from your relaxation spaces.

N.B. I’d urge you to study outside of the room you sleep in if you possibly can. Both halves of your life will be improved: you’ll be able to relax and sleep more easily, and you’ll be able to concentrate and focus better.

The right atmosphere might depend on what you need to do :

• … or try the sounds of the Bodleian Library at Oxford University for a studious vibe
• For creative writing, maybe the buzz of a coffee shop is what you need to get your mind going
• For online learning or virtual meetings, a pair of noise cancelling headphones can be your best friend

Experiment with different locations, and go for what works well for you!

6.     Make it a pleasure

Work doesn’t have to be a chore. Honest!

Indulge in some motivating comforts while you’re studying: listen to good music, and drink good coffee (or hot chocolate).

Though enjoy your comforts responsibly – make sure the music isn’t distracting and the coffee isn’t close to bedtime!

Want to learn more about the impact of music and coffee on studying – we’ve got exactly the articles for you!

And treat yourself to decent stationery, if you can: it’s a much nicer experience to write with a quality pen on nice paper that’s thick enough to stop ink soaking straight through to the back!

7.     Taking breaks increases productivity

You can’t work at high intensity forever: you’ll need to take a break to refresh and recharge .

Taking plenty of short breaks is one of my favourite high-impact productivity tips whether you’re a student or at work!

Always get up from your desk on your breaks: a change of scenery and chance to stretch your limbs, if only for a couple of minutes, is vital to help you reset.

If remembering to take breaks is a struggle, I recommend you try the “Pomodoro Method” – it’s a popular time-management system that works really well for scheduling intense work, study or revision sessions AND breaks.

And it’s a winner for increasing your productivity.

The principle of the “Pomodoro Method” is that you work to a ticking clock : set a timer for a set length of time, work solidly for the duration of that timer, and take a short break when the timer goes off. It works because you have to stick to the schedule of intense work and breaks .

If the “Pomodoro Method” sounds intriguing, check out my Pomodoro Masterlass – it’s got all the answers you need to get an efficient routine set up today!

Part 2: The art of full focus

The next 5 productivity tips are probably my favourite for both students and professionals.

Why? For the simple reason that we’re often so bad at following them! But when we do, the results can be impressive.

8.    Your mind is a temple

As a study coach , I often see students filling the space between their ears with all sorts of distractions, worries, and multitasking.

But trust me: you perform much better when you give something your full attention .

And that means being responsible about what you fill your mind with right before/during a work or study session! Finish each task before you start a new one and avoid quick activities likely to create unfinished tasks.

Here’s why: every time you switch your attention from one unfinished task to another, it’s thought you carry over an “ attention residue ” from the first task. This consumes at least some of your mental resources and means you cannot focus on the second task as well.

Here’s a simple example, and something you can fix right away.

How often do you check email, only to see something you’ll deal with later? Every time you do that, that thought of that email you need to reply to will rattle round in your mind as you try and concentrate on your work.

So don’t do it.

Check email only 1-2 times a day, and never right before you’re about to sit down for a good bout of work, and let your mind enjoy the “fresh air” of being able to fully focus for once! Feeling more productive?

9.    Don’t undo the hard work on your breaks

The same goes for what you do on your breaks.

I’ve made a case for needing regular short breaks to maintain intensity of focus, but what you fill them with matter too!

Be careful that what you’re doing on your breaks isn’t going to have a lasting “distraction” effect when you try to get back to work.

It’s not just checking messages: reading the news, watching TV, playing games can all create thoughts that play on your mind when you try to get back to your study desk, distracting you from your work.

For your short 5-10 minute breaks, try and stick to information-free activities , like making a cup of tea, having a quick wander outside, doing a few press-ups. A quick chat with a friend or study buddy is also OK – provided you stick to pleasantries and don’t get into anything too deep!

10.  Please put the phone down

If your breaks should be free from distraction, it won’t surprise you to hear that your work sessions should be too!

And the key culprit: your phone .

Everyone’s telling you to put your phone away when it’s time to work: your college , your tutors ; scientists , motivational speakers , productivity gurus . Perhaps we’re all on to something 😉

So what’s the big deal with phones anyway? Well, one study found that students are distracted for an average of 8 whole minutes for every “solid” hour they think they’re spending on their homework – Snapchat, Instagram, WhatsApp, WeChat, Facebook, Twitter, notifications from games apps, it all adds up to way more than you’d think and kills your study productivity.

To put it into context:

If you’re studying for 3 hours a day, that adds up to nearly 3 hours worth of distractions every single week! Just think what you could do with that time…

What’s more, (students take note) research shows that all those distractions can add up to significantly weaker exam  performance .

So do yourself a favour: turn that phone off (or put it on mute), and give yourself space to think .

11.  Only one thing at a time

By now, you should be familiar with the idea that batch processing is more efficient (tip #3) and finishing a task before you start a new one helps you focus better (tip #8).

So let’s add a third top productivity tip to this group:

Multi-tasking is terrible for productivity . Instead, try “mono-tasking” – focus on just one task at once .

Remember the manufacturing example from #3? Another good comparison is the assembly line, where everyone has just one task to do well . If they were constantly switching between the different parts of the process, they’d always need to be putting down one set of tools and picking up another. That’s slower.

You can apply this assembly line mentality to your work or studies.

It works especially well if you have to do the same task several times during a larger project.

Split up your project into layers of tasks ( research, planning, drafting, editing, making charts ) and do that one task across several parts of your project. This works great for writers – and theses!

You’ll find your work much more streamlined if you stay in the right headspace and mono-task .

Take essay writing, for example: sure, there will be a little darting between the steps from time to time if you’ve forgotten a key point. But you’ll find it a lot easier to focus on your essay if you build it up, layer by layer , than if you try and do all of the tasks for each paragraph as you get to it.

12.  Get your to-do list out of your head

Don’t waste mental space worrying about other things you need to do .

Keep a “ distractions list ” to hand. (A favourite “quick fix” tip for a productivity boost!)

If thoughts pop into your head – texting your friend back, checking the mailroom for your Amazon delivery, ordering a takeout for tonight – don’t let them sit there, just add them to your list, and get them out of your head.

These tasks are perfect for handling on a longer break (they’re often too distracting for short 5 minute breaks).

Worrying about a bigger to-do ? Add it to your plan for the day – or your study routine for tomorrow (tip #1). It will have a time and place, no need to think about it. Easy.

Part 3: When the work stops…

These last two productivity tips are perfect for those times when your mental energy is spent and you just can’t work or study any more:

13.  If you must “procrastinate”, at least make it productive!

We’re not machines: there will come a time each day when your mind wanders off more than usual, or you just can’t bring yourself to get back to your desk after a break.

Perhaps you’ve used up all your “mental energy units” (tip #2) for the day!

When this happens, have a back-up plan for low-effort “procrastination activities” you can do instead . These are tasks that still need doing but aren’t exactly important studying or work projects.

Maybe it’s a good time to get the laundry done. Or go shopping for supplies. Or call Grandma.

It may not be Plan A, but it’s still productive. (Just be alert for this sort of thing happening too often – or too close to a deadline!)

14.  Celebrate your success

Always pat yourself on the back after a good day’s study.

Celebrate your achievements, and tick off all the little boxes on your to-do list.

Part of the art of productivity is knowing when enough is enough, when it’s time to stop . You’ve done good work today: time to call it a day and relax.

Well done – a productive day’s work!

Before you go: a little gift from us

As always, my friend, wishing you every success in your studies!

The best way to stay in touch is by signing up to our email list, a weekly email PACKED with information to help you succeed in your studies, from study hacks to top memorisation techniques .

Whether you’re a student or professional, if you’ve enjoyed these productivity tips, why not: sign up below of receive a special welcome treat ! A 10-page guide to the EXACT system I recommend for memorising large amounts of knowledge, fast. It’s a science-backed formula I truly believe in!

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Hi, my name is Kamdyn. I am a senior in high school and I have a hard time staying productive when it comes to my schoolwork. I’ve looked up many different ways to stay productive but I can’t find one that seems to stick. My question is does anyone have personal ways to stay productive that may possibly help me?

very informative

Love it!! I have used this method before, but now I have a few extra tips that will help me! I’m a teacher, a parent, and now a student again so thus will be very helpful!

Hey Shelley – great to hear it! Good luck with the studies, and hope you have fun being the learner rather than teacher for a change 🙂

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Homework. Whether you’re a fifth-grader or a freshman in college, the mere thought of homework can be overwhelming. And actually doing homework can be quite difficult. But homework doesn’t have to be something a student dreads.

As a former high school English teacher and researcher who specializes in what it takes to make it through college – and a co-author of a forthcoming revised edition of a book about academic success – I’ve studied homework since 2010. Here are six ways I believe homework can be made more manageable and valuable, whether you’re in elementary school, high school or graduate school.

1. Set priorities

Establish a list of priorities based on the class syllabus or assignment list. This can be helpful for tackling difficult tasks, creating motivation and activating your sense of control and independence when it comes to learning. The priority list helps maintain goals and gives you a sense satisfaction to cross things off the list as they are completed.

2. Tackle difficult tasks first

Start with your most difficult assignments first in order to make the most of your energy level and to focus at the beginning of a work session. You can attend to the easier or less time-consuming assignments at the end of a work session.

3. Break tasks down to smaller steps

You may not know how to start a major task, which could trigger procrastination or feelings of defeat. To guard against this, break major tasks into three or four smaller steps. Within one homework session, you can feel a greater sense of accomplishment by completing each small step toward the larger whole. In some cases, you might be able to spread these tasks over the course of a week.

4. Create evidence of learning

You will get more out of the time you spend reading, reviewing notes or otherwise “studying” if you create something in the process. For example, creating flash cards, a graphic organizer, chart, or notes with bullet points can help you become an active learner rather than a passive one. Organize the tools you create with the homework assignment by date and topic so that you can review those items to prepare for quizzes, tests or projects.

5. Build a network of support

If certain homework problems could not be solved and you’re stuck in a rut, figure out what’s confusing you and write or record your thoughts. Jot questions down and be as specific as possible in order to seek out additional support from teachers or tutors. The more you can identify sources of confusion, the more you can proactively reach out to your support network – teachers, tutors and others – in order to get additional help.

6. Revisit goals and set new ones

At the start of each homework session, establish goals for completion of your tasks or assignments. Revisit the goals at the end of the session and acknowledge a sense of completion. This goal-setting process builds confidence over time and helps you realize their potential even when faced with difficulties. A productive homework routine will help you realize that learning is an ongoing journey. The journey may be difficult but getting organized will make it as stress-free as possible.

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How To Study At Home (Without Getting Distracted)

Studying at home has its perks: it’s a comfortable, low-pressure environment. However, there are a few reasons it can be difficult to study at home; with so many distractions, it’s easy to procrastinate—when you do start, it’s easy to get off track.

At home, procrastination and distraction can prevent you from accomplishing what you need to get done. Watching TV, taking a nap, scrolling through social media, or other activities (maybe even cleaning your room!), are big productivity killers that take you away from your goal of studying for or completing that assignment.

Fortunately, there are a few tricks you can use to help you be more productive. Here are 8 ways to help you stay focused and get more done when studying at home.

8 Tips For Studying At Home Effectively

1. try active studying.

Active studying is as simple as asking questions before, during, and after study time. Not only does this help to give your study session direction, but it also helps keep you on track and reflect on how to improve for your next study session!

Questions to ask yourself before you study:

• What am I about to learn?
• What do I already know about this subject?

Questions to ask yourself while you study:

• How does this information fit into a bigger picture?
• Do I understand what I have just read?
• Can I paraphrase it?
• Are there any key words or ideas that I need to write down? Why are these words and ideas important?

Questions to ask yourself after you study:

• What can I take away from this study session?
• What do I need to review or learn next time?

2. Get A Good Night’s Sleep

Students of all ages should get at least eight hours of sleep every school night. It’s the best way to ensure that the brain is refreshed and ready to process all of the information learned during the day. It may be tempting to stay up late to cram, but it’s more beneficial to get enough rest.

A full night’s sleep is especially important the night before a test—a good night’s sleep makes you more alert and improves memory for test material, leading to better test results.

3. Study At The Right Time

Every student has his or her own daily highs and lows. Some people are night owls while some people prefer the morning. Take advantage of the time of the day you feel most productive, and don’t try to force yourself to study when your brainpower isn’t at its peak. Try to study when you are most alert, so you are able to process and retain the information that you are studying.

4. Have A Designated Study Area

Whether it’s the kitchen table or the desk in your bedroom, create an area to study that is a designated study zone. Try to reserve your bed for sleeping and avoid studying in it (it can be all too easy to take a nap!). Most importantly, keep your study space clean and organized so you can put more time into studying (and less trying to find a pen that works).

5. Eat Properly

Don’t forget to eat! Your body (and your brain) needs fuel to help stay in top form. Plus, it’s difficult to focus when your stomach is growling. Have healthy snacks while you study, but make sure they’re prepared in advance so you don’t spend too much time away from your work. More time away means more opportunity to be distracted!

6. Get Chores Out Of The Way

Take care of daily chores before starting your study session to avoid interruption, or being distracted by an unfinished to-do list. Getting chores out of the way makes it much easier to focus on the task at hand. Plus, you can look forward to relaxing when your study time is done rather than dreading the chores that need to be completed.

7. Create A Timetable

Creating a timetable helps organize your time, schedules your breaks, and is especially useful when you have multiple subjects to study. Write your schedule down so you can remember it and refer to it often. Set reasonable limits for how much time you spend studying each day, and break your study session up into manageable chunks of time.

8. Use A Timer

Use a timer to help keep track of time and to make sure you stick to the timetable you created. Setting a timer helps keeps you focused on the task at hand, committed to working until the timer goes off, and helps keep you on track to cover all the material you need to. Above all else, it helps keep your break time effective and guilt-free (because you’ve earned it!).

Make The Most Of Your Study Time

Although it seems convenient, studying at home can be difficult—procrastination and distraction can happen easily. But with a little bit of planning and organization, it can be an effective (and comfortable) place to study. Try some of these tips for studying at home to help you stay focused and more efficient with your study time.

Check out these related resources to help with study habits: I Study Hard, So Why Do I Get Bad Grades? 11 Bad Study Habits To Avoid… And Become A More Successful Student Day Or Night: When Is The Best Time To Study?

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How to Do Homework: 15 Expert Tips and Tricks

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Everyone struggles with homework sometimes, but if getting your homework done has become a chronic issue for you, then you may need a little extra help. That’s why we’ve written this article all about how to do homework. Once you’re finished reading it, you’ll know how to do homework (and have tons of new ways to motivate yourself to do homework)!

We’ve broken this article down into a few major sections. You’ll find:

• A diagnostic test to help you figure out why you’re struggling with homework
• A discussion of the four major homework problems students face, along with expert tips for addressing them
• A bonus section with tips for how to do homework fast

By the end of this article, you’ll be prepared to tackle whatever homework assignments your teachers throw at you .

So let’s get started!

How to Do Homework: Figure Out Your Struggles 

Sometimes it feels like everything is standing between you and getting your homework done. But the truth is, most people only have one or two major roadblocks that are keeping them from getting their homework done well and on time. 

The best way to figure out how to get motivated to do homework starts with pinpointing the issues that are affecting your ability to get your assignments done. That’s why we’ve developed a short quiz to help you identify the areas where you’re struggling. 

Take the quiz below and record your answers on your phone or on a scrap piece of paper. Keep in mind there are no wrong answers! 

1. You’ve just been assigned an essay in your English class that’s due at the end of the week. What’s the first thing you do?

A. Keep it in mind, even though you won’t start it until the day before it’s due  B. Open up your planner. You’ve got to figure out when you’ll write your paper since you have band practice, a speech tournament, and your little sister’s dance recital this week, too.  C. Groan out loud. Another essay? You could barely get yourself to write the last one!  D. Start thinking about your essay topic, which makes you think about your art project that’s due the same day, which reminds you that your favorite artist might have just posted to Instagram...so you better check your feed right now. 

2. Your mom asked you to pick up your room before she gets home from work. You’ve just gotten home from school. You decide you’ll tackle your chores: 

A. Five minutes before your mom walks through the front door. As long as it gets done, who cares when you start?  B. As soon as you get home from your shift at the local grocery store.  C. After you give yourself a 15-minute pep talk about how you need to get to work.  D. You won’t get it done. Between texts from your friends, trying to watch your favorite Netflix show, and playing with your dog, you just lost track of time! 

3. You’ve signed up to wash dogs at the Humane Society to help earn money for your senior class trip. You: 

A. Show up ten minutes late. You put off leaving your house until the last minute, then got stuck in unexpected traffic on the way to the shelter.  B. Have to call and cancel at the last minute. You forgot you’d already agreed to babysit your cousin and bake cupcakes for tomorrow’s bake sale.  C. Actually arrive fifteen minutes early with extra brushes and bandanas you picked up at the store. You’re passionate about animals, so you’re excited to help out! D. Show up on time, but only get three dogs washed. You couldn’t help it: you just kept getting distracted by how cute they were!

4. You have an hour of downtime, so you decide you’re going to watch an episode of The Great British Baking Show. You: 

A. Scroll through your social media feeds for twenty minutes before hitting play, which means you’re not able to finish the whole episode. Ugh! You really wanted to see who was sent home!  B. Watch fifteen minutes until you remember you’re supposed to pick up your sister from band practice before heading to your part-time job. No GBBO for you!  C. You finish one episode, then decide to watch another even though you’ve got SAT studying to do. It’s just more fun to watch people make scones.  D. Start the episode, but only catch bits and pieces of it because you’re reading Twitter, cleaning out your backpack, and eating a snack at the same time.

5. Your teacher asks you to stay after class because you’ve missed turning in two homework assignments in a row. When she asks you what’s wrong, you say: 

A. You planned to do your assignments during lunch, but you ran out of time. You decided it would be better to turn in nothing at all than submit unfinished work.  B. You really wanted to get the assignments done, but between your extracurriculars, family commitments, and your part-time job, your homework fell through the cracks.  C. You have a hard time psyching yourself to tackle the assignments. You just can’t seem to find the motivation to work on them once you get home.  D. You tried to do them, but you had a hard time focusing. By the time you realized you hadn’t gotten anything done, it was already time to turn them in. 

Like we said earlier, there are no right or wrong answers to this quiz (though your results will be better if you answered as honestly as possible). Here’s how your answers break down: 

• If your answers were mostly As, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is procrastination. 
• If your answers were mostly Bs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is time management. 
• If your answers were mostly Cs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is motivation. 
• If your answers were mostly Ds, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is getting distracted. 

Now that you’ve identified why you’re having a hard time getting your homework done, we can help you figure out how to fix it! Scroll down to find your core problem area to learn more about how you can start to address it. 

And one more thing: you’re really struggling with homework, it’s a good idea to read through every section below. You may find some additional tips that will help make homework less intimidating. 

How to Do Homework When You’re a Procrastinator  

Merriam Webster defines “procrastinate” as “to put off intentionally and habitually.” In other words, procrastination is when you choose to do something at the last minute on a regular basis. If you’ve ever found yourself pulling an all-nighter, trying to finish an assignment between periods, or sprinting to turn in a paper minutes before a deadline, you’ve experienced the effects of procrastination. 

If you’re a chronic procrastinator, you’re in good company. In fact, one study found that 70% to 95% of undergraduate students procrastinate when it comes to doing their homework. Unfortunately, procrastination can negatively impact your grades. Researchers have found that procrastination can lower your grade on an assignment by as much as five points ...which might not sound serious until you realize that can mean the difference between a B- and a C+. 

Procrastination can also negatively affect your health by increasing your stress levels , which can lead to other health conditions like insomnia, a weakened immune system, and even heart conditions. Getting a handle on procrastination can not only improve your grades, it can make you feel better, too! 

The big thing to understand about procrastination is that it’s not the result of laziness. Laziness is defined as being “disinclined to activity or exertion.” In other words, being lazy is all about doing nothing. But a s this Psychology Today article explains , procrastinators don’t put things off because they don’t want to work. Instead, procrastinators tend to postpone tasks they don’t want to do in favor of tasks that they perceive as either more important or more fun. Put another way, procrastinators want to do things...as long as it’s not their homework! 

3 Tips f or Conquering Procrastination 

Because putting off doing homework is a common problem, there are lots of good tactics for addressing procrastination. Keep reading for our three expert tips that will get your homework habits back on track in no time. 

#1: Create a Reward System

Like we mentioned earlier, procrastination happens when you prioritize other activities over getting your homework done. Many times, this happens because homework...well, just isn’t enjoyable. But you can add some fun back into the process by rewarding yourself for getting your work done. 

Here’s what we mean: let’s say you decide that every time you get your homework done before the day it’s due, you’ll give yourself a point. For every five points you earn, you’ll treat yourself to your favorite dessert: a chocolate cupcake! Now you have an extra (delicious!) incentive to motivate you to leave procrastination in the dust. 

If you’re not into cupcakes, don’t worry. Your reward can be anything that motivates you . Maybe it’s hanging out with your best friend or an extra ten minutes of video game time. As long as you’re choosing something that makes homework worth doing, you’ll be successful. 

