Turn Off Your Laptop and Increase Productivity

Posted in Business Tools & Resources, Time Management | 18 comments

“A man must be master of his hours and days, not their servant.” – William Frederick

Laptops, computers, smart phones and other gadgets are what we need to keep us productive.

Can you turn it off and put it away from you for a couple of minutes, or an hour?

Yes you can! Doing this can even improve your productivity!

When you do something that is simple, yet totally different, you get productive afterwards. Yet these are ideas that most people, especially business owners and entrepreneurs, tend to ignore.

If you’re working 24/7, there will be instances where your productivity reaches a screeching halt. Driving too fast when your tanks are low will burn you out.

This is why you have to stop and refuel your spirit. Spend a few hours or days away from your working world to see the incredible benefits it can give you.

Take note of these sure-fire ways to instantly become productive and improve your efficiency.

1. Make time for yourself.

Don’t forget to leave time for yourself. When you give time for yourself, you’ll feel more successful in whatever it is you have to do. You can do any enriching activities such as walking around the park, biking, reading a book, jogging or playing with your kids.

Also, allow some time for reflection. You can wake up early in the morning to meditate. This is actually better for your productivity than checking your emails as soon as you wake up. If you’re not into meditating, just think of what your life is like when you have everything you want.  Spend 15 -30 minutes a day imagining for great future.

Make it a habit to give yourself a few minutes to enjoy life.

2. Take breaks

Spending more than 4 to 8 hours working at your desk without moving around will deplete your energy. The number of hours you sit at your desk is not a measure of productivity. You are productive if you get things done without sacrificing your health and well-being.

A quick 15- to 30-minute break after working on a task for 30-50 minutes is good enough. You can accomplish more if your mind and body are well-rested.

What can you do during breaks, do something physical?

• Take a walk around the office or outside the building
• Get up and talk to someone
• Have a snack at the pantry
• Stretch your muscles.
• Treat yourself to a lunch.
• Meditate or focus on deep breathing.
• Listen to your favourite music.

It clears your mind and lets you come back to work feeling recharged. You get more things done when you take breaks once in a while. It also allows you to reflect on your work and come up with better ideas.

By taking a break, you won’t feel too stressed out and tired after a day’s work.

3. Exercise

This is a no-brainer. You need to exercise regularly to keep yourself fit, healthy and productive. Exercising is a good way to boost your mental output and improve your mood.

When you exercise, you feel good about yourself, not to mention more energized and mentally alert. You can go to the gym or try different sports. Knowing which ones you enjoy most and trying a variety of activities will make exercising an enjoyable activity.

Regular physical activity can lead to higher productivity. The more energy you exert as you exercise, the more energy your brain receives.

It is also a good idea to get yourself some fresh air since you’re working on your computer all day long. Also, try working out with others to make this activity an even more enjoyable one.   Youtube office exercises.  I like Tai Chi myself.

4. Sleep your way to the top.

This one is also self-explanatory since you really have to rest to be more productive. While it sounds easy, getting at least 6 to 7 hours of sleep each day is not easy for everyone.

If your mind and body are well-rested, you can accomplish more.

Insufficient sleep takes a substantial toll on your performance. Most people tend to lose focus and make bad decisions when they lack that much-needed sleep. You’ll also get to feel more stressed and burned out.

Form good sleep habits. Train your mind and body to shut down and go to sleep.

It is also beneficial to take 15 to 20 minutes to nap every day. This will replenish your energy stores and leave you ready to work more efficiently.

Need more help boosting your productivity while enjoying life at the same time?  Pamela Finnesand, The Business Maximizer, will assist you. Schedule your complimentary Business Breakthrough Strategy Session today!