While technology can be helpful in increasing your productivity, there are non-techie things you can do every day to help you get more done. Here are 8 things to consider.
1. Watch what you eat:
Eat a high-protein breakfast. The average woman needs 46 grams of protein a day and the average man needs 56. I can get 25-30 grams of protein each morning by eating one of the following:
- 1 cup of Greek yogurt sprinkled with berries (fresh or frozen) and ½ cup of granola.
- 2 eggs, 2 sausage/bacon, 8 oz. glass of skim milk
2. Avoid carbs at lunch
(This includes bread, pasta, potatoes…which includes French fries)
Avoid high sugar snacks (donuts, candy bars, and even some granola bars). Instead, eat mini snacks throughout the day that include walnuts, almonds, and fruit, fresh, dried or frozen. If it’s dried, make sure sugar has not been added.
3. Get up and move.
Movement creates energy and keeps you from being sluggish in the afternoon. When you can, take the stairs instead of the elevator. Or walk to a co-workers cubicle vs. calling or emailing them.
Do some simple stretches at your desk to loosen up your wrists, shoulders and hips. Here’s a link to a quick 3-minute Desk Chair Fitness You Tube segment that demonstrates a few easy stretches to do at your desk.
4. Get 8 hours of sleep tonight. This is easier said than done but it has a big payoff the next day.
5. Drink plenty of water; at least eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid a day. And avoid caffeine.
6. Admit when you’re procrastinating. Identify the task you’re avoiding and the reasons for avoiding it. Honesty and reasoning will lead to solutions. Solutions will increase your productivity.
7. Get to work 10 minutes early. That might mean that the night before you gas up your car, plan your wardrobe, pack your lunch, and know where your keys are.
8. Review your calendar appointments and project deadlines on a regular basis. This will alleviate surprises which tend to bring stress and chaos.