#2: Have a Homework Accountability Partner 

If you’re having trouble getting yourself to start your homework ahead of time, it may be a good idea to call in reinforcements . Find a friend or classmate you can trust and explain to them that you’re trying to change your homework habits. Ask them if they’d be willing to text you to make sure you’re doing your homework and check in with you once a week to see if you’re meeting your anti-procrastination goals. 

Sharing your goals can make them feel more real, and an accountability partner can help hold you responsible for your decisions. For example, let’s say you’re tempted to put off your science lab write-up until the morning before it’s due. But you know that your accountability partner is going to text you about it tomorrow...and you don’t want to fess up that you haven’t started your assignment. A homework accountability partner can give you the extra support and incentive you need to keep your homework habits on track. 

#3: Create Your Own Due Dates 

If you’re a life-long procrastinator, you might find that changing the habit is harder than you expected. In that case, you might try using procrastination to your advantage! If you just can’t seem to stop doing your work at the last minute, try setting your own due dates for assignments that range from a day to a week before the assignment is actually due. 

Here’s what we mean. Let’s say you have a math worksheet that’s been assigned on Tuesday and is due on Friday. In your planner, you can write down the due date as Thursday instead. You may still put off your homework assignment until the last minute...but in this case, the “last minute” is a day before the assignment’s real due date . This little hack can trick your procrastination-addicted brain into planning ahead! 

If you feel like Kevin Hart in this meme, then our tips for doing homework when you're busy are for you. 

How to Do Homework When You’re too Busy

If you’re aiming to go to a top-tier college , you’re going to have a full plate. Because college admissions is getting more competitive, it’s important that you’re maintaining your grades , studying hard for your standardized tests , and participating in extracurriculars so your application stands out. A packed schedule can get even more hectic once you add family obligations or a part-time job to the mix. 

If you feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions at once, you’re not alone. Recent research has found that stress—and more severe stress-related conditions like anxiety and depression— are a major problem for high school students . In fact, one study from the American Psychological Association found that during the school year, students’ stress levels are higher than those of the adults around them. 

For students, homework is a major contributor to their overall stress levels . Many high schoolers have multiple hours of homework every night , and figuring out how to fit it into an already-packed schedule can seem impossible. 

3 Tips for Fitting Homework Into Your Busy Schedule

While it might feel like you have literally no time left in your schedule, there are still ways to make sure you’re able to get your homework done and meet your other commitments. Here are our expert homework tips for even the busiest of students. 

#1: Make a Prioritized To-Do List 

You probably already have a to-do list to keep yourself on track. The next step is to prioritize the items on your to-do list so you can see what items need your attention right away. 

Here’s how it works: at the beginning of each day, sit down and make a list of all the items you need to get done before you go to bed. This includes your homework, but it should also take into account any practices, chores, events, or job shifts you may have. Once you get everything listed out, it’s time to prioritize them using the labels A, B, and C. Here’s what those labels mean:

• A Tasks : tasks that have to get done—like showing up at work or turning in an assignment—get an A. 
• B Tasks : these are tasks that you would like to get done by the end of the day but aren’t as time sensitive. For example, studying for a test you have next week could be a B-level task. It’s still important, but it doesn’t have to be done right away.
• C Tasks: these are tasks that aren’t very important and/or have no real consequences if you don’t get them done immediately. For instance, if you’re hoping to clean out your closet but it’s not an assigned chore from your parents, you could label that to-do item with a C.

Prioritizing your to-do list helps you visualize which items need your immediate attention, and which items you can leave for later. A prioritized to-do list ensures that you’re spending your time efficiently and effectively, which helps you make room in your schedule for homework. So even though you might really want to start making decorations for Homecoming (a B task), you’ll know that finishing your reading log (an A task) is more important. 

#2: Use a Planner With Time Labels

Your planner is probably packed with notes, events, and assignments already. (And if you’re not using a planner, it’s time to start!) But planners can do more for you than just remind you when an assignment is due. If you’re using a planner with time labels, it can help you visualize how you need to spend your day.

A planner with time labels breaks your day down into chunks, and you assign tasks to each chunk of time. For example, you can make a note of your class schedule with assignments, block out time to study, and make sure you know when you need to be at practice. Once you know which tasks take priority, you can add them to any empty spaces in your day. 

Planning out how you spend your time not only helps you use it wisely, it can help you feel less overwhelmed, too . We’re big fans of planners that include a task list ( like this one ) or have room for notes ( like this one ). 

#3: Set Reminders on Your Phone 

If you need a little extra nudge to make sure you’re getting your homework done on time, it’s a good idea to set some reminders on your phone. You don’t need a fancy app, either. You can use your alarm app to have it go off at specific times throughout the day to remind you to do your homework. This works especially well if you have a set homework time scheduled. So if you’ve decided you’re doing homework at 6:00 pm, you can set an alarm to remind you to bust out your books and get to work. 

If you use your phone as your planner, you may have the option to add alerts, emails, or notifications to scheduled events . Many calendar apps, including the one that comes with your phone, have built-in reminders that you can customize to meet your needs. So if you block off time to do your homework from 4:30 to 6:00 pm, you can set a reminder that will pop up on your phone when it’s time to get started. 

This dog isn't judging your lack of motivation...but your teacher might. Keep reading for tips to help you motivate yourself to do your homework.

How to Do Homework When You’re Unmotivated 

At first glance, it may seem like procrastination and being unmotivated are the same thing. After all, both of these issues usually result in you putting off your homework until the very last minute. 

But there’s one key difference: many procrastinators are working, they’re just prioritizing work differently. They know they’re going to start their homework...they’re just going to do it later. 

Conversely, people who are unmotivated to do homework just can’t find the willpower to tackle their assignments. Procrastinators know they’ll at least attempt the homework at the last minute, whereas people who are unmotivated struggle with convincing themselves to do it at a ll. For procrastinators, the stress comes from the inevitable time crunch. For unmotivated people, the stress comes from trying to convince themselves to do something they don’t want to do in the first place. 

Here are some common reasons students are unmotivated in doing homework : 

• Assignments are too easy, too hard, or seemingly pointless 
• Students aren’t interested in (or passionate about) the subject matter
• Students are intimidated by the work and/or feels like they don’t understand the assignment 
• Homework isn’t fun, and students would rather spend their time on things that they enjoy 

To sum it up: people who lack motivation to do their homework are more likely to not do it at all, or to spend more time worrying about doing their homework than...well, actually doing it.

3 Tips for How to Get Motivated to Do Homework

The key to getting homework done when you’re unmotivated is to figure out what does motivate you, then apply those things to homework. It sounds tricky...but it’s pretty simple once you get the hang of it! Here are our three expert tips for motivating yourself to do your homework. 

#1: Use Incremental Incentives

When you’re not motivated, it’s important to give yourself small rewards to stay focused on finishing the task at hand. The trick is to keep the incentives small and to reward yourself often. For example, maybe you’re reading a good book in your free time. For every ten minutes you spend on your homework, you get to read five pages of your book. Like we mentioned earlier, make sure you’re choosing a reward that works for you! 

So why does this technique work? Using small rewards more often allows you to experience small wins for getting your work done. Every time you make it to one of your tiny reward points, you get to celebrate your success, which gives your brain a boost of dopamine . Dopamine helps you stay motivated and also creates a feeling of satisfaction when you complete your homework !  

#2: Form a Homework Group 

If you’re having trouble motivating yourself, it’s okay to turn to others for support. Creating a homework group can help with this. Bring together a group of your friends or classmates, and pick one time a week where you meet and work on homework together. You don’t have to be in the same class, or even taking the same subjects— the goal is to encourage one another to start (and finish!) your assignments. 

Another added benefit of a homework group is that you can help one another if you’re struggling to understand the material covered in your classes. This is especially helpful if your lack of motivation comes from being intimidated by your assignments. Asking your friends for help may feel less scary than talking to your teacher...and once you get a handle on the material, your homework may become less frightening, too. 

#3: Change Up Your Environment 

If you find that you’re totally unmotivated, it may help if you find a new place to do your homework. For example, if you’ve been struggling to get your homework done at home, try spending an extra hour in the library after school instead. The change of scenery can limit your distractions and give you the energy you need to get your work done. 

If you’re stuck doing homework at home, you can still use this tip. For instance, maybe you’ve always done your homework sitting on your bed. Try relocating somewhere else, like your kitchen table, for a few weeks. You may find that setting up a new “homework spot” in your house gives you a motivational lift and helps you get your work done. 

Social media can be a huge problem when it comes to doing homework. We have advice for helping you unplug and regain focus.

How to Do Homework When You’re Easily Distracted

We live in an always-on world, and there are tons of things clamoring for our attention. From friends and family to pop culture and social media, it seems like there’s always something (or someone!) distracting us from the things we need to do.

The 24/7 world we live in has affected our ability to focus on tasks for prolonged periods of time. Research has shown that over the past decade, an average person’s attention span has gone from 12 seconds to eight seconds . And when we do lose focus, i t takes people a long time to get back on task . One study found that it can take as long as 23 minutes to get back to work once we’ve been distracte d. No wonder it can take hours to get your homework done! 

3 Tips to Improve Your Focus

If you have a hard time focusing when you’re doing your homework, it’s a good idea to try and eliminate as many distractions as possible. Here are three expert tips for blocking out the noise so you can focus on getting your homework done. 

#1: Create a Distraction-Free Environment

Pick a place where you’ll do your homework every day, and make it as distraction-free as possible. Try to find a location where there won’t be tons of noise, and limit your access to screens while you’re doing your homework. Put together a focus-oriented playlist (or choose one on your favorite streaming service), and put your headphones on while you work. 

You may find that other people, like your friends and family, are your biggest distraction. If that’s the case, try setting up some homework boundaries. Let them know when you’ll be working on homework every day, and ask them if they’ll help you keep a quiet environment. They’ll be happy to lend a hand! 

#2: Limit Your Access to Technology 

We know, we know...this tip isn’t fun, but it does work. For homework that doesn’t require a computer, like handouts or worksheets, it’s best to put all your technology away . Turn off your television, put your phone and laptop in your backpack, and silence notifications on any wearable tech you may be sporting. If you listen to music while you work, that’s fine...but make sure you have a playlist set up so you’re not shuffling through songs once you get started on your homework. 

If your homework requires your laptop or tablet, it can be harder to limit your access to distractions. But it’s not impossible! T here are apps you can download that will block certain websites while you’re working so that you’re not tempted to scroll through Twitter or check your Facebook feed. Silence notifications and text messages on your computer, and don’t open your email account unless you absolutely have to. And if you don’t need access to the internet to complete your assignments, turn off your WiFi. Cutting out the online chatter is a great way to make sure you’re getting your homework done. 

#3: Set a Timer (the Pomodoro Technique)

Have you ever heard of the Pomodoro technique ? It’s a productivity hack that uses a timer to help you focus!

Here’s how it works: first, set a timer for 25 minutes. This is going to be your work time. During this 25 minutes, all you can do is work on whatever homework assignment you have in front of you. No email, no text messaging, no phone calls—just homework. When that timer goes off, you get to take a 5 minute break. Every time you go through one of these cycles, it’s called a “pomodoro.” For every four pomodoros you complete, you can take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.

The pomodoro technique works through a combination of boundary setting and rewards. First, it gives you a finite amount of time to focus, so you know that you only have to work really hard for 25 minutes. Once you’ve done that, you’re rewarded with a short break where you can do whatever you want. Additionally, tracking how many pomodoros you complete can help you see how long you’re really working on your homework. (Once you start using our focus tips, you may find it doesn’t take as long as you thought!)

Two Bonus Tips for How to Do Homework Fast

Even if you’re doing everything right, there will be times when you just need to get your homework done as fast as possible. (Why do teachers always have projects due in the same week? The world may never know.)

The problem with speeding through homework is that it’s easy to make mistakes. While turning in an assignment is always better than not submitting anything at all, you want to make sure that you’re not compromising quality for speed. Simply put, the goal is to get your homework done quickly and still make a good grade on the assignment! 

Here are our two bonus tips for getting a decent grade on your homework assignments , even when you’re in a time crunch. 

#1: Do the Easy Parts First 

This is especially true if you’re working on a handout with multiple questions. Before you start working on the assignment, read through all the questions and problems. As you do, make a mark beside the questions you think are “easy” to answer . 

Once you’ve finished going through the whole assignment, you can answer these questions first. Getting the easy questions out of the way as quickly as possible lets you spend more time on the trickier portions of your homework, which will maximize your assignment grade. 

(Quick note: this is also a good strategy to use on timed assignments and tests, like the SAT and the ACT !) 

#2: Pay Attention in Class 

Homework gets a lot easier when you’re actively learning the material. Teachers aren’t giving you homework because they’re mean or trying to ruin your weekend... it’s because they want you to really understand the course material. Homework is designed to reinforce what you’re already learning in class so you’ll be ready to tackle harder concepts later.

When you pay attention in class, ask questions, and take good notes, you’re absorbing the information you’ll need to succeed on your homework assignments. (You’re stuck in class anyway, so you might as well make the most of it!) Not only will paying attention in class make your homework less confusing, it will also help it go much faster, too.

What’s Next?

If you’re looking to improve your productivity beyond homework, a good place to begin is with time management. After all, we only have so much time in a day...so it’s important to get the most out of it! To get you started, check out this list of the 12 best time management techniques that you can start using today.

You may have read this article because homework struggles have been affecting your GPA. Now that you’re on the path to homework success, it’s time to start being proactive about raising your grades. This article teaches you everything you need to know about raising your GPA so you can

Now you know how to get motivated to do homework...but what about your study habits? Studying is just as critical to getting good grades, and ultimately getting into a good college . We can teach you how to study bette r in high school. (We’ve also got tons of resources to help you study for your ACT and SAT exams , too!)

These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.

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Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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Being Productive at Home: 25 Tips for Students & Remote Workers

The COVID pandemic will eventually pass away, but the enormous societal changes that it has caused are around to stay. We have learned to work and study from home, and we have appreciated the benefits of such a lifestyle.

But positive changes always come with challenges.

Self-motivation, discipline, deadlines, and lack of communication are some of the forces that undermine our productivity at home.

This article is a comprehensive guide to working efficiently and happily from home . You’ll learn how to:

• stay focused
• structure your workflow
• arrange your space
• find your work-life balance
• motivate yourself

These five areas come with 25 pieces of priceless advice. Which ones will work for you?

• 🎯 Staying Focused
• ✅ Structuring Your Workflow
• 🗂️ Organizing Your Space
• 🏄 Keeping Work-Life Balance
• 🌟 Staying Motivated

🔗 References

🎯 4 tips to stay focused.

How can students be productive at home with no one to control them? Distractions attack us from all directions, and when we deal with one of them, another inevitably emerges. There are many ways to concentrate if you use your self-discipline to follow them through.

Tip #1: Be a Monotasker

In times of distance education and working from home, multitasking becomes more tempting than ever. Why not check your email while eating breakfast? Why not do the laundry while listening to that voice mail? Although these two examples are minor and avoidable, other cases are inevitable. For instance, you won’t find a quiet escape from your kids at your home office.

However we look at it, multitasking in your studies, work, and life is a damaging practice.

Researchers at the University of Utah have found that as little as 2.5% of the population can multitask without compromising efficiency. The research analyzed dual-task conditions. And how many of us regularly engage in triple-tasking?

Another study demonstrated that task alteration entails switching time costs that increase according to the tasks’ complexity. Moreover, our brain is more prone to making mistakes when switching between tasks that require active attention. Multitasking does not save you time , no matter how you look at it.

Tip #2: Minimize Distractions

Cal Newport introduced the notion of deep work in his famous book .

Deep work denotes our ability to focus on a demanding task without distraction. This skill is a powerful time-saver that will make you better at any activity you choose and grant you a sense of fulfillment from craftsmanship.

However, most people prefer to spend their days intermingling short periods of productivity with social media, naps, and minor chores.

So, when the fridge is so close, and the boss is so far away, try using the concentration techniques below.

Tip #3: Use a Distraction as a Reward

If a funny cat video or checking on your crush on Facebook is too tempting, promise it to yourself as a reward for a completed share of work. But don’t forget to fix the exact time you can spend indulging in those inefficient activities.

Tip #4: Try Mindfulness Techniques

How can you concentrate on your studies when there are so many other exciting things around? Mindfulness is a strategy to stay in the moment and protect yourself from emotional overload. It has multiple techniques (available in the infographic referred to above), but the most efficient are:

• Mindful breathing is a type of meditation. Observe how you inhale and exhale to practice focusing and de-clutter your mind.
• A mental body scan aims to spot tension in your body and release it. Notice the emotions that emerge in the process.

✅ 6 Tips to Structure Your Workflow

We have 6 answers to the question, “How can I stay focused while working from home?” All of them focus on self-organization and time management. As a result, you will feel less stressed and able to get more things done.

Tip #5: Set Your Goals

Do you remember why you want to be productive in the first place? Most of the time, effort for effort’s sake alone doesn’t work. It helps to have short- and long-term goals to stay motivated and develop healthy work habits.

Imagine your ideal future and think of the steps you’ll need to make it real. The SMART principle can help you with that task. The goals should be:

• S pecific (“learn French,” not “learn a foreign language”);
• M easurable (“get to an intermediate level”);
• A ttainable (“learn ten words per day,” not “speak like a native speaker in 10 years”);
• R elevant (“I need to learn French because…”)
• T ime-bound (“What do I plan to achieve in a week, month, and year?”)

Tip #6: Prioritize

Some people fall into the trap of setting too many goals and drifting between them without getting anything done. We suggest 2 prioritizing strategies:

The most famous: The Eisenhower Matrix

This method teaches you to focus on essential and urgent tasks, skipping or delegating the remaining ones. Specifically, divide all your activities into 4 categories.

The simplest : Select one activity to complete by which you’ll consider your day productive. This method works well for people who feel stressed or burn-out. Besides, newbies in time management will also appreciate its manageability.

Tip #7: Start with Harder Tasks

When you sit down to work, fresh and enthusiastic, you have a high energy level.

The start of your working day the best time to cope with the most challenging assignments.

By the time you complete them, you could feel exhausted. That is time to cope with routine activities that don’t require much attention or mental effort. If you tackle your to-do list the other way around, you’ll always be too tired to manage the tricky things.

However, this strategy doesn’t work for everyone. Start with the most straightforward assignments when you feel depressed or don’t have enough energy. Gradually, you’ll become more involved, and the challenging tasks won’t seem as daunting anymore.

Tip #8: Establish a Routine

Routines and timetables become especially helpful in terms of how to be productive at home for students. When nobody controls your progress and the deadline is the only motivator, work or studies can easily turn into an infinite series of procrastination.

In the evening, write down a plan for the next day and follow it as much as possible.

However, a simple checklist won’t suffice. Start with a resolution to wake up and go to bed at the same time every day. Then put self-development tasks on the schedule. For instance, practicing a sport, learning a foreign language, or developing cooking skills. These activities diversify your life.

Tip #9: Stay Flexible

Meanwhile, don’t go to ridiculous lengths in your planning aspirations.

If you struggle with something on the schedule, postpone it and move on to the next planned point.

Make a workout break or take a breath of fresh air. You’ll return with a refreshed mind and body. Besides, such a time-out is helpful with creative tasks, as breakthrough thoughts tend to visit us when we least expect them.

Tip #10: Add Some Variety

Work or studies from home can quickly become a horse mill. Did you know that you can trick your body and mind by switching between different activities every two hours?

The new activity will be perceived as a form of rest.

Try the same approach with some of the tools mentioned above. For instance, combine the Pomodoro (25 minutes) and Timely techniques (90 minutes).

🗂️ 4 Tips to Organize Your Space

How can you study effectively at home and cut the distractions to a minimum? Below, you’ll find 4 tips on arranging a comfortable, functional, and cozy workplace.

Tip #11: Have a Home Office

Having a well-equipped workplace , which is not a kitchen table or a desk for the children in your family, is an enormous benefit. If you have to clean up the space every time you need to do homework, you will soon start to hate even the thought of your studies.

Tip #12: Think of Your Comfort

We are all so different, but when it comes to comfort, we usually think of the same things:

• Lighting The light should be sufficient and targeted. A small table lamp is better than a powerful ceiling light. Nobody illuminates the entire theater hall during a play if they want the viewers to focus on the stage. Your desk functions in the same way.
• Air temperature and humidity These factors are too subjective to comment in depth here, but a good heating or air conditioning unit can make your education more pleasant.
• No clutter Put away the books after each studying session, not before it. You’ll quickly develop the habit, and always having a neat workplace at hand will inspire you to sit down there more often.
• Pleasant color scale Psychology says we react to some colors better than others. For instance, yellow and orange boost our creativity, and blue enhances concentration.
• Ergonomic furniture This is the most decisive factor. If your back hurts after half an hour of sitting down to work, change the chair.

This infographic offers more tips on arranging a comfortable study space.

Tip #13: Let Others Know You’re Studying or Working

The easiest way to inform your relatives that you are busy is to put a sign on your door. If there are young siblings who can’t read yet, the best solution is to lock the door. Unfortunately, we cannot recommend the same thing for parents who work from home.

