Often, people equate productivity with how much or how fast work is getting done. But really, productivity is more about being efficient and accomplishing more; either by putting in more effort, time, or resources.
There are many different definitions of productivity. Productivity can be used in a professional sense (like worker productivity), an economic sense (think increased productivity in the output of goods), or in everyday life (I haven’t done anything useful today; I’m so unproductive).
Which area of your life would you like to be more productive within? We’ve rounded up five concrete ways to be more productive—from taking regular breaks to choosing an energizing strain of cannabis.
1. Use Productivity Tools
Productivity tools can be digital or if you’re a traditionalist, in print form. For the tech-savvy, there are apps to help you be more productive, as well as online to-do lists and calendars. A simple first step could be setting up Google calendars that sync with your email or manual calendars that you can set up yourself.
If you like putting pen to paper, something like a bullet journal or work calendar could really help you get organized and productive by helping you set goals and mapping out how to get there.
2. Take Regular Breaks to Clear Your Mind
Whether it’s a holiday or a five-minute rest period, taking regular but shorter breaks is a good way to be more productive. Shorter breaks give you a chance to relax and clear your mind without having to fall off the wagon and lose sight completely of the goals and projects you need to complete.
Let’s face it: A month-long holiday seems like a dream, but getting back into things afterwards will probably be a challenge. So don’t bank all of your days off to use at once. It may feel like shorter, regular breaks are getting in the way of your productivity, but in the long run, they’ll help you be more efficient and sharp.
3. Establish Healthy Routines to Keep Energy Levels Up
Healthy eating, solid sleep routines and regular exercise are like checkpoints on the road to increased productivity. You don’t have to lead a boring life, but to have more productive days:
- Stay away from fad diets and processed foods
- Drink enough water
- Get quality sleep
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4. Laugh a Little to Reduce Stress
Find something that you enjoy—it can be as silly as searching online for a joke or as easy as exchanging a funny story with a friend.
Laughter is literally the best medicine. Researchers say laughter can:
- Reduce stress
- Induce a meditative brain state
- Improve mood
All of these benefits are extremely helpful when you’ve got a project to tackle. So take a giggle break, and you’ll feel much more ready to get to work afterwards.
RELATED: TOP 10 HEALTH BENEFITS OF LAUGHTER
5. Take Cannabis to Increase Productivity
There are lots of reasons why people struggle to be productive. It could be nothing more than a temporary lack of enthusiasm or a condition like PTSD, anxiety, depression or chronic illness that makes it hard to focus and be productive.
But both indica and sativa strains of cannabis can boost energy, mental clarity and overall productivity.
Here are a few marijuana strains consumers say help them focus and accomplish tasks they’re not really looking forward to.
- Jack Herer: This marijuana strain is popular in part because it’s perfect for both novice and advanced cannabis consumers alike. Jack Herer’s flavour profile is earthy, sweet and lends itself to a cerebral boost that increases creativity and mental processing. Plus, it’s mellow enough to take during the day and great for better productivity.
- Durban Poison: Another golden oldie that’s been around for a while, this pure sativa strain results in a clear and focused head high. Energy, creativity and inspiration from Durban Poison will give you the motivation you’re after to help you tackle the most mundane of tasks.
- Super Lemon Haze: It may not be the perfect fit for people who only need a small boost to their productivity, but if you’re in a real slump, this hybrid marijuana strain may just get you back on track. Super Lemon Haze has a zesty, tart flavour with effects that start off buzzy for some, but which later impart good focus for complex projects. If the munchies hit, remember to choose a healthy snack to keep those productivity levels high.
Photo credit: WAYHOME studio/Shutterstock.com