Tip #14: Change Locations

When nothing helps, and you are approaching burnout, you need to change the space altogether. Try working from your favorite café or a quiet library. The same advice applies to those with larger families who don’t have a personal space to focus and get in a “flow state.”

🏄 6 Tips to Keep Work-Life Balance

It is sad to admit, but in the struggle to balance work and life, most of us end up ruining both. But if we learn from our mistakes, we’ll see that the following 6 recommendations do work.

Tip #15: Schedule Breaks

You may long to lay down and watch the shadows of trees flicker across the ceiling. But admit it, this isn’t very efficient.

Intersperse your work or studies with housework, sports, or hobbies. You’ll notice how much more you’ll have done by the end of the day.

Besides, the Deep Work strategy described above suggests using any repetitive tasks as a time to work on concepts. For example, a writer can think of a plot twist, and a student can brainstorm arguments for an essay while doing the laundry. As a bonus, you won’t feel like you’re wasting your time while coping with domestic chores.

Tip #16: Make Complete Day Offs

However efficient you would like to be, everyone needs a day off to recharge. Once a week is enough (and most likely, you won’t manage to afford more).

Turn off your computer, go explore nature, or enjoy your friends’ company.

If possible, mute all work chats to avoid thinking of routine problems, and make the most of this day.

Tip #17: Be Physically Active

Physical activities are beneficial in many ways. Good health and high energy levels are just some benefits.

Sports help us develop self-confidence, self-esteem, leadership, and social skills vital in all the other spheres of life.

Besides that, you will grow your discipline, brainpower, passion, and emotional management.

And for those who would like to incorporate sports into their everyday reality, look through these recommendations for college students.

Tip #18: Find Time for Your Loved Ones

Your job or studies are critical, but your life consists of much more. You had a life before accepting this job opportunity or starting classes at college, and one day you’ll find another job or graduate from college.

But the people you love will stay.

Balancing your work and personal life requires deliberate action and time.

Tip #19: Eat & Sleep Well

To remain productive, you have to keep an eye on your basic needs .

• Make sure you have enough uninterrupted hours of rest without checking your email and messages. Home offices don’t have fixed working hours. Thus, we gradually lose the line between work, studies, and free time. American Academy of Sleep Medicine insists on at least seven continuous hours of sleep every night. It helps to put away your smartphone at least 20 minutes before bed. 
• Eat nutritious and diverse products and don’t skimp time on cooking. Ramen and fast-food burgers are not good choices for your body or brain. Research has shown that our diet affects our cognitive abilities. And our brain is an essential tool for most work-from-home people. In this article , you can find some advice on what to eat if you are extremely busy. 

Tip #20: Do What You Love

The more inspiring your work is, the more productive you become. And vice versa, if you hate what you do, it will be difficult to succeed in it. How to know which side you’re on? Imagine you were offered unpaid or charitable fieldwork in your sphere of knowledge. Would you feel enthusiastic or at least consider dedicating your time to the effort? If yes, congratulations! You are one of the lucky ones whose work is also your hobby.

🌟 5 Tips to Stay Motivated

How often have you dreamt of working from home before it became your everyday reality? Didn’t you think your commute time could be used more efficiently? Unfortunately, most of us demonstrate lower productivity at home than at the office or college. Lack of face-to-face communication with like-minded people has a negative effect. Here’s how you can motivate yourself to stop procrastinating.

Tip #21: Visualize Your Dreams

In a work-from-home routine, it is very natural to forget why you chose this occupation in the first place and what you live for in general.

To keep a vision of your future self, paint a picture of your aspirations.

Build on your emotions and spontaneity but don’t forget about your actual intentions. The purpose is not aesthetic value but accuracy. You can use whatever your imagination allows:

• Affirmations and other words

Besides, it´s a great way to decorate a home office and make it sweet and cozy.

Tip #22: Track Your Progress

The board we mentioned above visualizes your goals, but how do you know when you’ve achieved them?

Every long trip consists of lots of small steps.

Make a list of smaller and more manageable tasks for a year, month, and week. Every Sunday, sit down and check how you’ve coped with the tasks for the past week. Write down what you plan to do next. Then, do the same thing at the end of the month and year.

Tip #23: Reward Yourself

Once you’ve divided the bulk of work into smaller chunks, think of how you could reward yourself for completing them.

Be sure to make the prize proportional to the work.

A ten-minute break can be a reward for a small task, and an ice-cream bucket would do for a bigger one.

Tip #24: Find a Buddy

Your surroundings can either motivate you or drain the last drops of your inspiration, depending on your relationships. Avoid toxic people , and instead find a colleague or peer to share your plans. Such buddies can give you that decisive kick in the pants when needed.

Tip #25: Make Things Fun

To paraphrase Einstein’s quote, you cannot resolve a problem from the point where it emerged. Doing the same thing will bring the same result, so look for new approaches. For instance, arrange an online homework marathon or compete with your study buddy in how quickly you can resolve a math task.

If you are a research student, dream of how your hypothesis can improve the life of humanity.

There’s always a place for creativity, particularly when you work at home without onlookers. Even dressing up can sometimes boost your productivity.

Our advice on being productive at home for students may seem obvious, but a thorough, structured approach can work miracles. Try this working “diet” at least for a week and see how much free time you have. Don’t forget to share your impressions and accomplishments with us once you succeed. Thousands of our readers will find inspiration in the story of how you beat procrastination.

• 20 Tips for Working From Home – PCMag  
• 23 Essential Tips for Working Remotely | Inc.com  
• Seven tips for setting up a productive learning space at home  
• Tips for Studying from Home | Counseling Center – University of Washington  
• How to study at home during coronavirus – by online students and tutors  
• How to study efficiently and effectively | SFU Library  
• 5 Ways to Work from Home More Effectively – Harvard Business Review  

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How to Be More Productive

Ridofranz / Getty Images

Characteristics of Productive People

• Pitfalls of Being Unproductive

Can You Be Too Productive?

Being productive means getting the most out of your time. It means being efficient and effective with your work. 

Productivity isn’t about working long hours or frantically typing away at your computer for hours and hours each day. It is all about being smart about how you spend your time to use it in the best way possible.

There are a lot of things you can do to be more productive. You can set goals, create a plan, and use tools and techniques to help you get the most out of your work. You can also learn to manage distractions and stay focused on what’s important. And if you want to be productive, you need to know how to take care of yourself physically and mentally.

Learn how to be more productive and how using your time efficiently can benefit your well-being.

Being more productive isn’t something that happens overnight. While some people might make it look effortless, their ability to plan and utilize their time effectively often has more to do with well-established habits that contribute to higher productivity over time.

There are a number of things you can do to be more productive.

Create a Plan

One of the most important is to set goals and create a plan. If you have a specific goal in mind, you’ll be more likely to work towards it. And if you have a plan of what you need to do, you’ll be more likely to stay on track.

Planning what you need to get done and writing down a plan to accomplish it can improve productivity. Researchers have found that planning activities and utilizing to-do lists help reduce the brain's executive burden of worrying about unfinished tasks, freeing up resources to focus more on other projects, a phenomenon known as the Zeigarnik effect .  

As you develop your plan of action, think about:

• What you need to do
• When you need to have it done by
• How much you’ll need to do each day to reach your goal
• Whether this project is part of a larger goal

Having a plan and creating goals can help you to be more productive. Select your goals and prioritize which ones are the most important. Next, create a schedule that you can stick with. 

Find Tools That Will Help

You can also use tools and techniques to help you get the most out of your work. For example, you can break down your goals into smaller tasks, and use a timer to keep yourself focused. You can also take short breaks to refresh your mind and come back stronger than before.

Staying organized is a top priority if you want to be more productive. Find a daily planner that works for you, whether a paper-based planner or an online website or app. 

Take Care of Yourself

And if you want to be productive, taking care of yourself physically and mentally is essential. Make sure you get enough sleep , eat healthy foods, and take time for yourself daily. This will help you stay energized and focused throughout the day.

Part of caring for yourself also involves knowing when to take breaks . You can’t be productive 24/7, so create a realistic schedule that includes a healthy balance of work, leisure time, and rest. 

Find Ways to Fight Procrastination

Procrastinating until the last minute is a bad habit that can take a toll on your ability to be productive. This tendency is often linked to problems with self-control and time management, but there are strategies you can utilize to help keep you on task.

The first step is figuring out why you keep procrastinating. Some people put things off because they don't know where to begin, while others do it because they have a low tolerance for boredom.

Once you understand the why, you can devise a plan to fight your procrastination habit . You might start by breaking up a task into smaller steps that you need to do daily. Then set a timer and commit to working on it for a certain amount of time. 

Ask for Help When You Need It

You can also maximize your productivity by knowing how and when to ask for help. Delegating some responsibilities can free you up to focus your time on the things that are really going to help you accomplish your goals.

This might involve asking family members to pitch in, or you might opt to pay other people to handle the tasks you don’t have the time or energy to do.

Learn How to Say "No"

In addition to planning what you need to do, you also need to find a way to eliminate unnecessary drains on your time and energy. For many people, this involves learning how to say "no" to distractions and demands.

This isn't always easy, but prioritizing your goals can help you better determine which activities to keep and which ones need to be eliminated.

No matter what you do, remember that being productive doesn’t mean working long hours or constantly being on the go. It means being efficient and effective with your time and using it in the best way possible. So take some time to plan and prepare, find the tools that work for you, and take care of yourself both physically and mentally.

There are many different factors that contribute to a person's productivity levels, including their motivation, personality, and energy levels. People who are productive tend to have a few key characteristics in common. 

Goal-oriented

Mentally tough

Care for themselves

Good at dealing with distractions

Struggle to set goals

Disorganized

Give up easily

Poor self-care

Easily distracted

If you want to be more productive, try to emulate these characteristics. Goal-orientation, organization, focus, self-care, and distraction management are all essential skills for anyone looking to get the most out of their time.

Benefits of Being Productive

Being more productive comes with many benefits, which is why there are so many self-help materials focused on improving productivity. When you’re productive, you can get more done in less time. You’re also more efficient and effective with your work. This means you can accomplish more goals and achieve more success.

People who are healthy and happy also tend to be more productive. They get more sleep, eat healthier foods, and take time for themselves regularly. This helps them stay energized and focused throughout the day. And when you’re healthy and happy, you can achieve even more.

Potential Pitfalls of Being Less Productive

If you tend to feel unproductive, you might worry about the potential impact it might have on your life. The most obvious problem is that being less productive means getting less done. This can lead to missed opportunities and decreased success.

Feeling as if you are not productive can also affect your self-esteem . If you feel like you're not accomplishing the things you need to in life, you might be left questioning your value and self-worth.

However, it is also important to remember that it is not healthy to feel like you have to be productive all the time. You are not a machine, and your worth is not determined by what you can produce.

Having time to decompress, relax, and enjoy life is essential for your mental health, happiness, and overall well-being.

There are times when the quest to be productive can have a negative impact on your mental health. For example, if you tend to be a workaholic or an overachiever, the need to always be productive can lead to a tremendous amount of stress. 

Such stress can make it difficult to relax and can seriously impact your physical and emotional health. It can also contribute to burnout which can leave you feeling exhausted, unfocused, and unable to cope.

Reaching a state of burnout also has a serious detrimental impact on productivity. To avoid this, it is critical to ensure you are taking a balanced approach that allows you to maximize your productivity without taking on too much. Check in with yourself regularly to see that you are taking enough breaks and caring for yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few signs that you’re being productive:

• You’re able to complete tasks on time.
• You’re able to focus and stay on task.
• You’re organized and don’t procrastinate.
• You have a positive attitude and are motivated to achieve your goals.
• You’re taking care of yourself physically and mentally.
• You’re able to ask for help when you need it.
• You can find a system that works for you and stick to it.
• You’re able to keep a positive attitude even when things get tough.
• You can stay focused on your goals even when you feel like giving up.
• You can celebrate your successes and learn from your failures.

Knowing what to do and when to do it can help you stay on track. Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) .  This will help you break them down into manageable steps that you can complete.

It can also be helpful to establish a routine and stick to it as much as possible. This means setting regular times for when you’ll work on specific tasks and taking breaks at consistent intervals. If you find your focus waning, try some quick mental exercises or take a walk to clear your head.

There are many different reasons why people sometimes struggle with productivity. Poor time management and motivation often play a part, but other factors may be involved. You may have a fear of failing, low energy or it's possible that you have a mental health condition.

If you have a difficult time being productive, it may be a good option to speak with a mental health professional .

There are many advantages to being more productive, including getting more done, reaching your goals, and feeling greater accomplishment. Strategies that can help you become more productive include having a plan, utilizing productivity-enhancing tools, caring for yourself, and learning how to prioritize your time can be helpful. 

A Word From Verywell

Remember to give yourself some grace. Productivity looks different for everyone, and there will be days (or even weeks) when you just don’t feel like being productive. Just try to get back on track as soon as possible, and don’t beat yourself up over it. If your lack of productivity (or your tendency to overachieve to the point of exhaustion), consider speaking to a mental health professional.

Masicampo EJ, Baumeister RF. Consider it done! Plan making can eliminate the cognitive effects of unfulfilled goals . J Pers Soc Psychol . 2011 Oct;101(4):667-83. doi:10.1037/a0024192

Schrager S, Sadowski E. Getting more done: Strategies to increase scholarly productivity . J Grad Med Educ . 2016;8(1):10-3. doi:10.4300/JGME-D-15-00165.1

Peiró JM, Kozusznik MW, Rodríguez-Molina I, Tordera N. The happy-productive worker model and beyond: Patterns of wellbeing and performance at work . Int J Environ Res Public Health . 2019;16(3):479. doi:10.3390/ijerph16030479

Pereira H, Feher G, Tibold A, Monteiro S, Esgalhado G. Mediating effect of burnout on the association between work-related quality of life and mental health symptoms . Brain Sci . 2021;11(6):813. doi:10.3390/brainsci11060813

Hilton MF, Scuffham PA, Sheridan J, Cleary CM, Vecchio N, Whiteford HA. The association between mental disorders and productivity in treated and untreated employees .  J Occup Environ Med . 2009;51(9):996-1003. doi:10.1097/JOM.0b013e3181b2ea30

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

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• How to be productive at home: 11 tips t ...

How to be productive at home: 11 tips to promote efficiency

When it comes to working from home, being productive can be a challenge. From animals to house chores, there are a lot of distractions that can wreak havoc on your efficiency. In this article, we cover 11 tips to help you build—and stick—to a routine and increase your productivity at home.

When your animals need attention or your laundry needs folding, how do you stay efficient while still enjoying the comforts of home?

To help you get your tasks done while working from home, we put together 11 of the best tips to promote productivity and efficiency. By following these best practices, you’ll be able to perform at your best while enjoying all of the benefits of working in your PJs. 

1. Prioritize a morning self care routine

Productivity isn’t something that just appears mid-afternoon. Your work day begins when you sit down to get started, but you can set your daily intentions from the moment you wake up in the morning. Whether it’s starting your day with an aromatic cup of coffee or fitting in a quick workout, creating a healthy routine is essential to promote your best self and work.

An effective morning routine should energize you for the day and inspire you to bring your very best to the virtual office. While everyone’s morning routine will be unique, try:

Fitting in a workout such as yoga, biking, or floor exercises like lunges.

Making a healthy breakfast like eggs or vegetables.

Journaling to reduce stress or practice affirmations. 

You can also enlist an accountability partner such as a roommate or family member to ensure you stick to your routine. When you feel good in the morning, you’re best equipped to meet the rest of your day with positivity and motivation. 

2. Prep household tasks ahead of time

When it comes to staying productive during the day, daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning can derail you from your work time. To combat this, try prepping these tasks before the workday begins. 

For example, meal prep the night before or even the Sunday before a busy work week if you’re able to. This ensures cooking breakfast or lunch won’t derail you from getting your work done. 

The same goes for cleaning. If you’re someone who can’t get work done until the housework is complete and the dishes are sparkling, clean up the night before or first thing in the morning. Once you get used to the daily routine of prepping, small household chores won’t eat up your workday, keeping you more productive.

3. Organize tasks and connect them to goals

We all have our written, personal to-do lists that we love to cross off. But workplace to-do lists are also a great way to organize, and prioritize your work—not to mention the serotonin boost you get from marking a to-do as “done.”

When it comes to staying productive, writing down your objectives for the day can help prioritize your most important tasks. This ensures you complete your high impact work first. 

If you don’t already use a workplace to-do list, try the following steps to get started:

Gather your tasks for the week. List all of your work in one place—like a project management tool —so you have a single, central source of truth.  

Identify which tasks need to be completed first. These are your most important tasks for the week. They might be important because there are other task dependencies waiting on this one, or they might be important because they’re directly contributing to your team’s strategic objectives . When you understand your work priorities, you can more effectively organize your to-do list to maximize your high-impact work. 

Prioritize the tasks at the top of your list. Whether you do them first thing in the morning or save them for your afternoon sprint, make sure you have a visual on the tasks that need to get done for the day so nothing slips through the cracks. 

Check off each completed to-do . Checking things off just feels good, plain and simple. Plus, checking off your to-do lists will give you a clear, organized view of what you’ve done for the day and what’s still left on the docket.

While writing down your tasks is helpful, a to-do list tool makes it easy to adjust deadlines, connect tasks to goals, and communicate with team members—all in the same place. 

4. Minimize noise to prevent distractions

One big challenge to learning how to work from home is learning to overcome new challenges. The most common challenges we face at home are home life distractions. 

Distractions come in many forms. From children running around to the TV on in the background, the daily commotion around you can impact your productivity.

Luckily, there are a few strategies to help you regain control. Try following these three steps throughout your workday:

Designate a room (if available) where you can close the door while working. 

Use noise-canceling headphones to minimize outside sound. 

Communicate to your housemates that you need quiet time during work hours. 

All three methods can help limit daily distractions and ensure you get your work done on time.

5. Designate a separate workspace

When it comes to where you work, it’s important to designate a workspace that fits your needs. One of the most important workspace considerations is finding where you’ll be least distracted. Beyond the location of your workspace, it’s important to create a place you feel comfortable spending time in every day. 

It’s a good idea to surround yourself with the resources you need to do your work. These resources might include the usual things like headphones, notebooks, and pens as well as:

An ergonomic chair that doesn’t hurt your back. 

Decor that helps reduce stress.

A standing desk to keep your body mobile. 

We don’t always have the best home workspace setup—and that’s okay. Regardless of whether you’re working from a separate room or your kitchen counter, there are still steps you can take to differentiate your workspace. Finding ways to differentiate your workspace will make switching from personal life to professional easier.

For example, you might try using:

A candle to cue the start of your day.

A tablecloth to associate with your workspace (that you remove once the work day is over).

No matter where you designate your desk and how you design your space, ensure that it’s a place that energizes you for the day and promotes efficiency.

6. Mute app notifications from 9am–5pm

One of the easiest ways to become distracted is by excessively checking personal and professional apps. From Slack to social media, five minutes can turn into 50 in no time, so it’s key to mute notifications to prevent distraction.

While it can be hard to leave your phone alone all day, there are some ways you can prevent yourself from picking it up. For example, you can turn on distraction mode which will mute app notifications. Another option is to use a physical phone lockbox. With a lockbox, you can set a timer for the amount of time you want to be distraction free. This is especially helpful if you’re procrastinating on a task and can’t seem to complete it with your phone being an easy distraction. 

Some teams even choose to lock certain social media channels from being accessed on your computer altogether. Whatever way you achieve this, be sure to avoid all social media during work hours. 

You can face the same challenges with work apps. Notifications can derail you from flow state and prevent you from hitting due dates. Mute app notifications during these periods of deep work to stay productive. 

7. Schedule time to connect with your team

On days when you feel disconnected from your teammates, motivating your remote team can be that much harder. That’s why it’s key to communicate and collaborate with your team members as often as possible.

To combat disconnect, keep an open dialogue with your team by connecting virtually and encouraging collaboration. A good way to get started is to lead virtual coffee meetings where team members get to know each other and talk openly about work or their personal lives. Another way is to hold office hours and open brainstorming sessions to encourage 1:1 time between your team. This builds a better group dynamic and contributes to healthy organizational culture .  

8. Balance your work and personal life

Remote workers are re-learning the boundaries of work and personal life. Without the clear separator of the office and home, it can be challenging to know when to leave work on your desk and when to focus on your home life. 

Ignoring these boundaries can lead to burnout . In fact, 71% of workers experienced burnout in 2020 . Knowing the signs of being overworked and prioritizing work-life balance is key. Encourage your team members to leave work on their desks at the end of the day and enjoy the activities that make them happy in their personal lives. These activities can include spending time with family, going on walks, and reading a good book. 

You can take this one step further by empowering team members to take advantage of their flexible schedule by offering early sign-off days. And, remember to use your own PTO to prioritize your personal agenda.

9. Manage your time effectively

Working from home comes with its own set of boundaries—from work hours being blurred to virtual meetings throughout the day. Managing your time effectively can prevent procrastination and ensure you get your most important work completed on time.  

There are a few different time management tips that can help you manage your time more effectively. 

Try the eat the frog method to identify challenging tasks first thing in the morning.

Use the time blocking technique to break your work week into manageable time slots to check your email or work on projects. 

Prevent procrastination and boost focus with the Pomodoro Technique .

It’s particularly important to combat Parkinson’s Law —which states that your work will expand to fill the time allotted for its completion. To avoid this problem, make sure you’re scheduling time blocks for your daily tasks to ensure you get your important work done. 

10. Don’t forget to walk, stretch, and move

Sitting inside can be stifling at times—especially without your team members there to talk to. Whether you’re alone at your home office or not, it’s helpful to go for brisk walks throughout the day .

Going for a brisk walk can clear your mind and inspire you to come back to work refreshed. Even simply sitting outside with your favorite drink in hand can be quite rejuvenating. 

However you choose to get fresh air, getting outside will lead to better work solutions, encourage better work-life balance , and help you focus on your high-impact work when you get back to your desk.

11. Reduce app switching

From juggling video calls to managing your work environment, there’s a lot to tackle in a given day. App overload is increasing multitasking and decreasing productivity. In fact, workers switch 25 times per day across 10 apps to do their work, with 1 in 4 relying on outdated tools like spreadsheets to manage their work.

Work-related tasks, such as searching for information and answers, lead to more work about work. These tasks are a problem for productivity and teams as a whole.  Instead, use organization tools to better manage multiple projects and push your time management skills to the next level. 

By putting all of your plans and projects in one place, you can keep a level head while balancing your busy schedule and all the distractions of working from home. Organizational tools help you keep track of priorities, streamline your workflows, and make plans clear for your team members. 

Boost productivity with remote work tools

When it comes to having a productive day at home, family members, inadequate office space, and a busy schedule can make it difficult to get your work done. You also want to keep your mental health top of mind and partake in activities you enjoy in your free time. 

It’s all about the perfect balance, but it’s not impossible to achieve. Using the above 11 productivity tips can help you create new habits over time that improve not just your productivity but your overall happiness too. 

If you’re looking for help connecting your remote team while improving efficiency, try remote work software. Plan projects, coordinate work, and achieve your goals with Asana.

Related resources

6 ways to develop adaptability in the workplace and embrace change

Unmasking impostor syndrome: 15 ways to overcome it at work

How to track utilization rate and drive team profitability

30-60-90 day plan: How to onboard new hires with ease

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

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How to lead a more productive life at home and work

To boost your productivity, you don't need to massively change your work life or routine. There are ways to get more done by cutting out distractions and making small changes to how you behave.

Sometimes, it's even the smallest things that can make the biggest impact. For instance, turning off unwanted push notifications on your phone or using the first hour of your day more effectively. Here are some of the best tips from the people who know hot to get things done.

Italian architect and MIT Senseable City Lab director Carlo Ratti used internet-of-things technology alongside architectural innovation in his recent renovations of the Agnelli Foundation headquarters. His design allowed each worker to tailor their space to their own needs while also encouraging interaction with colleagues. Workers could, for example, personalise their temperature and lighting preferences via an app connected to sensors around the office. They "create a kind of thermal bubble, which follows each individual, allowing better comfort and a reduction of energy waste", Ratti says.

Canadian Sherry Coutu is known as one of the UK’s leading performers in tech. She is a serial entrepreneur, angel investor and CEO of Founders4Schools, and she has a few secrets for carving out time to get it all done. Start your day early, finish the working week on Friday, find time for exercise and make time for home life are among her priorities. "I've got a rule: 20 out of 30 nights I've got to be home by 6pm. I have three kids and a husband, and I want to be there with them. I introduced the rule about ten years ago. Life had been quite hectic - and if you don't decide that you'll be at home for a certain amount of time, you'll find yourself never there,” she says.

Brothers Chip and Dan Heath are authors of the book The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact , where they argue for the importance of creating meaningful experiences at work to have a more positive impact - even that’s in a mundane meeting. “It will improve employee engagement, employee retention and employee loyalty. It matters to people when you pay attention to the moments that mean something,” says Dan. They suggest embracing big moments such as the first day of work, a promotion, or a milestone reached such as the first time managing an employee. But, the more boring work moments can be turned into positive experiences too by doing things a bit differently.“Holding a stand-up meeting, taking a walk or inviting a customer to join a meeting about customer issues. Depending on the meeting, there are a hundred different ways you could break the script,” says Dan.

How you spend the first hour after waking up in the morning sets the standard for your productivity for the rest of the day. WIRED asked leaders in business what they do before they’ve even eaten breakfast. Some of the common themes were reading, meditation, and exercise - taking a moment to yourself without any distractions - and taking some time to get on top of emails. Mo Gawdat, chief business officer at Google, says he has spent the first hour of his day for the past 30 years learning about a new topic. “I invest in the fitness of my brain before going to the gym. I don't read news or fiction; I choose a focus and read about it until I've mastered it,” he says.

Freddie Blackett is the co-founder and CEO of online gardening startup, Patch. The app helps city-dwellers pick the best plants for an indoor environment that can be tricky for flora to thrive in because of quickly fluctuating temperatures and lack of sunlight. But, its worth investing in them because they add more to an office than a decorative touch: psychologists have found that they can improve employee satisfaction and can increase productivity by up to 15 per cent. Blackett advises setting up a staff rota to water and feed the plants as needed, so they don't get neglected. "Inevitably, plants will die; they are living organisms," he says. "But if you have more plants survive than die, then you're on to something good."

Despina Katsikakis is an expert on how design impacts business performance and her latest project aims to address this on a huge scale: encouraging a sense of community in the giant skyscraper under construction at 22 Bishopsgate in the City of London that will accommodate 12,000 workers. “The majority of office design focuses on reducing the cost of the space rather than on inspiring people to do better work,” she says. But there is a shift happening and her tips to embracing this include creating spaces specifically for employees who need to get away from it all and focus and offering extra learning courses after work. “It’s a bit like the old-fashioned idea of going to the pub,” says Katsikakis. “But with more knowledge exchange attached to it.”

Our digital lives can be just as chaotic and distracting as our ones IRL but Ofer Bergman and Steve Whittaker have some tips to keeping it in check. Our current system we use to manage our digital lives are outdated and insufficient say the authors of The Science of Managing Our Digital Stuff . But they’ve developed a new system to overcome this, which includes organising files that you want to keep but don’t need into a visible but separate part of a folder; storing information according to the project it belongs to, regardless of the format it's kept on; and recording notes on lecture while recording the audio and taking photos of the slides at the same time, which will give us a better recollection when referring back to our notes later.

In his latest book, Tribe of Mentors , productivity guru Tim Ferriss asks over 100 high achievers for their top life tips. One that he lives by ? Avoiding the number seven when making decisions. “One thing that came up twice, from an athlete and a CEO, was ranking opportunities from one to ten but not using seven,” he says. “If you go to a restaurant and you ask the waiter or waitress how good the steak is from one to 10, seven is a cop-out number that a lot of people use to answer, because it's non-committal,” says Ferriss. “As soon as you remove seven, it can either be a six, which is barely a passing grade, or it's an eight, which is very excited. … It makes decisions a lot faster and a lot easier.”

Plantronics CEO Joe Burton says the best way to manage distracting background noise is with more background noise. At its Hoofddorp workspace, Plantronics is doing just that - and it seems to be working. Burton says this is because not all sound is created equally - the intelligibility of a conversation is what creates interference. His tips for boosting productivity with noise includes waterfalls in the office that act as a visual reference point to the sound of babbling water played on speakers around the office. Having designated concentration areas around the office also helps workers when they want to focus without any noise at all.

Push notifications for email, texts, social media notifications, the news, the weather, are detrimental to our productivity argues Dan Ariely, James B Duke professor of psychology and behavioural economics at Duke University, North Carolina. Recent studies show that 50 per cent of Americans keep their phone near them during every moment of their waking hours, and 50 percent of them check their phone at least several times an hour. A recent study he conducted found people were much more likely to make errors and not pay attention to their main task if they were interrupted by notifications from their phone - such as a text or a call. He says to boost our productivity, it's important to recognise not all emails and texts are created equal and therefore don’t warrant immediate notification - so just turn them off.

This article was originally published by WIRED UK

15 Helpful, No-Fluff Productivity Tips For College Students

//Wake Up Earlier

The early bird catches the worm, right? College students are notorious for staying up late. It just seems like a given. Especially if you have later classes. I’m not telling you to wake up at 5 AM every day (I certainly don’t). Start by waking up an hour before you need to and go from there. For example, if you have an 11 AM class, wake up at 8:30. You can go to bed at around 1 AM, get enough sleep, and still have enough time to do something productive in the morning before class.

//Use A Planner

I am guilty of not following this tip. At the beginning of the school year, I’m incredibly on top of my planner, but slowly stop using it. This affects my productivity and my sanity because I forget to do things sometimes. This shows in your grades. A planner will also help you manage your time wisely. There’s a reason this tip is in every productivity book and blog post you read.

//Get Dressed And Feel Put Together

I could write a whole post on the importance of getting dressed. (In fact, I probably will!) Looking good is not the goal. Sure, that’s a great way to feel confident, but being well-dressed and put together will help you get more done. Personally, I don’t get as much work done when I’m wearing my pajamas because that gets me in a mindset where I want to lounge around and do nothing. That’s why I get dressed every day. When I look like I’m ready to do something productive, I do something productive.

The same goes for working out. A lot of people feel motivated to exercise when they’re wearing workout clothing. Getting dressed sometimes gives you the push you need to get stuff done.

//Set Daily, Weekly, And Monthly Goals

You don’t necessarily need to do all of them. If you’ve been here a while, you know that I used to post my monthly goals on this site. I stopped because it stopped being productive for me. As a college student, my routine was broken up by weeks, so making weekly goals made more sense. I’d set goals for studying, my blog, and everything else weekly. This process may be different for other people. For people who own businesses, it would make more sense to set quarterly goals rather than weekly goals because that’s how their projects naturally line up. Choose what works for you, but make sure that you are always setting goals.

//Make An Assignment List Based On Your Syllabus

At the beginning of the semester, create a long list in chronological order of all the dates your professor gave you. Throughout the semester, cross things off as you go. This way, you’ll know exactly what is due the soonest and what takes priority.

Create something like that listing all your assignments for the semester. Color coding wouldn’t hurt.

//Don’t Listen To Music While You Work

I know. I know. You’re one of those people that can multitask and “work well with music,” but I’m here to tell you a secret. You’ll work faster without it. Music is fine when you are doing things like folding laundry or cleaning your room because you’re doing it passively. Your brain doesn’t need to focus that much. But when you’re writing an essay or studying, the music will distract you. Even if you can study well with music on, it doesn’t mean you’re studying efficiently. I used to be one of those people who would leave music on in the background, but ever since I stopped, I get work done SO much faster. (All caps doesn’t do this lesson justice). Don’t listen to music when you work!

However, I do need some ambient noise when I work. I live in a house (with incredibly thin walls) with six other people after all. I usually just turn on the fan in my room and put a towel over it so it doesn’t get cold (it also makes it louder). You could also use a white noise machine. You’ll end up finishing your work much faster and you can use that extra time to do other things you enjoy.

//Clean Your Room

Having a messy workspace is distracting and it certainly doesn’t motivate you to get things done. There’s a reason I never get anything done in my room. Many people, like me, get significantly more work done at the library or at Starbucks. This is because those places are generally tidy. Unfortunately, we can’t work outside all the time. We have to make it work at home, too.

Before I can get any work done on my desk, I have to make my bed. Even if all else is messy, making my bed makes me feel like I have my life together. Sometimes I fold the clothes piled up on my chair as well, so I can actually sit at my desk. This means there are less distractions for me and I can get to work.

//Only Check Your Email And Social Media Twice A Day

I’ve gotten really good at this, recently. Another way you could do this is by only checking social media in the bathroom. I’m sure you do this anyway, so you might as well make it your designated social media time. That way, you won’t waste as much time on your phone when you should be studying.

During midterms and finals, the gym is significantly more empty. During this time, I heard one of the trainers say,

“So many students don’t come to the gym during midterms because they “don’t have time.” Working out makes your day more productive. Not less.”

And I have to admit that I agree. During the school year, I work out 4-5 days a week. This isn’t because I’m a health nut (far from one actually). I just feel so much more energized  after I work out and crossing that item off my to-do list motivates me to be more productive. Moving your body is also an important part of  self-care , so don’t avoid it.

Related  –  A Practical Guide To Working Out Regularly In College

//Carve Out Time In Your Schedule To Relax

You can’t work productively without taking breaks. Studying for 8 hours straight is not the answer. Studying for 2 hours, then taking a 30 minute break is. Make sure there are moments in your day you can relax like reading on the train or watching Netflix while you eat lunch. Taking a break never hurt anyone.

Related –  How To Take Intentional Breaks In College

//Organize Your Desk And Your Desktop

My desk tends to be pretty clean. I just have a framed photo and a pencil holder. Other than that, my desk is clear. (The bulletin board in front of it is where my decorations live.) My desktop, on the other hand, is a mess. It’s an organized mess, but a mess. I recently cleaned up my desktop, and oh my lord, it’s beautiful. It’s much more relaxing than seeing a bunch of blog post images, old essays, and other random icons. Cleaning up my desktop has given me peace of mind and makes working on my computer so much more productive.

//Work At Your Desk

Whenever I work on my bed (which is something I do more than I’d like to admit), I end up surfing through Pinterest, reading blogs, and watching Netflix. This is because I associate my bed with relaxing. Don’t get me wrong, I do get work done on my bed, but I could get the same amount of work done faster if I worked at my desk. This is because I’m sitting in a chair instead of lying around waiting for dinner time. Sit at your desk and stay there.  Keep snacks and a bottle of water with you  so you’re not tempted to get up and get to work. I can work for an hour straight on my desk, while I take frequent breaks when I work on my bed. It just makes more sense to study at my desk.

//Work Outside Your Work space Sometimes

Don’t work at Starbucks everyday because you’ll waste more money than necessary, but as I’ve mentioned before, people tend to work more productively in places that aren’t their homes. You’ve heard me say this before: I try to get all my work done on campus because I’m a lot more focused there than at home. I’ve gotten a good chunk of my blog work done at my local library this summer because I write much faster while I’m here. (I take more breaks at home). A change of scenery is always a good idea in my book. Moving your work space to your dining table works, too.

//Pay Attention In Class

This way, you won’t need to study as much at home. Just hear me out, you’re paying for these classes anyway, so don’t skip them and don’t waste your time. You’ll be a lot more prepared for the test if you sit and listen to your professors’ lectures. This way, you won’t have to waste your time scouring textbooks looking for important information. Your teacher will have already given it to you! I get that some professors aren’t great at teaching, but they’ll give you important information in regard to your tests. Don’t waste that opportunity.

//Know Your Natural Rhythm

I don’t get as much work done first thing in the mornings. When I first wake up, I’m not in the mood to do homework and study. My brain isn’t ready yet. I need an hour or two to get the gears going (which is why waking up earlier gives me more time to do that). My energy is better served in making my bed or working out. I get significantly more work done in the afternoons, then hit a slump in the evenings. I know my natural rhythms. I understand when I’m most productive and when to do the right things. My rhythms probably aren’t the same as yours, and that’s okay. Just make sure that you schedule things around your natural rhythms.

Your natural rhythms can change, so update your routine to accommodate that.

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Sincerely Students

7 Powerful Habits Of Highly Productive Students

Productivity

Everyone wants to get more done in less time, right?

Maybe you want to finish your homework quickly so you can watch your favorite show later. But you keep getting distracted, so you end up doing only half of your homework and missing the episode.

Does that sound familiar to you? If so, you’re at the right place.

Productivity doesn’t have to be difficult nor confusing. There are small but powerful things you can do right now to start becoming a highly productive person.

Check out these 7 simple yet powerful tricks that will help you become a productivity machine !

Use The Eisenhower Matrix

The Eisenhower Matrix is also known as the “Urgent-Important Matrix”, and is named after the 34th President of the United States– Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The Matrix lets you determine the priorities of your tasks. The Matrix has 2 parameters: importance and urgency. Here’s an example of how it works (I’ve included some sample tasks to help you understand):

By using the Matrix, you can determine which tasks you need to do ASAP, which tasks you can do later, which tasks you can ask others to do, and which tasks (or bad habits) to cut completely.

It’s super helpful to everyone who has both short and long-term projects , as well as those who find themselves pushing off the big projects until it’s too late.

You can download a free printable of the Eisenhower Matrix in my Freebie Library !

Break Things Down

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by big and bulky tasks. In order to tackle things like that, you can break it down into smaller pieces.

Nobody wants to sit down for 6 hours at a time to complete a project. Especially if you don’t really enjoy doing that thing. But it becomes a lot easier when the project is divided into a dozen 30-minute tasks.

However, a SUPER important thing to remember is that you are the one actively dividing up the project . You are controlling how much time you spend or how much you get done, not the other way around.

This means you must decide (in advance) how you’re going to divide up the project and stick with it. If you planned to complete 10 practice problems each day, you are not going to answer 7 questions today then give up and do 13 tomorrow.

Planning ahead will give you structure in your daily activities. It will also keep you on task and hold you accountable.

Let’s take an example.

You have a really important research essay to write, and it has to have at least 5 body paragraphs and 2000 words. You decide to break it down and plan small tasks over 9 days. Here’s what your plan looks like:

Day 1 & 2: Research & find at least 5 sources

Day 3 & 4: Research additional sources if needed create an essay outline

Day 5 & 6: Write the essay

Day 7 & 8: Revise the essay

Day 9: Extra day for more revision

By making a plan like this, you’re setting mini-goals each day to act as stepping stones to your final goal; they help you stay motivated and productive. You can even plan each day to the hour and make it super detailed. 

Of course, you want to plan your tasks according to your own abilities and workload . This is the beauty of planning ahead! You can divide tasks however you’d like to maximize your own productivity.

You can’t plan without a planner ! Planners help you keep track of all the mini-goals you make, and you can reference it every time you forget what your to-do list is. And, planners can help you plan out the month, week, or even day into super-detailed schedules to help you stay on task and be ultra-productive.

This Undated Productivity Journal will help you do all that! It’s packed with pages of spreads and schedules and is the ultimate and  only planner you’ll need. You can set  long-term goals, weekly goals, daily priority tasks, and more. It’s the most intuitive yet effective planner I’ve used, so I definitely recommend checking it out. 

Find Your Peak Hours

Some people are early birds and get all their work done before anyone else is even awake. Others are night owls who find bursts of inspiration at 1 am. Many are somewhere in between.

Determine when you are most productive and make use of that burst of energy! If you get the most done in the afternoon between 1 pm and 5 pm,  plan ahead and assign yourself the most tasking work then.

Meanwhile, if you find yourself pretty much  brain-dead in the mornings, take that time to relax and prepare for the day. There’s no use trying to force productivity!

Schedule Breaks

Breaks are underrated. 

Taking a break is super important to help you replenish energy during the day so you can become even more productive after your break! 

When you’re planning out your day, remember to leave 5-15 minutes of nothing between your tasks. Let’s go back to the essay example!

You’re on the 5th day of the research essay, and you’ve begun writing the essay body. Plan out your schedule so that you write for about 25 minutes, and then rest for 5 minutes. This is called the Pomodoro Technique, and it’s very well-known in the productivity world.

Giving yourself  extra time to complete a task is also a great form of scheduling breaks. Let’s say you usually take 2 hours to complete your school homework. In your planner , give yourself an extra 15-20 minutes to complete homework!

When you leave some buffer time, your subconscious feels a sense of achievement after you complete the task “early” and feels extra motivated and productive for your next task.  It’s a win-win situation!

Separate Leisure From Work

As I mentioned in my last post, How To Set Up Your Desk For Maximum Productivity , having different areas for relaxing and for working is super important. Over time, your body automatically goes into “grind mode” at your work area (usually your desk).

This means that if you sometimes do homework at your desk and other times in your bed, your body gets confused . You won’t be able to maximize productivity in either of those areas.

Similarly, if you occasionally switch between studying and playing games at your desk, your subconscious can’t tell what the desk is actually for. What are you actually wanting to do when you sit down at your desk?

Therefore, you must separate your study area from your relaxation area. This shouldn’t be too hard! You can dedicate your desk (and only your desk) to productive work, and everywhere else (like your bed or the dining table) to games and relaxing.

Make sure to check out my last post to learn how to properly  set up your desk to be the most productive you can! Especially during online school, it’s crucial to have an organized area where you can focus and be highly productive.

Take Care Of Your Body

Last but certainly not least, you  must take good care of your body. Without a healthy, functioning body, you dan’t do anything except trying to get better!

Here are  just a couple things you should make sure to do every single day :

• Drink enough water
• Get at least 7-8 hours of sleep
• Don’t skip breakfast
• Stretch/exercise after sitting for a long time
• Rest your eyes after staring at a screen for a long time

And of course, while COVID-19 is still going around, remember to wear a mask, avoid big crowds, and wash your hands often!

Everyone wants more time to do things they want. But not everyone looks for ways to be productive. So if you read this post, congrats! You’re already halfway to being a highly productive person!

If you’re looking for more posts on productivity, check out these related posts:

• Ultimate 5 Day Guide To Become Insanely Productive
• The Ultimate Guide To Studying From Home
• How To Build Consistency In Everything You Do

How to Be Productive, Feel Less Overwhelmed, and Get Things Done

By Endy Austin

This guide is based on 5 years of applying techniques from Behavioral Psychology and research on productivity. I've used it as a developer, mentor, and creator. And it works.

If you remember only one lesson from this post, it's this:

The productivity techniques that work are built on principles. Not quick hacks. Or fancy tools.

If you understand and apply this, you'll be able to keep a clear head and stay focused. And it'll come in handy especially when things blow up out of proportion.

What this post will cover

• Part I: Processes >> Tools

Part II: What to do when you can't stop procrastinating

Part iii: put sanity over execution.

Let's jump into it.

Part I: Processes >> tools

Whenever you feel overwhelmed, it’s likely because the process you have in place is failing you. Not the tools.

And a sound process will beat fancy tools, any day.

Before I understood this, I struggled with consistent productivity. The keyword here is consistent.

Anyone can be productive once in a while, but it takes a certain level of finesse to do it consistently.

Back then, I did a lot of things. But I constantly felt like I was missing something. My approach was speed and execution over anything else. This works in the short term but it's not sustainable long term.

I knew life hacks here and there, and tried every tool under the sun including the popular ones:

• Evernote : Your notes. Organized. Effortless.
• Google Keep : Quickly capture what’s on your mind.
• One Note : The digital note-taking app for your devices.
• Any.Do : To do list app with Calendar, Planner, & Reminders.
• Todoist : The to do list to organize work & life.

Oh and I tried Trello at least 3x because everyone swore it was the greatest app ever.

But I couldn’t stand it.

Every few months, I’d jump between apps.

Once in a while, I'd ditch digital and go all paper. But then I'd forget my notebook at home or hate to carry it around because it couldn’t fit in my pocket.

Nothing worked – I still felt overwhelmed with tasks to complete. But over time, I learned that:

The best tool used with the wrong process feels like a failed tool.

So I shifted my approach to focus on processes. And it worked. My productivity and time management skills skyrocketed.

It doesn't matter what app you prefer to use, these 4 simple processes I share can be used in your favorite todo app .

Mine happens to be Google Keep. But as you read through, I want you to replace “Google Keep” with “Todoist” , “One Note” , or whatever app you love the most.

Focus on the big picture of how things fit because this is the most important aspect of using any tool.

Make sense?

Let’s get to it!

1) Find your single source of truth

I use Google Keep as my single source of truth that feeds into other productivity tools. This means it’s my first stop.

First stop for:

• Grocery list
• Workout plans
• Strategy for finances
• Netflix shows to checkout
• Any random thought that crosses my mind

Each of these have their own labels so capturing things usually takes a few taps on my phone or three clicks on a Chrome tab that’s always open with Google Keep.

From there I move to Calendar for fixed appointments and to eyeball how much time meetings consume per week.

Then Trello for team tracking collaborations.

Next, I switch between Notes for personal writing or Google docs for collaborations. What’s interesting here is that most of my write ups start in Keep on my phone.

Including this write-up.

When it starts getting longer I switch to my laptop and copy out the content from Google Keep web into Notes or Google Docs.

Any time it feels like I need special formatting or I get the itch to write in my favorite font ( Montserrat font ), it’s a sign that I need to switch to a writing tool.

Switching to another tool isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

But not many believe that.

If finding your single source of truth is the only idea you put to action right away, you'll see a dramatic change.

But if you miss this, you'll struggle with staying afloat when you start feeling overwhelmed. Trust me, things will get overwhelming.

2) Stop chasing the everything app

This one is a little controversial.

And in the past, some have contested my stance especially after a new tool becomes popular (e.g. Notion ).

Most people try to hack their favorite productivity app to become a writing app, a collaboration tool, a calendar app, an EVERYTHING tool.

The fact is that no one tool will address everything.

I made this mistake for so long.

Trust me, you’re better off picking up a single source of truth and then building others around it.

• It’s fine to use Keep and Trello.
• It’s fine to have Notion and Notes.
• It’s fine to use a todo reminder and calendar.

One doesn’t have to replace the other. They can complement each other.

3) It's not paper OR digital – it's paper AND digital

Once in a while I get the itch to write on paper.

That feeling is especially strong when I’m planning big goals. I love to map out everything in front of me.

And writing with my favorite pen keeps the ideas flowing.

In paper situations, I scribble all on paper then when I get done, I take a screenshot and add it under the relevant label in Keep.

Example, if you saw my “big ideas” label you’d see a lot of screenshots in there.

I also do this when white-boarding with colleagues on a coding project or brainstorming sessions.

• Take picture.
• Add to specific label.

Then I trash the paper.

Multiple years of writing on paper has taught me that the paper I write on only feels good in the moment.

A few weeks later and it looks like I’ve got paper trash all over the place.

So I screenshot and trash ASAP.

This process satisfies both my digital access to my planner (beats small notebooks any day). But it also lets me scratch my paper itch whenever it comes up.

I'm not loyal to only digital or only paper. That's nonsense.

I'm more interested in what helps me reduce my overwhelming workload. And using both works well.

You may want only paper or only digital. That's okay. Just remember you don't have to feel you must only use one to be productive.

Some recommend Rocketbook (a smart notebook) . It is a reusable notebook that lets you write, upload to the cloud, and then wipe the page clean!

I’ve never used it but wanted to highlight this in case you find it useful.

4) Review often – weekly, monthly, yearly

Every morning on weekdays I go through Keep on my laptop to see things that should be top of mind that day.

This is key to proactively prevent me from getting to a place where I feel overwhelmed with tasks because too many things slipped through.

During the day, I add things to Keep either from my phone or laptop. The cycle continues until Friday.

Every Friday, I go through my Keep to clean up any tasks that fell through or that should move into other tools.

Then repeat.

Following this process gets you right in the heart of smashing things efficiently but sometimes, procrastination blocks your progress.

Do you know that 80% of us fail to fulfill our New Year’s resolutions ?

That's crazy.

Sadly, procrastination plays a big role in this.

But no worries, you can beat procrastination through these three techniques: reducing your “perfect” goals, clarifying your next actions, and modifying your steps through Behavioral Psychology.

Let's dig into these one by one.

1) Reduce your first move from “A+” to “B”

If you're a perfectionist, you'll procrastinate. If you goal is too big to take a first step, you'll procrastinate.

If you're a procrastinating perfectionist, you'll feel paralyzed and frustrated many times because your big goals remain in your head with zero actions in reality.

You'll take zero actions because you want all your steps to be perfect.

To fix your procrastination as a perfectionist, start with a “B” goal instead of “A+”. This means you should go back and change your first step to be “good enough” instead of “perfect”.

2) Clarify the next, tiny action

Whenever it’s not crystal clear what you’re supposed to work on next, your mind will stop you from moving forward.

For example, your todo list has:

Build the best portfolio page to get a job. Then create amazing landing page to show off to everyone.

• What does “best” mean?
• What type of programming projects should I have in my portfolio?
• Is it smart to build my app from scratch or use an existing template?
• Which language should I learn? How long? When? How?

When you have too many floating thoughts in your head, your mind runs away from any actions and falls back into procrastination.

The cure is to spend 90 seconds and answer:

What is the smallest, next action for the task I want to achieve?

For example:

• If you’re building a portfolio, the next tiniest action is open up a document and write up a rough plan. Not to open visual studio and struggle with the quirks in C++.
• If you're writing a book on lessons for new programmers, your tiniest action isn’t to write chapter one. It’s to come up with the first DRAFT of your outline for the all book chapters.
• And if you’re completely new to programming, your best bet is to start with places where you can learn to code so you narrow down on one option. Not to jump around aimlessly and still feel lost after several months.

The tinier the next action, the more likely you are to get it done.

Stack multiple small actions and you, my friend, are gold.

3) Modify through techniques from Behavioral Psychology

Some days are just lazy days.

You know you should ignore how you feel and get to work but it's not happening.

You can use these principles of from Behavioral Psychology.

• Deadline effect: Go to www.tomato-timer.com , click 5 minutes and start working on your tiniest next action as fast as you can. Most times you’ll end up going beyond 5 mins. That’s perfect because the Zeigarnik effect has kicked in and you'll feel like completing the work you already started.
• Negative reinforcement until you work: If somehow you didn't do anything and the timer ends, restart it. An additional tip is to go to settings and set the sound that is most annoying to you. Do this at least 5x and every time “punish” yourself by watching the timer count down!
• Revisit your motivation: If after 5x, you can’t do anything, it means your motivation is off and you have a deeper question to answer:

“What will I gain by working on this?”

Sometimes, looking to how other developers have transformed their lives can give you the needed push.

If you still have no answer to what you’ll gain, abandon the task as it's time to find something else that has more intrinsic motivation.

But no matter how much you get done, it's important to recognize that productivity is not about working non-stop.

You need balance to consistently move forward.

Getting things done is not always about doing more. Sometimes you don't need faster, better.

You need the sanity from self care.

“ Self-care is never a selfish act. Anytime we can listen to true self and give the care it requires, we do it not only for ourselves, but for the many others whose lives we touch. ” - Parker Palmer

If you don't prioritize self care, you'll definitely burn out. Trust me, developer burn out is real.

Burn out too many times and you start to think maybe you're not cut out for the work.

Your approach is simply what's killing you.

Here are simple ways to start caring more for yourself. These little activities don't come close to the hype that people expect when they hear 'productivity'.

But you need them.

Have a different spot for work and relaxation

I've found that relaxing in the same spot and later trying to work doesn't cut it.

Same applies when flipped around: working in the same spot and later trying to switch to relaxation mode is hard.

You don't need separate rooms for this.

You only need to intentionally create a physical difference so you can switch out from one to the other. Not doing this kept me spinning in cycles for several weeks.

Recharge through a daily shower

This is straightforward. Early showers are better but if you can't do that have one at night before the day runs out. You'll feel like you've accomplished something already.

Cooking as therapy

I don't cook as much as I'd love to. But following instructions on a recipe and coming up with something new feels magical.

“No one who cooks, cooks alone. Even at her most solitary, a cook in the kitchen is surrounded by generations of cooks past, the advice and menus of cooks present, the wisdom of cookbook writers.” — Laurie Colwin

Pick any meal – whether it comes out good or not doesn't matter.

It's the process of unplugging from the world that helps. Pair the cooking with jazz music and you're automatically teleported to another universe.

Get any amount of sunshine

I've never believed that the weather has an impact on one's mood, but it does.

Stay in doors too much and things will start to feel gloomy. Cabin fever sets in and you pack your living space back and forth like a mad raccoon.

But you don't need to step out to fix this issue. I've realized that my cabin fever completely disappears if I open up windows early in the day.

No need for huge windows or long walks outside. Just a few minutes of quiet, alone sunshine is all it takes.

Closing out

While it may seem small, the ripple effects of small things is extraordinary. – Matt Bevin

Think about what you’ve read so far.

You’ll notice that each one sounds simplistic because they are minor tweaks by themselves.

But combining all of them together transformed how I got on top of things. You can achieve this type of change too if you follow the principles.

• Processes >> tools
• Beat procrastination or it'll control you
• Put self care and sanity over constant execution

Thanks for reading

If you enjoyed this, there's more.

• Join my email community : I share techniques for new coders and junior developers to grow faster and double their confidence. If you're interested, join the community.
• Follow me on Twitter : Want more rapid-fire tips? Or have a question? I'm most active on Twitter so feel free to reach out to me. My DM is open.
• Read more articles : If you want more articles, check out my other posts .

Heads Up - I love research so I tend to back my advice and approach with concepts from Behavioral Psychology and Neuroscience.

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How to work more productively

by Katie Paterson in Study Tips

Updated by Nele van Hout 28 October 2022

Full of enthusiasm, bright ideas and good intentions, but somehow never seem to get anything done? This guide will change your life (or your uni work, at least).

Credit: fizkes, Ilya Sergeevych – Shutterstock

Even if you go to every class and spend hours at the library each day, low productivity levels could render all that meaningless. Just being present isn't the same as getting work done.

Nailing productivity is probably the most vital skill you'll develop as a student. We're confident that if you manage to take some of these tips on board, you'll see a massive improvement in how you perform – both at uni and beyond.

Take some time to figure out how to be more productive as a student. You could even find yourself on track for a first class degree .

13 ways to become more productive

These are the best productivity tips for students:

Create a work routine

Credit: samritk – Shutterstock

One of the most significant ways to work more productively is to create a morning routine. It's important to start waking up, working and taking breaks at around the same time each day.

The student lifestyle of deadlines, nights out , and streaming marathons can mean it's tricky to get to sleep at a decent hour. But, it's always important to wake up at the same time each morning if you can. This helps you start your day on the right foot.

Getting up early might leave you feeling a bit groggy at first. But once your body clock has had time to adjust, you should find that it gets easier to fall asleep quickly at night .

If you're struggling, try Sleep Cycle, one of our essential apps for students . This features a smart alarm, which should wake you up when you're in a lighter sleep.

Also make sure you put away all gadgets with a screen at least 30 minutes before you go to bed. The blue light from these devices tricks your brain into thinking it's still daytime, making it harder to fall asleep if you use them at night.

As well as regulating your sleep pattern, eating your meals and snacks around the same time each day will work wonders for both your digestive system and productivity levels. Stick to eating brain fuel foods . These won't make you crash and feel rubbish an hour later.

And, if possible, factor in 15–30 minutes of exercise each day. Even a brisk walk around the block before starting work can help. You could also ditch the bus and walk to the library instead.

Set achievable work goals

Setting yourself a range of goals is the perfect way to motivate yourself. This works whether you're aiming for some first class grades , working within a monthly spending budget or even just trying to make it to every class that week.

The key is to set realistic and achievable goals. If you set too many targets that are overly ambitious, you'll get used to the idea that you won't reach them. Then, gradually, you'll stop trying to, which is totally unproductive.

Instead, focus on SMART goals . These are: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound.

Begin with an easily attainable 'trigger goal' (e.g. dragging yourself out of bed to go to the gym before your morning lecture). Trigger goals are the perfect push you need to feel more motivated. The rest of your goals will feel more achievable when you've hit the ground running.

But what if you tend to set goals but struggle to stick to them? Try setting some small 'punishments' for not meeting goals. Although it doesn't work for everyone, it can be a great source of motivation.

Make detailed plans and stick to them

Planning everything, from your daily tasks to your monthly calendar events, will make your life far less chaotic.

Getting yourself a diary is the first step in the right direction. The second is actually using it.

Breaking bigger tasks down into bite-sized efforts and listing them in your diary each day will help you prioritise and avoid procrastination. For example, Monday: essay research; Tuesday: essay plan and introduction; Wednesday: first draft completed, etc.

This is another example of setting yourself achievable goals to get a sense of progress. It's great for your motivation to know that, as long as you follow your plan, you'll reach the bigger goal in a certain amount of time.

Choose where you work carefully

Credit: wavebreakmedia – Shutterstock

This might seem like a no-brainer, but where you work can massively affect how productive you are.

Distractions like loud music or overcrowding can really get in the way of your ability to focus.

Likewise, heading to the library floor where you know lots of people isn't the best idea. If your friends are around, you'll have to rely on them being just as focused as you're planning to be. Otherwise, you could have people disturbing your workflow by asking questions, proposing breaks, or just generally pestering you.

The solution? Find your quiet zone . Somewhere that faces a wall or a desk with walls is perfect (if a bit grim).

Finish a task before starting something new

It can be annoying to have small things on your mind that you know you need to do at some point, but haven't quite found the time to complete yet.

Try prioritising your tasks and focus on getting important things finished before starting something else.

If there's a job that's likely to take a couple of minutes – like sending a text, doing some laundry , or paying your rent – do it straight away .

If it's likely to take any longer than a few minutes, pop it on a list. Making your way through these mini-tasks will make you feel that you're getting stuff done.

Read articles related to your studies

Feeling inspired is essential if you're looking to become more motivated.

You could bookmark a few key news sites that are relevant to your studies. Then, spend 15–20 minutes reading before you start writing.

Plus, set up some Google alerts for keywords in your area of interest. Google will then email you whenever something new is published on this topic. This way, you can keep tabs on the latest discussions.

The tone and language used on news and academic sites will usually be of a high standard. Getting into the habit of reading them can improve your grammar and vocabulary too.

Use this as a chance to learn the techniques writers use to keep things concise. This could help with your own writing when you have a tight word limit.

Tackle the hardest tasks first

Credit: Mykolastock - Shutterstock

This might sound like we're contradicting what we said in number five, but hear us out.

Sure, it's helpful to do quick and easy tasks early – especially if you have time and they're important. But it's counterproductive if you prioritise them over harder tasks which are actually urgent.

We all know how it can go. You start off with a few easier tasks on your to-do list in order to ease yourself into the day. You promise yourself you'll start on the more difficult stuff later...

But this process is a sure-fire guarantee that you'll have the big task to deal with right before the deadline .

Work in time blocks

Working in smaller 'blocks' can help you become more productive. By doing this, you can assign smaller bite-sized tasks to each block.

This links back to the idea of setting yourself attainable goals. Before, you were saying, "I have the whole day to write this essay." But now you're saying, "I have until 1pm to finish my research and write a plan. Then I can start writing when I get back from lunch."

Research has shown that we're far more productive when we assign ourselves less time to do the work (within reason). This is why some companies (and some countries!) have introduced the six-hour working day . They realised that people work harder, are happier and use their time better when they're working for shorter periods.

Listen to the right music while studying (or none at all)

However you work, it's important to be honest with yourself regarding the type of worker you are.

You might want to listen to some tunes while you write an essay . But, if you know deep down that you work better without music, turn it off.

However, if you do find that music can help, it's important to establish what type works best for you .

You might not be a fan of classical music, but listening to some Mozart while studying can get you in the zone. In fact, research has shown that Mozart has all the right components to improve mental performance. Scientists call this the 'Mozart effect'.

Or, you may find that music with a strong beat helps you stay motivated and alert. Try different genres to see which ones help you concentrate most.

Take screen breaks

Taking breaks doesn't mean switching from writing an essay to checking TikTok 20 times a day. By 'break', we really mean break . Pull yourself away from your computer and do something totally unrelated for a few minutes.

Go for a walk. Do some exercise. Have a cup of tea and a chat with your flatmate. Do whatever it takes to help you switch off .

You might think that working solidly for five hours is a great achievement – and it kind of is. But remember that it's almost impossible to work to the best of your ability for that long, particularly if you make it a daily habit.

When you're knee-deep in uni work, it can be easy to forget that have limits (you're only human). But you need to give yourself time to relax throughout the day. Taking breaks will help you stay happy, healthy and avoid burning out.

Do some work while commuting to university

Do you have a long journey to uni or work each day? If so, you can still use this time productively. The journey won't have to feel like a waste of your precious minutes.

Your commute is the perfect time to think about ways to improve the assignments you're working on. Stick some relaxing music on and have a muse over what you've learned or read about that day. If anything comes to mind, write it down.

Taking notes on your phone using an app like Evernote is handy. Unlike some other apps, Evernote syncs with your computer, meaning any notes you take on the go are transferred. This way, you won't be hit with the "what was that great idea I had on the bus again?" moment when you next sit down to work.

Back up your university work

You're probably sick of people telling you this. But, unfortunately, this error is far too common to leave out of our list. Please don't wait until it's too late .

These productivity tips count for nothing if your laptop dies along with your entire workload for the last two years. We've been there, and it ain't pretty.

Avoid social media while studying

When you're wondering how to have a productive day as a student, you may want to put down your phone.

Social media can help some of us unwind. But it's worth being aware that it may not be the relaxation tool you think it is.

Studies have suggested that social media can do more harm than good during times of high stress. This is partly due to our tendency to compare ourselves with others.

We worry we're not working hard enough or feel put out that we're not going out getting drunk on a Wednesday like our classmates seem to be (seriously, how do they do it?).

Some students will go as far as disabling their social media accounts during exam time. But there are other less extreme options you can try.

For example, simply turning off notifications for apps like Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp will do wonders. Every time you get a message and look at your phone, you're pulled out of the zone, and it takes a few seconds to refocus. Think of all the time wasted when you're checking your phone every few minutes.

It's worth bearing in mind that the way to make this guide work is to try everything at least once. After that, you can figure out what works best for you .

Everyone works differently. While one tactic might make you type away enthusiastically at your keyboard, another might result in you staring into space thinking about what to make for your dinner.

Be honest with yourself about what's getting you the best results, and go with it. Good luck!

Hoping to put your spare time to good use? Find out how to learn a foreign language quickly .

WRITTEN BY Katie Paterson

Katie Paterson is an accomplished writer from Glasgow. She studied English Literature at the University of Strathclyde, then went on to do a Research Masters in Literature at the University of Amsterdam. As Lead Editor for Save the Student, Katie has covered topics from career tips to ways to make money go further as a student. Read more

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6 ways to establish a productive homework routine

by: Janine L. Nieroda-Madden | Updated: December 9, 2019

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Homework. Whether you’re a fifth grader or a freshman in college, the mere thought of homework can be overwhelming. And actually doing homework can be quite difficult. But homework doesn’t have to be something your child dreads.

As a former high school English teacher and researcher who specializes in what it takes to make it through college — and a co-author of a forthcoming revised edition of a book about academic success — I’ve studied homework since 2010. Here are six ways I believe homework can be made more manageable and valuable, whether your child is in elementary school, middle school, high school, or graduate school.

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Work Life is Atlassian’s flagship publication dedicated to unleashing the potential of every team through real-life advice, inspiring stories, and thoughtful perspectives from leaders around the world.

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How to be more productive working from home

Science-backed, expert-approved tactics you can start using today.

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5-second summary

• Many of us have made a permanent transition to remote work, but some still struggle to stay productive while maintaining healthy work-life boundaries.
• Try a few (or all!) of our nine science-backed tips for boosting productivity when you’re working remotely.
• Then, take our quiz to discover which productivity hack you should try.

The persistence of remote work is no longer up for debate. Many of us have made a permanent switch to a work-at-home lifestyle, forgoing the built-in parameters of office life that used to regulate our productivity – with mixed success. 

A major  global study  into remote working, conducted by Paper Giant for Atlassian, found that 40% of respondents felt that working from home translated to significantly longer hours .

But it doesn’t have to be that way. As we continue to move away from traditional office spaces, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, remote workers can deploy a number of hacks and tricks to boost productivity. The goal? To hit all of your targets without impinging on your wellness or work-life balance . Read on for our nine science-backed, expert-approved principles of self-productivity.

1. Master desk-scaping

The Paper Giant study found that 49% of workers felt they needed a better working space if they were to continue working from home – with more than a third (34%) saying their workspace was less comfortable than the office. The solution? Stop shuffling piles of paper and get desk-scaping.  

A recent report published by the  Journal of Neuroscience  proved that clutter limits the brain’s ability to process information correctly. So, if you want to start completing tasks more efficiently, it’s time to get tidying. 

First, try “zoning” your home office, by creating separate spaces for reference materials, supplies, and long-term projects, before assigning discard dates to as many as possible. Then clear the desk itself and only replace items that are essential for your day-to-day work.

Finally, add pops of color wherever you can – a picture on the wall, a screensaver, or even your favorite mug. Color can have a major impact on mood, with  greens and blues  shown to increase productivity, so reach for that ocean vista or add a leafy plant to the proceedings. (As well as their greenness, a  study  from Washington State University found that plants have additional benefits in terms of inspiring productivity).   

2. Embrace mono-tasking

5 data-driven ways to tackle the challenges of virtual teamwork

The brutal truth is that very, very few of us can efficiently multi-task. In fact, it’s roughly 2% of the population, according to  Professor David Strayer  of the University of Utah, an expert in cognitive distraction. The problem is that when we bounce from task to task, we aren’t actually getting more done. Instead, we’re forcing our brains to constantly switch speeds, steering through tasks more erratically and burning out our internal gearboxes. The answer is to slay the multi-tasking monster, and embrace mono-tasking. 

“We’ve been sold the myth that multi-tasking is a valuable skill, giving us the ability to get it all done – but this couldn’t be further from the truth,” says business coach  Ryan Jackson , author of “The Success Rebellion.” 

“A more productive approach is to devote days or half-days to themes, or closely related tasks,” he explains. “That way, it’s easier to knock jobs down one at a time and even if you do get distracted, it’s quicker to pick up the thread again.” 

3. Plan tomorrow, tonight

The Paper Giant study discovered that 44% of workers believe it’s now more important to know how to motivate themselves apart from the parameters of office life. One of the best ways to do that is with a to-do list – and the best time to make that list is the night before.  

While you’re still in work mode, take the final 10 minutes of your day to assess what you really need to get done tomorrow – a task that could take twice as long when coming to it cold first thing in the morning. The key is to keep your list short so it doesn’t seem overwhelming. According to Niamh Graham, head of Global HR at  Workhuman , the Urgent-Important Matrix is a great way to do that. 

“Otherwise known as the  Eisenhower Matrix , this is an excellent tool to help prioritize tasks, especially when working from home,” says Graham. “The matrix helps you organize tasks into four quadrants by urgency and importance.” Then you can hone straight in on the ‘Urgent-Important’ tasks and schedule, delegate, or eliminate the others. 

4. Make a not-to-do list

So you’ve made your to-do list, but to maximize your healthy habits, you’ll need the opposite, too. A not-to-do list should be a permanent addition to your workspace, featuring all of the distractions you want to avoid during the workday – think social media, cat videos, a sink full of dishes. 

“Without the prospect of your boss loitering behind you, even the most disciplined workers are susceptible to the temptation of time-wasting,” says Jackson. “Creating a [forbidden] list helps remind you what to avoid, while actually blocking yourself from certain websites during the working day will help you even more.”

To make this easier, check out apps like  RescueTime ,  LeechBlock , or  SelfControl  that you can configure to prevent access to selected websites during certain time periods.

5. Block out your productive “flow” times

Alpha brain waves are associated with a flow state of mind. Here’s how to ride yours

Your “flow” time is when you’re most efficient: a period of hyper-focus when you work most smoothly. For some people, it’s early in the morning, while for others it’s the afternoon or evening. Once you’ve identified yours, block out 90 minutes in that window each day for pure, deep work on your biggest tasks. 

“Deep work needs to be performed in a state of distraction-free concentration and is important because without it, you’ll find yourself constantly focusing on small, non-value adding tasks and never making progress on your bigger, more important pieces of work,” says certified high performance coach  David Grieve . “Blocking out time is a great way to ensure this crucial period happens every day, without any rings or pings to distract you.” 

6. Prioritize Pareto and Pomodoros

Named after Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto, the  Pareto Principle  (also known as the 80-20 Rule) states that 80% of your results come from 20% of your actions, and vice versa. In other words, to become more productive, you must identify the 20% of your work that is having that 80% impact, and always prioritize it. 

Next, you should maximize your minutes spent working on that crucial 20% via the  Pomodoro Technique  – a series of 25-minute “sprints” spent focusing on a task, each followed by a five-minute break. 

“The level of our concentration is deeply affected by our mental stamina,” says Grieve. “Pomodoros and Pareto are two techniques that can help us manage our time more effectively – as is the  Getting Things Done  (GTD) method by David Allen.” 

7. Learn to nap like a pro

Unless you’re looking for an excuse to get fired, napping isn’t an option in a traditional workplace – but it’s a strategy you can use to your advantage when working remotely. The secret is to harness your body’s natural circadian rhythm and employ a 20-minute power nap (sometimes called a  Stage 2 Nap ) in the mid-afternoon, to boost your memory, cognitive skills, and creativity.

By restricting yourself to just 20 minutes, you reap the aforementioned benefits without falling into deeper REM sleep, which would leave you feeling groggy and disoriented. To maximize productivity,  drink a cup of coffee immediately before your power nap . Researchers have found that caffeine takes about 20 minutes to manifest its physiological effect, so it will kick in just as you’re waking.

8. Dress for success

When you’re working from home, it doesn’t  really  matter how you dress – but making some sartorial effort can have a positive effect on your productivity levels. Take advantage of the time you save from not commuting and establish a morning routine that prepares you for the day ahead – including the selection of slightly smarter clothing, which sends a message to your brain that it’s game time, sparking a bit more mental energy.  

“Dressing appropriately switches your work mindset to ‘on,’ which is crucial for concentration levels and will give you a sense of added purpose,” says leading business and innovation expert  Erica Wolfe-Murray , author of  Simple Tips Smart Ideas: Build a Bigger Better Business . That doesn’t mean you have to wear a pencil skirt or three-piece suit while you work from your guest room. But it does mean you should leave the sweat pants in the wardrobe on work days.

9. Set up a “force quit” to your work day

Elite athletes know that rest is as important as training when it comes to optimal performance – and if you want to be more productive, you need to learn that lesson, too. When you’re working from home, it’s easy to let tasks drift into the evening, but that can be problematic – not only for your personal life, but for your output the following day, too. (The Paper Giant survey found many workers were beginning to resent the ways work is “colonizing” their home lives). 

“Overworking can lead to stress and burnout, harming not only your productivity but also your overall mental health and wellbeing,” says Graham. “Instead, set a firm time to bring your workday to a close and stick to it at all costs.” If you struggle with this, find an accountability partner – a colleague, friend, or manager – and set up a call to officially end the day. A hard finish not only means a softer start to the following morning after a good rest, but also that you’ll work faster and more efficiently each day, knowing that your finish time is non-negotiable.

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15 Simple Ways to Be More Productive Every Day

...yes, even when you're working from home.

Ever feel like your to-do lists are getting longer and longer, but you're less and less motivated? Between balancing your job, home life, and personal relationships, it can often seem like there must be a better way to be more productive. (Well, that or there just aren't enough hours in the day.) That's true in normal times , but perhaps even more so now, when amid the coronavirus pandemic and quarantining, many of us are working from home and dealing with dozens of new distractions (think: helping your kids with online school or even the pile of laundry that's suddenly more appealing than tackling your out-of-control inbox, to name a few).

The good news? There are ways to be more productive — and we've spoken to a variety of experts to help you finally get time on your side. From building a better routine in the morning , to apps that'll help you stay organized , and simple strategies for managing your email, these productivity tips will help you work more efficiently (even if your office is your kitchen table), and, best of all, leave you with more free moments everyday.

Wake up at the same time every day

Getting into a routine can be one of the best ways to stay productive—especially while working from home, says Rhiannon Staples, a corporate culture expert and CMO at people management platform Hibob . "Try to wake up at similar times each day, exercise if you’re accustomed to it, eat breakfast/have your morning coffee, and then sit down at your computer to start the work day." Sticking to a schedule will help you stay regimented and as alert as possible, because when you know what to expect, it's less daunting to start your day—no matter what you have on your plate, she explains.

Do something nice for yourself to set the tone

For Marie Kondo — Netflix star and bestselling author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing — starting the morning with "good energy" is important for productivity. According to Kondo , her a.m. ritual involves opening up the windows, burning incense, and saying a prayer—but your morning routine should be whatever leaves you feeling relaxed, energized, and motivated, whether that’s a 30-minute yoga class , writing in your journal , reading a book , meditating , or whipping up a healthy breakfast .

And start each day with a plan

Before you get to work in the morning, create a prioritized to-do list, says Staples. "It’s always best practice to tackle the toughest, most difficult items first. The tricky things are easy to push off and procrastinate, but if you're successful, you'll gain the confidence and momentum to get through the rest of your list.

Unplug in the morning and the evening

“If you mindfully go on Twitter with a glass of wine, that’s fine, but you interrupt your focus when you check your phone during those in-between moments," says organizing consultant and Time to Parent author Julie Morgenstern . Which is exactly why, at the minimum, you should avoid using your devices during the first and last hour of each day.

If you need some ideas for what to do instead, consider working on a challenging jigsaw puzzle , opening up a coloring book , learning how to knit , playing a board game , starting a bullet journal , creating a vision board , or, of course, picking up a riveting read .

While you're at work, make your phone less distracting

Need a little help avoiding the temptation to check all those entertaining social media apps? In addition to turning off your notifications, you may find it helpful to change your phone's display to grayscale, which removes all color from the screen, reducing stimulation.

For a more aggressive approach to unplugging, you could also download Flipd , a free app that allows you to lock your phone for a set period of time, so you can focus completely on your work or studying.

Set an intention before each activity

Morgenstern advises you to be mindful before switching tasks. After putting the kids to sleep, for example, take a minute to decide how you’d like to connect with your partner, be it by talking about the day, watching a movie , or getting to know each other even better . At work, choose to really enjoy a lunch or coffee break. This will help recharge your mind and increase your effectiveness before the next transition.

Stick to one master calendar

Forget Post-its and scattered notes. Morgenstern recommends merging all of your tasks and appointments into one calendar or scheduling system that makes you comfortable. “A to-do list that is not integrated into a schedule rarely gets done,” she says.

Plan your weeks every Friday

Vanderkam recommends taking stock of next week’s schedule every Friday afternoon in order to delegate tasks, move unnecessary meetings, and leave room for anything time sensitive.

Limit meetings

With work from home inevitably comes a flurry of Zoom meetings throughout the day—it’s an important part of staying connected—but too many mismanaged appointments on your calendar can negatively impact productivity, says Staples. Try to limit meetings to 30 to 45 minutes to keep attention focused on the task at hand, she suggests. And be mindful of invites you accept. "If your role in the meeting is unclear, or you don’t have an active role in the meeting, it’s fair to ask the organizer if it’s necessary for you to participate." Find you're getting invited to way too many meetings? Block some of your most productive hours out on your calendar.

Download an organization app to help you at home or work

If the calendar method hasn't been helping you achieve peak productivity, it might be time to download an organization app. According to executives and productivity coaches, these apps help you manage multiple to-do lists, organize your address book, track your time, easily access your passwords, prioritize your well-being, and track various assignments — all of which will increase focus and productivity.

Schedule time just for checking emails

According to a 2017 American Psychological Association survey , constantly checking and responding to emails—even on your days off—leads to increased stress. If you find yourself becoming one of those "constant checkers," try setting pre-determined time frames for opening up your inbox. Allotting 20 minutes every hour for responding to messages might just lower stress and help you get more done for the remaining 40 minutes.

...and spend less time responding to emails

When you are in e-mail mode, whittling down your email responses to five sentences or less will help you succinctly deliver the thoughts you’re trying to convey—and cut the time spent writing them. To prevent co-workers or friends from thinking your responses are rude, Chris Bailey , author of Hyper Focus , recommends letting people know you’re doing this by adding a line in your email signature, like "To respect your time and mine, I’m keeping every email to five sentences or less."

Take frequent breaks every day

“If you don’t give your brain a break, you may end up in an internet rabbit hole instead of working,” says Off The Clock author and time management speaker Laura Vanderkam , who suggests incorporating short breaks into your workday. During that time, go for a walk , take the dogs outside, grab a cup of coffee or a snack , check in with a friend or family member, do a quick at-home workout , or listen to a new podcast .

Prioritize self-care

Being too busy is often an excuse for shying away from exercise and hobbies you love—but putting yourself first is essential. Vanderkam and Morgernstern agree that looking after your mental health in small intervals is useful. Watch a 10-minute YouTube video that makes you smile , enjoy a cup of chamomile tea , listen to a good song , light a scented candle , and indulge in some well-deserved self-care .

Make the most of the weekend

Decide whether you'd like to conquer demands in the mornings, afternoons, or evenings. Morgenstern says this can help you juggle your relationship with family, friends, and yourself, while also weaving in moments for pesky chores and overdue professional tasks. Be sure to also outline time to do, well, absolutely nothing.

Coordinate to-do lists with your partner

Getting in the habit of making and sharing to-do lists within your household will make things run smoother–and may even help spark more feelings of gratitude. "When we got married, my husband and I wrote out every household chore in a shared spreadsheet. When I finished a task, I would put a check next to it–and when my husband noticed it, he would send a simple thank you note (and vice versa)," wrote organizational guru Marie Kondo .

Make time spent with friends and family count

It’s called quality time for a reason. To be fully present with your loved ones, Morgenstern suggests relying on daily “reconnection points” like dinnertime. She says it’s not about spending more hours with the people you care about, but rather ensuring that those moments are filled with focus.

Plan a vacation

Employees—yes, even work-from-home employees—should leverage their paid time off if they're able to take an extended vacation or a long weekend road trip , says Staples. "Vacation, even if you don't actually go anywhere, is necessary to unwind following a difficult or particularly taxing couple of months at work." Hitting the pause button may make you feel lazy, but ultimately, taking that time off to completely decompress will result in higher levels of productivity and a generally more positive attitude toward your job when you return, she explains.

Write down your accomplishments

At the end of the day, instead of focusing on what’s left to do, be kind to yourself by making a list of your day’s successes, Bailey says. Comparing your list daily, and then weekly, will help you realize just how productive you’ve become.

Establish a firm end to the day

Just as its important to start your day at the same time, setting a hard stop for the day is crucial for lasting productivity—especially during quarantine. "It's easy to work extra-long hours, especially if you aren't commuting right now, but that can lead to burnout and ultimately, a dip in productivity," says Staples. "Create the same sense of rigidity in clocking out as you would if you had a train or bus to catch."

Maia Efrem, a New York-based writer, is now that much closer to Oprah! A graduate of Columbia University's Journalism School, she's a lover of all things pop-culture, Soviet, and Bruce Springsteen. 

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9 Simple Productivity Tips for College Students

March 09, 2023 | Written By Stephanie Thurrott

When you’re in college, there are many demands on your time. On top of classes and homework, you might have a job, extracurricular activities, and family responsibilities. You also need time to sleep, eat, exercise, and recharge. It can feel challenging to fit it all in.

These nine productivity tips can help you stay on top of everything you need to accomplish—and even free up some time for activities you’d like to do but rarely have time for.

1. Start with Your Calendar

Improving your productivity begins with knowing what you need to do and how long it will take. Use an online or physical calendar or planner to organize your time. Block out your classes and other commitments, and be sure to factor in the time it takes to get to and from wherever you need to be.

2. List What You Need to Get Done

Once a week, or on a schedule that works for you, take a few minutes to list all the things you need to do, along with an estimate of how long they’ll take. It can be tough at first—you might not know how much time you’ll need to study for a test or write a paper. The longer you stick to this practice, however, the better you’ll know the time it takes you to complete certain tasks.

3. Prioritize and Plan

Organize your tasks in the order you need to get them done, then block out time on your calendar to work on each item. As you plan, think about the times you’re most productive.

If mornings are best for you, put your demanding schoolwork there and set afternoons and evenings aside for laundry or errands, for example. If you prefer to study for larger blocks of time, look for longer stretches when you don’t have classes or other obligations.

4. Minimize Distractions

Now that you have your plan, it’s time to get to work. When you’re studying or working on assignments , maximizing focus is essential to maximizing productivity. You may want to work in the library or another study space that doesn’t have the distractions of your room or apartment.

Turn off your phone’s notifications or put your phone away. If you struggle to focus, try setting a timer for 25 minutes or longer and give yourself a short break when the time is up.

5. Listen to Your Body

If you’re reading the same passage over and over and you’re just not understanding it, you might need a break. Take a short walk, eat a snack, stretch, or talk to a friend for a few minutes so you can recharge. Then, return to your work with fresh eyes.

6. Group Your Tasks

As you organize your week, you may discover you have several errands or activities you need to get done. Maybe you need to pick up a few groceries, get your car inspected, and buy something to wear to an upcoming event. You’ll be more productive if you do all of these errands at the same time instead of rushing around to do each one at the last minute.

7. Multitask the Right Way

Multitasking works if you pair an activity that requires brainpower with one that doesn’t, so look for these opportunities. For example, fold your laundry while you talk to your mom or dad, or listen to a lecture while you take a walk.

8. Take Care of Yourself

People are most productive when they’re well rested and well nourished. Give yourself plenty of time to sleep, and choose nutritious foods to fuel your body whenever possible. Build in some time for exercise and stress management , such as deep breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation. While it may seem like self-care takes up too much time, it ultimately helps you stay calm and focused so you can get more done.

9. Connect with APU Resources

Don’t overlook one of the most important productivity tips: connecting with support. At Azusa Pacific University, resources such as the Academic Success Center , and Writing, Speaking, and Writing Center are designed to make it easier for you to stay on top of your schoolwork so you can succeed. If you feel like you’re struggling to keep up, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.

How To Be More Productive

by Susan Kruger, M.Ed. | Oct 28, 2011 | Articles

Students want to know how to get homework done fast and  how to be more productive .

The following article by Susan Kruger, M.Ed. provides valuable information to help students and parents become more productive with their time.

The hours between 3 pm and 6 pm are the most wasted hours of the day!

They are the hours we transition home from school or work, and we can easily squander them.

We tend to become “foggy” as we decompress from the day.

Before we know it, three hours have vanished in the blink of an eye!

Don’t get me wrong; decompression time is very important.

In fact, there is a very good reason why some cultures practice daily siestas!

However, with a little lit bit of forward-thinking, we can relax AND squeeze some serious productivity out of these hours.

Challenge yourself to make the time between 3 and 6 pm your most productive hours with simple homework strategies.

How to Be More Productive – 5 Best Time Management Tips to Get Homework Done Fast

Here’s a secret; schools do not teach you how to learn or how to be more productive.

But with these tips, you can make the most of your day by balancing both work and play!

1. Start Early

Start homework within one hour of coming home.

It is essential to get a snack and take a break.

It’s been a long day!

But, keep the break short, so you can  get homework done while your brain is fresh .

The later you wait, the more fatigued your brain will be.

In other words, the earlier that you do homework,  the less time it will take .

2. Take Advantage of “Down Time”

Waiting for a ride home.

Waiting for a doctor’s appointment.

Waiting for basketball practice to start.

Pull out your homework and get something done!

How much you can do in ten minutes will amaze you.

Your brain prefers shorter work segments.

Your brain works faster during these short homework times than it will during a two-hour homework marathon.

3. Use a Timer

No one likes to do homework.

But you can challenge yourself to do it fast by working to beat a timer.

Your body will respond to this challenge with a natural adrenaline rush that will last about 15-20 minutes.

That is the PRIME time to be productive with your homework!

4. Power Down

I know this does not sound like fun, but electronic devices will always control you if you don’t control them.

Students who “power down” for 1-2 hours a night report getting their  homework done 2-4x faste r !

5. Master Study Skills that Suit You

The national and state education departments tell schools what they have to teach, and there’s a LOT!

But it is all content.

They do not allow schools the time to teach how to learn that content , which is absurd!

Learning HOW to learn takes a little bit of guidance and practice, just as a baby needs when he first learns how to walk.

But, once you get it, you GET IT!

Study skills help all students, from those that struggle to those that get straight-A’s, use their brain’s strategically to get  better grades in LESS time .

It takes a little effort to maximize these three hours, but some forward-thinking will help you get your homework done fast and help you to learn how to be more productive.

Then you can   relax!

I’d love to hear from  you  now.

Do you agree that you end up wasting almost 3 hours every day that you could use better?

Have I convinced you on how to be more productive by using this time better?

Let me know!

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[  Updated – September 25, 2012  ]

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18 Habits of Highly Productive People: What Efficient People Have in Common

Table Of Contents

The habits of highly productive people, how to be more productive.

• Quick tips on how to be more productive

We’ve all known that person who always seems to be getting things done. Whether a friend or a colleague, this is the person whose work is always done early. The one who somehow manages to finish hour-long tasks in 20 minutes.

The one people describe as a robot or machine because surely no simple human could work as quickly as they do.

And yet these people exist, cranking away at maximum efficiency. What do these highly productive people have in common? How do they do it?

It’s tempting to look at highly productive people as machines (or wizards). But by studying how they work efficiently and overcome the challenges we all experience, it’s possible to boost your own productivity as well.

How do the most efficient people overcome challenges like:

• Procrastinating on tasks—both small, nagging ones and large, challenging ones
• Boring work that needs just to get done
• Responding to emails and other messages while working
• Staying motivated and energized throughout the entire workday
• Focusing and finishing the most important projects on their plates

As much as I would like to claim the status of “highly productive person,” the best I can do is say: I’m working on it. But from reading articles, checking out books, and asking questions of productive people, I’ve pulled together the best advice I could find on their productivity habits.

What follows are 18 of the most important habits of highly productive people. From ways to spend less time on emails to methods of staying focused, these productivity tips can help you maximize your efficiency — and get more done.

You can’t become more productive overnight. But if you make small changes and put some of these habits into place, you’ll be well on your way to becoming more efficient.

Increase productivity and become highly efficient with these habits:

• Focus on the most important tasks first
• Cultivate deep work
• Keep a distraction list to stay focused
• Use the Eisenhower Matrix to identify long-term priorities
• Use the 80/20 rule
• Break tasks into smaller pieces
• Take breaks
• Make fewer decisions
• Eliminate inefficient communication
• Find repeatable shortcuts
• Learn from successes as well as mistakes
• Plan for when things go wrong
• Work before you get motivated or inspired
• Don’t multitask
• Fill the tank — recharge
• Sharpen the axe
• Manage your energy (not just time)
• Get better at saying “no”

1. Focus on the most important tasks (MITs) first

You probably didn’t go to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology — but an MIT can help you be more productive.

The theory behind Most Important Tasks is that any given to-do list has some tasks that are more important than others. If you focus on simply checking off to-do list items, you’ll end up with a mix of important and less important tasks completed.

It also exposes you to the potential for procrastination — it’s easy to spend the whole day checking off easy, less important to-dos instead of buckling down on the hard stuff.

Instead, spend a few minutes at the beginning of your day to choose 1–3 MITs — the things that, no matter what, you need to finish by the end of the day.

With a renewed focus on what’s important, it’s easier to create a meaningful to-do list —  make sure the important things get done.

Laura Earnest of Whole Life Productivity  had this to say on the importance of prioritization as a productivity habit:

“Let me say that I distinguish between efficient and effective, but that both are needed for peak productivity. Efficient is doing things right and effective is doing the right things. So the most productive people work on the high value tasks, making sure that how they are doing those tasks is the best way. I also believe that the most productive people are able to discern which are the high value tasks, and are able to either let the others go or delegate them. It’s not a crazy rush to get everything done, because they recognize that they can’t get everything done.”

2. Cultivate deep work

Some tasks are just hard. There’s no substitute for deep work.

Everybody has a few daily to-dos that could almost be knocked out while sleeping. These are the tasks that you need podcasts to get through — if anything, they’re hard to get yourself to do because they’re not especially interesting.

At the same time, some tasks are just difficult. You can’t multitask your way to finishing them. You need to devote serious time and mental effort to knocking them out of the park. These tasks are called “deep work.”

Cal Newport wrote about this type of work in his bestselling book, Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World . Newport argues that the skill of intense focus is increasingly rare—and that those who can master it are at an enormous advantage.

A few of Newport’s recommendations to cultivate deep work are:

• Schedule deep work: Plan deep work into your schedule at a similar time every day, probably in the morning. Having regular time to do deep work helps you make it a habit.
• Get bored: It sounds counterintuitive to call being bored a productive habit, but being comfortable with boredom is important. Deep work isn’t always enjoyable, and boredom or frustration are what cause us to seek out distractions. Avoid using social media for entertainment as much as possible, and get more comfortable doing nothing.
• Be harder to contact: Email and other distractions can be reduced by asking people who contact you to do more work upfront. Ask people to research their questions before coming to you, and provide as much info as possible in their emails. The same goes for you—spending time on communications instead of dashing off a quick email can minimize back and forth.
• Know your work habits: Do you work best in isolation? With periodic breaks? Are you working around a hectic schedule? You don’t need to overhaul your entire schedule—just set aside some time for deep work.

Highly productive people have mastered the skill of deep work.

3. Keep a distraction list to stay focused

With emails, social media, and a thousand little to-dos, it’s easy to get distracted when you’re trying to be productive.

Whether you’re trying to focus on deep work or just dealing with smaller tasks, distractions are the bane of productivity. It’s hard to maintain efficient work habits with distractions around.

One powerful method of reducing distractions is creating a “distraction list.”

Keep this list — whether it’s a Google Doc or a physical piece of paper — nearby while you’re working. Whenever a distracting thought pops up, write it down on the list and get back to work.

This technique, which is one of the secrets to the Pomodoro Technique , is powerful because a lot of the time your distractions legitimately require attention.

If I’m doing deep work and suddenly remember a bill that needs to be paid, or have an idea for a new blog post, those are thoughts that deserve attention.

They just don’t deserve it right now.

As thoughts arise during your work, jot them down. Once you reach a break in your work, you can come back and either tackle them or add them to your larger to-do list.

4. Use the Eisenhower Matrix to identify long-term priorities

One of the dangers of productivity is a focus on the short term. As management legend Peter Drucker once said, “there is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all.”  When you study productivity habits, it’s easy to fall into that trap.

On any given workday, it’s easy to get caught up in things that seem important right now .

The Eisenhower Matrix, used by Dwight Eisenhower to make decisions during his time as a general, was popularized by Stephen Covey’s book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. It helps you to quickly determine what you should work on and what you should ignore.

To create an Eisenhower Matrix, make a 2 x 2 square. On one axis, write “important” and “not important.” On the other, “urgent” and “not urgent.”

Source: Develop Good Habits

Organizing your to-do list based on each task’s importance and urgency can help you identify time sinks that aren’t worth it.

Are you spending most of your day doing things that are urgent but not important? Look for ways to delegate, automate, or eliminate.

Are you spending time on things that aren’t important or urgent? Ignore those things.

Are you making time to work on things that are important but not urgent? If you’re like most people, you could be spending more time in this quadrant. The Eisenhower Matrix makes it easier to see what matters and what doesn’t.

5. Use the 80/20 rule

Another way to prioritize tasks comes from the 80/20 principle.

Discovered by Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto, the 80/20 rule (also called the Pareto Principle) states that, in any pursuit, 80% of the results will come from 20% of the efforts.

To maximize efficiency, highly productive people identify the most important 20% of their work. Then, they look at ways to cut down the other 80% of their schedule, to find more time for the things that make the biggest impact.

6. Break tasks into smaller pieces

Why do you procrastinate?

There are a variety of reasons that people procrastinate, but one of the most important is that the tasks on their to-do list just seem too daunting.

If you have to-do list items that are large in scope and not very specific, tackling those tasks becomes challenging. You look at the item and think “I don’t even know where to start.”

You can start by breaking large to-dos into smaller to-dos. Set small goals for each task.

If I have a to-do list item labeled “ write a blog post on productivity,” it’s easy to (ironically) put it off — because there are a few different places I could start.

What if I broke that larger task into smaller chunks? Instead of “write a blog about productivity,” an example of my to-do list could be:

• Look up keywords related to productivity and good, efficient habits
• Read the top 10 Google results on productivity
• Brainstorm other methods to become more productive
• Organize the ideas I’ve found or thought of into an outline
• Jot down any specific thoughts on each tactic using bullet points
• Go through my bullet points one at a time, to flesh them out into full sections

My larger to-do item has become six smaller tasks. Sure, that makes my to-do list longer, but it also helps me get things done faster — and I don’t have to think about where to start.

Each item on my list is incredibly specific. All I have to do is tackle them in order. The result is the blog post you’re reading right now.

7. Take breaks

Nobody, not even highly productive people, can focus for eight hours straight. It simply isn’t possible. No matter how many efficient habits you build, you can’t maintain distraction-free focus for that long.

That’s why taking breaks is so important (and research shows it makes people more productive). Even breaks that are just a few minutes long can help you recharge and come up with new ideas.

Be proactive about taking breaks. When you take breaks, it’s important to make them structured and deliberate. It’s easy to justify distractions as “taking a break.” But if you don’t have that break time scheduled, it’s possible that you’re actually just getting distracted.

Methods like the Pomodoro Te chnique can help. The Pomodoro Technique suggests 25-minute blocks of work, with short 5-minute breaks. You work intensely for a specific amount of time, followed by intentionally not working for a shorter amount of time.

Scheduling breaks can keep you fresh and productive throughout an entire day.

8. Make fewer decisions (about things that aren’t important)

While he was President, Barack Obama once told Vanity Fair that he never makes a decision about what to wear:

“You’ll see I wear only gray or blue suits,” [Obama] said. “I’m trying to pare down decisions. I don’t want to make decisions about what I’m eating or wearing. Because I have too many other decisions to make.”

Some decisions are important. Most aren’t. If you want to be more productive, consider outsourcing or eliminating everyday decisions.

Other highly productive people have made similar comments about their own efficient habits. Author and entrepreneur Ramit Sethi has what he calls “ Ramit’s Book Buying Rule :”

“If you’re thinking about buying a book, just buy it. Don’t waste five seconds debating it. Even one idea makes it more than worth the price.”

If you’re trying to decide between two books to read, Sethi would say: “read them both.” There’s no point in wasting your decision-making energy on the unimportant.

9. Eliminate inefficient communication (spend less time on email)

It’s time we got to the elephant in the room: email.

Email is often considered the bane of productivity habits. Many people spend their work day with their email inbox clearly visible, responding to every notification as it comes in.

As I said in the deep work section, there’s a lot of value in reducing these kinds of distractions. One way to do that is simply by minimizing your inbox and checking at specific intervals.

Another is to become more efficient in your email communications to begin with. In other words: Send better emails.

Have you ever tried to schedule a meeting, then sent another five emails back and forth to set a specific time and place?

What if you could reduce the number of emails it takes to schedule simple meetings? Or make each email more precise, so that there’s less back and forth before you actually get to the real work?

Research suggests that meetings and interruptions from co-workers at work are considered a  distraction by 25%  of employees. In fact, the older you get, the more this is considered a distraction.

Highly productive people reduce the number of emails they send by making each email clearer and more valuable. That might mean each email takes a few more minutes to write — but it also ultimately saves time.

If you need to schedule a meeting with an employee, don’t just send them an email like this:

“Hi [employee name],

I wanted to meet so we could talk about [project]. When is a good time for you?

Best, [your name]”

An email like that gets the job done, but it’s going to lead to a lot of additional scheduling emails.

Your actual meeting is also going to wind up being pretty inefficient, as you’ll need to go through the agenda in person — and the other person won’t have time to think through answers to your questions.

A better email might look like this.

I wanted to meet so we could talk about [project]. I specifically wanted to talk about:

[Project agenda topic 1]

[Project agenda topic 2]

[Project agenda topic 3]

I took a look at your calendar, and it seems like we’re both free on Tuesday at 10am or Wednesday at 1pm. Let me know what works best for you, and feel free to book my calendar.

This email is a little longer. It takes a little bit more thought to write. But it’s also much more efficient. It will take between 0 and 2 more emails to set up this meeting, and you’ll go in with a clear agenda and objectives.

You can use a third-party scheduler like Calendly to make this even easier. Just send someone your link and they can book a time that works for both of you.

From scheduling meetings to giving out assignments or asking questions, make your emails as precise as possible. This takes a little bit more work upfront, but ultimately makes you more efficient and cuts down on unnecessary work.

10. Find repeatable shortcuts — automate tasks

If you find yourself doing the same things over and over, look for ways to do those things faster.

This can be as simple as learning common keyboard shortcuts or involve automating entire sections of your business.

What are some ways you can find shortcuts? Here are a few potential examples:

• Put together standard operating procedures for common tasks, so you can quickly follow checklists instead of working from scratch
• Delegate tasks to interns or other employees where appropriate. (Just make sure you follow up with and update your team regularly.)
• Learn simple keyboard shortcuts that come up often. I like using “command + shift + t” to open a recently closed tab, or “command + option + 2” to create a heading in Google docs.
• Increase your typing speed — it seems obvious, but the difference between 60 and 90 words per minute is huge. A game like Typeracer can help (warning: it’s addictive).
• Use technology to take care of repetitive tasks

Repetitive tasks are great candidates for shortcuts, delegation, or automation. Knocking them off your schedule can save you lots of time and energy.

11. Learn from successes as well as mistakes

One of the challenges of highly productive people is ensuring that fast work is also good work.

When you’re working quickly, you open yourself up to making mistakes. Highly productive people tackle that risk by learning and improving at every possible moment — so that producing good work becomes intuitive.

Learning from mistakes is obvious (although of course valuable). When something goes wrong, analyzing the mistakes and looking for ways to prevent them is a massively valuable learning experience.

As important, and much less common, is learning from successes. When something goes well, why?

When you have success, it can be tempting to pop the champagne and start celebrating. And don’t get me wrong — it’s good to celebrate your successes.

But successes deserve every bit as much scrutiny as failures.

Highly productive people make the most of their successes by figuring out how to repeat them. What went well and why? What should you take from this experience and use again? Are there elements of a successful project that weren’t as effective and can be eliminated?

Asking these questions helps you go from one success to repeated success. It also helps you understand your successes on a more intuitive level — which saves you time whenever you sit down to work on a new project.

12. Plan for when things go wrong

It happens to everyone. You have big plans for today — it’s going to be your most productive day yet — but then little fires start popping up and demanding your attention.

Whether your furnace breaks and you need to call a repairman, a last-minute meeting pops up, or you forgot to schedule in time for lunch — sometimes things go wrong.

Highly productive people acknowledge the planning fallacy: The fact that everyone underestimates how long it will take to finish tasks.

Research on the planning fallacy shows that a lot of the reason for this misestimation is that we forget to take into account tasks or responsibilities that aren’t yet on our calendars.

Have you ever tried to schedule a meeting and thought “let’s do this next week, next week looks more open?” But then next week comes around and it’s just as busy as always.

Highly productive people are better at realizing that next week only seems open because you haven’t scheduled it yet. By planning for interruptions and creating contingency plans, highly productive people can adapt quickly when unplanned problems present themselves.

13. Work before you get motivated or inspired

A lot of people looking to get more productive habits talk about needing to get inspired or motivated. Highly productive people instead focus on getting started — whether they’re motivated or not.

In her classic book Bird by Bird , author Anne Lamott gives this advice to aspiring writers: look through a one-inch picture frame.

What does that mean?

It means that you don’t need to tackle everything at once. When you are having trouble getting motivated, it’s often because you are looking at the massive scope of a project.

That’s intimidating. It’s hard to get started when faced with the enormity of a task.

Lamott tells writers not to worry about inspiration or motivation. Just start writing in the smallest possible way. Even if you need to start by describing your own shoes, getting words — any words — on the page is the first step.

The same applies to your work — even if you’re not a writer.

If you feel overwhelmed or find yourself procrastinating, look through a one-inch picture frame. Start doing something — like breaking the task into smaller chunks — and you’ll find it easier to keep going.

Taking action is what leads to motivation, which in turn leads to more action. Highly productive people don’t wait for motivation — they start working and the motivation follows.

14. Don’t multitask

With so many distractions in our surroundings, it’s tempting to fall into the trap of multitasking.

The research on multitasking is clear: people are bad at it.

The reason is that “multitasking” is actually misnamed. When you try to multitask, you aren’t really doing two things at once — you’re rapidly switching your focus between two things.

Every time you switch, you have to re-focus on the new task. Because it takes a few minutes to get up to speed on a task, these “switching costs” make multitasking extremely inefficient.

Are there times when multitasking is ok? Probably.

If you’re cleaning your apartment while listening to an audiobook, you’re probably going to do just fine. The reason is that the two tasks — cleaning and listening — don’t use the same mental resources.

But if you’re writing an email while trying to follow the words in a podcast, both tasks are competing for your language resources — your work will slow down and quality will suffer. It also zaps your energy and makes your brain more tired, which means that you slow yourself down on future tasks, too.

But how do you stop multitasking?

Avoiding multitasking can be as simple as closing the tab with your email and muting Slack, email, or text notifications. In most jobs, waiting an extra half hour to respond to an email won’t be the end of the world.

Eliminating multitasking is one of the most productive habits you can develop.

15. Fill the tank — recharge

Productivity tactics , email templates, budgeting spreadsheets , project management software, and prioritization are valuable methods of improving your productivity.

But they won’t help if you aren’t taking care of yourself.

Highly productive people spend time recharging. That means getting enough sleep every night, exercising, and eating healthily.

If you aren’t thinking straight or have trouble focusing, take a look at your personal habits. I know that 7 or 8 hours of sleep just isn’t enough for me — I really need closer to 9, and missing out on sleep affects my productivity for days.

Sleep. Exercise. Eat well. Get outside and soak up some sunshine. Taking care of your healthy habits is a crucial part of efficient work habits.

16. Sharpen the axe

There’s a famous quote attributed to Abraham Lincoln that goes:

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”

Whether Lincoln said this or not is debated , but the lesson behind it is important: If you want to be productive, you need to stay sharp.

In a modern example, Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger attribute much of their success to reading .

By spending a lot of time reading, becoming more knowledgeable, and getting better at their trade, they were able to make faster and more accurate decisions.

As Munger once said:

“Neither Warren nor I is smart enough to make the decisions with no time to think. We make actual decisions very rapidly, but that’s because we’ve spent so much time preparing ourselves by quietly sitting and reading and thinking.”

Dedicate time to improving, and you’ll be able to respond more efficiently to a variety of situations.

17. Manage your energy (not just time)

Time management is a huge part of productivity. Many of the productivity habits on this list will help you manage your time more effectively.

But just as important — and often overlooked — is energy management .

If you are exhausted and can barely think, it doesn’t matter how many hours are left in the day. You won’t be able to use them productively.

This is the logic of tackling difficult tasks early in the day — by using your peak hours efficiently, you can get more done in less time before you get tired. Jason Fried, founder and CEO of Basecamp, says:

“While people often say there’s not enough time, remember that you’ll always have less attention than time.”

Highly productive people know that it isn’t enough to have time to do things. Managing your energy — to ensure that you tackle the most intense tasks while you have the energy to handle them — is an important trick to becoming productive.

18. Get better at saying “no”

It’s so tempting to say yes.

New projects and opportunities crop up all the time. It’s easy to get excited by the possibilities — and then wind up with too many commitments.

Saying no is difficult. It means consciously setting things aside so that you have the time to work on your most important priorities. Expert Mark Shead from Productivity501 had this to say about the importance of saying no:

“People who are highly efficient are really good at NOT doing things. Having less to do means that the time you spend on important things is more focused and more productive. Too often people think they are becoming more productive by filling up their day with more and more low-value work, but this low-value work takes away energy and creativity that could go toward high-value work.  The most productive and efficient people I know have figured out what they do that is really valuable and they put their effort into doing that to the best of their ability. Usually, this means that they stop doing some ‘good’ activities in order to focus on the things that are most important for them and for their goals.” 

Conclusion: How to be more productive

Highly productive people can seem like magicians or robots. Most of the time, the most efficient people you meet have managed to find ways to overcome procrastination and other challenges.

Our productivity tips come down to 4 main things. Here’s how to be more productive:

• Manage your time well
• Make better to-do lists
• Take care of yourself
• Be proactive

And one more tip: Know when to ask for help.

Smart people ask for help. Productive people admit when they don’t know something. When you ask for help instead of trying to struggle through something on your own, you save time (and frustration). Make sure you know who and what your resources are — and make asking for help a habit.

To recap, here are the 18 work habits that highly productive people use to become more efficient:

• Focus on the most important tasks (MITs) first
• Keep a distraction list
• Use the Eisenhower Matrix
• Make fewer unimportant decisions
• Work without getting motivated or inspired
• Don’t multitask
• Fill the tank and recharge
• Sharpen the axe and improve constantly
• Manage energy as well as time

This post was originally published in January 2018. Updated January 2023.

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How to Recharge Your Tired Brain After Work

“i stay motivated at work — hey, i can’t lose my job — but my adhd stops me from being productive at home. my brain gets stuck on ‘pause,’ which means important projects get put on hold. my wife is angry, and i’m disgusted with myself. how can i break out of this pattern”, why does my adhd brain get stuck.

The fact is that everything from organizing information, to managing time, to staying focused on a task requires more brain energy when we have attention deficit disorder (ADHD or ADD). So people with ADHD burn a lot of mental energy to get through the workday, and often are running on fumes by the time they get home. It feels like we have hit a wall — or, as you say, are stuck in pause. The problem isn’t a lack of motivation. It is a case of needing to properly refuel.

Here are steps you can take to get your brain unstuck, be more productive at home, and feel good about yourself as a partner and adult:

What Does My Brain Need?

When your brain is “stuck,” it’s telling you something. Just as hunger pangs remind us that our body is running on empty, brain fatigue reminds us that we need to fill our brain’s fuel tank. Instead of ignoring our brain fatigue and trying to push through (which often leads nowhere), acknowledge your brain’s needs.

Ask, “How can I restore my brain energy after work?” Write down several things that you know will boost your energy: a snack, a glass of water, a brisk walk, a shower, a power nap, listening to music, finding some quiet time, meditating, or connecting with someone else. These are all great ways to refuel your brain.

How-To Tips

• When you get home from work, ask yourself, “On a scale of 1-10, how much energy do I have to tackle a task right now?”
• Make your list of energy givers.
• Take an energy-boosting break, or do an energy-boosting activity each day when you get home from work.
• Let your family know that you are taking these steps to help get unstuck.

[ Download This Free Expert Resource: Unraveling the Mysteries of Your ADHD Brain ]

Why Is Making Choices So Hard for an ADHD Brain?

Making choices seems like a simple task, but it burns up lots of cognitive fuel. If you are tired when you get home, it will be tough for you to decide which task or chore you want to do. You may make the choice not to do any at all. Planning in advance what you will do each night will help to lighten some of your brain’s load, so you can focus on getting started.

Choose a specific day of the week for regular chores, like cleaning the bathroom or vacuuming. In my family, we start the laundry on Saturday mornings, so it can be put away by Sunday evening. We never have to decide, “When should I do the laundry this week?”

Break bigger projects (like reorganizing the garage) into smaller steps, and do one step each night. A client struggles with piles (big piles) of unopened mail. He decided he would go through one stack of mail each night until the piles were gone.

• Make a to-do list of chores and projects.
• Break big projects into small, doable steps.
• Make sure to limit your plan to one small task a night. Keep it easy!
• Write your plan down on paper and put it in your digital calendar, so that you don’t forget.

[ Free Webinar Replay: How to Get More Done with a Lot Less Stress! ]

Is There a Way to Do Less?

Now that you have a to-do list of chores and projects, you can lighten your load by asking, “Is there any way to do less?” See if something from your list can be crossed off because it isn’t that important. Or perhaps cut back on the scope of a project: Could you get by with a fresh coat of paint instead of remodeling the entire bathroom? Create two lists — “Do Now” and “Do Later” — and focus on the “Do Now” tasks.

My favorite “do less” tactic is to delegate. One client told me that using a grocery delivery service was “the best thing I’ve ever done for my ADHD .” By delegating grocery delivery, his family created a meal plan each week, and had everything they needed to eat well without having to make dinner decisions when everyone is tired at the end of the day. Now, he has more energy either to enjoy a relaxing evening or get something else done.

• Imagine giving your to-do list to someone else. Does it seem like you are asking too much? If so, think about modifying it.
• Look at your to-do list for items that can be deleted, done later, made smaller, or delegated.

How Can I Block Out Distractions?

Sometimes when we get home from work and are tired, our brains switch to autopilot. When he is stressed out or tired, one of my clients spends evenings playing his favorite video game. His brain goes on autopilot. Unfortunately, his wife gets angry, or he gets angry at himself, because pressing things don’t get done. People diagnosed with ADHD are more susceptible to this type of idle-brain distraction.

If you find yourself wasting your evenings, block those activities that are keeping your brain stuck. Ask, “What am I routinely doing instead of the activities I want to be doing?” Most of these activities are screen-related, like searching online, watching TV, or playing games on a smartphone. Once you know which activities are keeping your brain idle, avoid doing them for one or two nights a week.

• Make a list of activities that keep your brain idle and figure out how to block them.
• Use a shut-off timer on the plug of your TV, or drape a sheet over the TV to remind you that you’d prefer to do something else.
• Use an Internet/app blocker, and put your smartphone away.

When your brain is stuck in pause, have a list of tactics, not just one, to get unstuck. Pick and choose from the suggestions above, and make a written list of suggestions that you think will work for you. This can be your go-to guide for getting things done .

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• Coping with Illness

How to Get Work Done While Sick

Last Updated: March 25, 2024 References

This article was co-authored by Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM . Shannon O'Brien is the Founder and Principal Advisor of Whole U. (a career and life strategy consultancy based in Boston, MA). Through advising, workshops and e-learning Whole U. empowers people to pursue their life's work and live a balanced, purposeful life. Shannon has been ranked as the #1 Career Coach and #1 Life Coach in Boston, MA by Yelp reviewers. She has been featured on Boston.com, Boldfacers, and the UR Business Network. She received a Master's of Technology, Innovation, & Education from Harvard University. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 123,758 times.

When we are sick, the best thing to do is to sleep, hydrate, and focus on getting better. However, many of us do not have the option of taking time off to recover. Many workers don't have paid sick leave options, and others might worry about getting behind on work or school during sick days. [1] X Research source As many as 90% of workers have gone in to work sick. [2] X Research source If you absolutely have to get work done while sick, you can alleviate your symptoms and break tasks down into simpler components in order to be productive.

Maintaining Your Productivity While Sick

• If you have a high fever (over 101 degrees Fahrenheit) or spots on your throat, you might have to consult your physician. You should also talk to your doctor if you have trouble staying hydrated or if your symptoms do not get better after a few days. [4] X Research source
• Many workers cannot afford to take time off because of illness. If this is the case, then you will have to find ways to take care of yourself even while working.

• In order for telecommuting to work, you will likely require a secure laptop and a high-speed internet connection as well as a reliable phone.

• For example, rather than putting together an entire presentation, tell yourself that you will simply make one slide at a time. After each slide is complete, allow yourself a break to recover: take a short nap or drink some tea.

• For example, a day when you are ill might be an excellent time to do mundane, mindless tasks like cleaning out your email inbox, filing documents, or putting together next month's calendar. Try to avoid tasks that require high-level thinking, such as writing a crucial research report.
• It is also a good idea to work on first drafts instead of final drafts of papers and projects. [6] X Research source You can reread your drafts when you are feeling more like yourself. This will reduce the likelihood of major errors in the final version.

• If your coworkers help you with your duties, be sure that you express your gratitude and that you return the favor when your colleagues feel ill.

Taking Care of Your Symptoms

• Consider asking a friend or family member to pick up these supplies for you if you are too under the weather to leave the house.

• Avoid alcohol while you are sick because it can dehydrate you and slow your recovery time.

• When you use nasal spray, be sure that you keep facial tissues or a handkerchief nearby. You will likely have to blow your nose immediately after using the spray.

• Don't combine medications to ensure that you don't experience adverse reactions. [19] X Research source Be sure that you read the instructions carefully, take only the recommended dosage, and be on the lookout for allergic reactions. Even over-the-counter medications can cause side effects: do not treat them like candy.

Preventing Spread of Illness

Expert Q&A

• The best way to remain productive at work or school is to avoid getting sick. Keep yourself vaccinated, get your flu shot every year, wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching your face in order to keep yourself healthy. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Workplaces should prevent presenteeism (when workers show up ill, possibly to the detriment of the company) as much as possible. If you are in a management position, advocate for paid sick leave to make sure that your employees come to work healthy. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Remember that going in to school or the office while sick might not just be bad for your recovery time: it might also expose your colleagues to your germs. Keep this in mind when you decide whether or not to go in to the office. Thanks Helpful 21 Not Helpful 3
• Do not endanger your health for the sake of your work. If you cannot stay hydrated, if you have trouble breathing, if your fever is high, or if your symptoms do not improve after a few days, you need to see a doctor. Your work is not worth endangering yourself. Thanks Helpful 22 Not Helpful 4

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/19/working-while-sick_n_4818685.html
• ↑ http://nypost.com/2014/03/23/why-going-to-work-sick-isnt-helping-your-career/
• ↑ https://hbr.org/2004/10/presenteeism-at-work-but-out-of-it
• ↑ http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/common-cold-too-sick-to-work
• ↑ http://corporette.com/2009/11/16/open-thread-working-while-youre-sick/
• ↑ http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/236214
• ↑ Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM. Life & Career Coach. Expert Interview. 25 May 2021.
• ↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2014/01/07/12-tips-for-staying-productive-at-work-through-the-bleak-winter-months/
• ↑ http://www.getspokal.com/too-busy-to-be-sick-heres-how-to-stay-productive-when-sick/
• ↑ http://symptoms.webmd.com/cold-and-flu-map-tool/getting-through-day-while-sick
• ↑ http://symptoms.webmd.com/cold-and-flu-map-tool/getting-through-day-while-sick?page=2
• ↑ http://www.sfcdcp.org/healthyhabits.html
• ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/homehygiene/Pages/prevent-germs-from-spreading.aspx

About This Article

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The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

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• Teaching & Learning

5 simple tweaks to common behaviour challenges

W hether you’re a battle-hardened stalwart who has been in the profession for decades, or a wide-eyed new arrival taking your first tentative steps into the classroom, managing behaviour can often be a source of huge anxiety as a new academic year begins.

Post-pandemic, those anxieties may be even more pronounced, with reports of increased instances of behaviour disruption at all phases of the sector.

While managing the behaviour of certain individuals can be incredibly complex - with SEND and mental health, as well as poverty, often factors - I do think there are common, successful approaches teachers can rely on in many situations.

Likewise, while whole-school policies - such as phone bans, centralised detentions, coherent behaviour policies and a strong and supportive SLT - are vital to ensuring a safe, calm and productive environment, not every school has those things in place yet and we need to help teachers in those contexts while school leadership teams work to remedy that.

Even where those things are in place already, teachers still need tools to use day in, day out in the classroom.

As I outline in my new book, The Behaviour Whisperer , classroom teachers’ communication with students has perhaps the biggest influence of all approaches to behaviour. As such, the basis of this piece is fine-tuning communication techniques.

What follows are five common behaviour scenarios and ‘mini scripts’ to tackle those scenarios.

They are subtle tweaks to how we speak to pupils, shifting the message given and with careful implementation plans. A little can go a long way.

These scenarios can provide the basis for more generalised communication techniques for behaviour management that can help you get through the next school year with calm, happy classrooms and anxiety-free teaching.

1. The student who misbehaves in your first lesson

No matter how long you’ve been teaching, meeting a new class for the first time can be a nervy experience. You compose yourself with a deep breath, greet them and allocate their seats. All seems to be going well…

It soon becomes apparent, however, that one student is straight into a disruptive stride. With this student, there will be no behaviour honeymoon period.

What’s the best way of showing this student that you mean business?

Avoid saying: “[Student’s name], I’m going to have my eye on you from now on.”

Reframe for success: “You’ve not made a good first impression. I want you to show me the real, polite, hard-working you.”

How to put it into action: Anxieties about making a strong initial impression can lead to overreactions and rash statements. In an effort to prove our authority, we can make public threats that create a hostile environment from the outset.

A more effective way of dealing with a student immediately pushing boundaries is to get the class started on a task and then have a very quiet word with the wayward individual.

Phrased positively, it’s possible to communicate that you’re not happy with how they’ve behaved so far but there is the chance for the student to alter your view of them.

This approach makes clear that you won’t stand for any nonsense, but that you’re also willing to give second chances rather than jumping to conclusions about a student based on a poor first impression.

2. The class that talks over you

You’re in the middle of explaining a complex piece of information. Looking around, you see a few groups of students indulging in off-task chatter. They’re not listening to you. With this class, private conversations are happening all the time.

How should you deal with this vexing problem?

Avoid saying: “Stop talking while I’m talking. It’s so rude!”

Reframe for success: “A reminder that when I’m speaking, nobody else speaks.”

How to put it into action: It takes time to improve the listening habits of a chatty class. Some students will need frequent reminders of your expectations before they modify their behaviour. Publicly displaying your annoyance and directing it at individual students tends to lead to an escalation of the unwanted behaviour.

If, despite your pre-warning reminder, students continue to chat, then appropriate consequences will be necessary. But this depersonalised, unequivocal yet non-confrontational stance usually leads to quieter classes much quicker than sanctions alone.

3. The class that claims your sanctions are unfair

With this class, whenever you make key behaviour management calls, it feels like you’re a football referee surrounded by gesticulating players. Every decision is questioned, with opinionated classmates chipping in loudly and unhelpfully.

How can you tackle behaviour and maintain control of the class?

Avoid saying: “My decisions are final. I don’t care what you think.”

Reframe for success: “If I get things wrong, I will happily change my mind. But my expectations are really clear. Let me remind the class what behaviours I need to see.”

How to put it into action: Teachers sometimes make mistakes. Misreading situations. Cases of mistaken identity. Scattergun sanctions. For this reason, it’s always worth buying yourself a bit of time to think about whether you made the right call. A rigid refusal to perform a U-turn can lead to a teacher/class breakdown, fuelled by feelings of injustice.

With some classes, of course, even reasonable decisions are challenged, simply because some students refuse to take responsibility for their actions.

Being able to quickly evaluate the fairness of our sanctions is an important skill for any teacher. Once we’re sure we’ve made the right call, we can stand firm behind our decisions.

Our calls won’t always be popular, but by offering a general reminder of precise expectations we can prevent the break of new mutiny.

4. The student who is a persistent pen-tapper

As you begin your instructions to the class, all is calm. But halfway through your second sentence, your thoughts are interrupted by an abrupt break in the silence.

Having deconstructed their pen, a student is now using the component parts to tap out some indecipherable Morse code on the table. By now, the noise is more than an irritant: the class is losing focus and, against the backdrop of the nib’s repetitive beats, you’ve forgotten what you were saying.

How can you stop this fidgeting percussionist from derailing your explanations?

Avoid saying: “Can you please stop doing that!”

Reframe for success: “A reminder that all pens need to be down while I’m speaking.”

Why does this work? For some students, pen tapping is deliberately disruptive, displaying their reluctance to pay attention. In this case, the noise is designed to annoy, becoming a gradual test of your patience. For other students, however, pen tapping is unintentional, a natural ‘fidgety’ movement that they aren’t always aware that they’re doing.

Either way, publicly reprimanding the student is unlikely to improve the situation.

Those disrupting purposely will gain social kudos, while the unintentional disruptor will feel unfairly treated. Instead, depersonalise your reminder of expectations to the class in a clear and calm manner.

Follow this up by having a discreet word with ‘fidgety’ tappers, discussing inaudible alternatives - like a finger tapped on the palm - that don’t get in the way of other students’ focus.

5. The class that doesn’t do homework

In lessons, the class does their best and works hard for you. Completing work outside of school is, however, a wholly different situation.

Whenever it’s time to collect the allocated homework, all you tend to receive is a litany of excuses. Any work that is submitted is usually rushed or copied verbatim from a webpage. Detentions and phone calls home make little difference.

How can you get them to complete homework?

Avoid saying: “Hands up everyone who hasn’t done homework. Right, you’re on my detention list again.”

Reframe for success: “I’ll be coming round soon to collect homework. I’m looking forward to seeing work that’s really going to help you improve in this subject.”

How to implement it: In the short term, detentions and other sanctions might boost homework uptake. But to build and sustain a culture of homework completion, you need to work on students’ intrinsic motivation.

In other words, you need to convince students that homework is not just a chore to be done to avoid missing break time or something to be done to get a reward, like a nice shiny gold star.

Instead, you need to help them come to realise that homework is something that students finish because it is a vital component of academic success, valuable in its own right. They need to see that doing homework enhances their knowledge and leads to them feeling more confident about their progress in the subject. ;

Tell students you won’t be giving them homework just because the timetable demands it. Let them know that every piece of work you set will be vital to their progress.

Show how homework completion boosts progress by making explicit links between success with tasks in class and work that’s been done at home. This will motivate them to complete further homework. Finally, take away the social rewards for non-completion. Collect homework discreetly and don’t advertise who is on the detention list!

Broadening the techniques

These subtle tweaks in messaging can work in so many different situations. And because they shift the emphasis from negative to positive, you will feel more comfortable and confident using them.

Through a carefully planned communication reboot that includes a focus on implementation, you’ll see a shift in students’ negative attitudes and create a greater desire to learn. As the teacher, you will feel more in control and that confidence will reap huge rewards.

Yes, it may seem simple, but often the simple shifts have the largest impact - and we are never too experienced for a reminder about the basics and a jolt out of any bad habits we have accumulated. Good luck!

Mark Roberts is director of research and English teacher at Carrickfergus Grammar School in Northern Ireland and author of books including The Behaviour Whisperer

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Five habits to help you succeed in achieving your professional goals.

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Andrey Fadeev, CEO of GDEV , the Nasdaq listed European game development holding. Strong advocate of a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.

Success is often associated with the ability to manage resources wisely and make informed decisions. However, these skills are underpinned by certain habits that help us achieve our goals.

Here are five key habits that I suggest all leaders and professionals master to thrive and prosper, accompanied by tips on how to efficiently make them a part of your life.

1. Completing Tasks

The ability to finish what you start without procrastination brings benefits beyond productivity—it’s good for your mental comfort, too. The habit to complete tasks helps to avoid the accumulation of unfinished assignments, which can create stress and reduce your personal efficiency. Consequently, mastering this practice often leads to better management of your time and resources.

Help yourself to develop this habit by creating to-do lists with the tasks you need to execute and checking off completed items. In addition to motivating you to get things done, this ritual can give you enormous satisfaction and the feeling of accomplishment. To make the most of these lists, set specific deadlines for each task.

Another trick to unlock this habit is the Inbox Zero method, which helps you to keep your email organized. Immediately delete all unnecessary emails, and respond to the ones that you can answer quickly. Instantly delegate to the correct person if you see that you are not the right person to respond. If an email requires some time to think over the reply, put it in your to-do list to answer later. If an email brings you a task of high priority, put it on your high-priority to-do list.

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Review your tasks and goals regularly to assess progress and adjust your action plan. This helps you identify ineffective methods and replace them with more productive ones. After all, life is giving us feedback on a daily basis, and it’s only wise to adjust our tactics and strategies accordingly.

Start by dedicating some time to analyzing the goals and tasks that you are setting for yourself once a week. Review whether your priorities changed, and reflect on what worked and what didn’t in your past experience. To make the most of these sessions, note down important thoughts and ideas that come up during the week. They may prompt you in the right direction when sorting out priorities and figuring out tasks.

3. Keeping A Tidy Desk

Maintaining order in your workplace can promote productivity and effectiveness and reduce stress . A clean and organized space helps you keep your mind on what needs to be done and minimizes distractions, while a cluttered space can create visual noise and impact your focus and memory negatively.

Arrange your workplace in such a way that you can easily see everything you may need. All the things that you use on a daily basis should always be in front of your eyes. Make it a habit to regularly clean your desk, removing unnecessary items and papers. Spend a few minutes at the end of each workday tidying your desk. If you notice things you haven’t used in a while on it, don’t hesitate to put them away.

4. Writing Down Thoughts And Ideas

Keeping notes helps you capture important thoughts and ideas so you don’t forget them later. By writing ideas down, you avoid losing them and free your mind from having to remember them. This way, you’ll be able to have a deeper focus on ongoing tasks and return to your insights later, at a more convenient time. It also helps to structure information for future use.

Make keeping notes a habit by carrying a notebook with you or use a note-taking app. Write down all important thoughts and ideas coming to you during the day. Regularly return to your notes to review them and use them for planning. If you find a note that you no longer resonate with or see no use in it, get rid of it. It’s important to keep your ideas, but your notes require decluttering from time to time, like your desk.

5. Using Transformational Language

Using positive and motivational expressions instead of negative and demotivating ones can be truly transformative. Positive language helps develop a healthier and more productive mindset. It affects your attitude toward tasks and boosts motivation.

First, it’s necessary to learn to catch negative thoughts. Practicing mindfulness helps with this a lot. Pay attention to what you are thinking and, if needed, write your thoughts down to analyze them better. Try changing demotivating thoughts with positive ones, and with time you’ll likely notice your internal monologue is becoming more optimistic and confident.

Go beyond thoughts, and replace negative expressions with positive ones in your everyday speech, too. Use affirmations and positive statements to boost motivation. At some point, you may notice that changing your speech has an uplifting effect not just on you but on everyone you come in contact with.

Habits are the foundation of one’s life. They can give your life direction by boosting your productivity and mood, or take your sense of purpose away by promoting procrastination and anxiety. It’s important to adapt the ones that serve you best. First you spend some time and effort to introduce useful habits to your routine, but later they become as easy as breathing.

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