Going to bed with a long list of unchecked tasks can leave you feeling like the day was wasted, which affects your overall mental and emotional wellbeing. Luckily, a few simple changes can make a big difference. Try these five tips to boost your productivity, get motivated and get stuff done. 

1. Start with a shock

A long, hot shower is perfect to relax, but a cold shower is just what you need to feel awake and alert. Start your morning with a cold shock – yes the first few seconds are brutal, but you’ll feel fresh and rejuvenated afterwards. 

2. Make breakfast a moment

Setting the tone to your day by eating a nutritious breakfast is proven to fuel your energy throughout the day. No more quick coffee to-go followed by a 10am slump. Whether it’s prepping overnight oats for the week ahead or making a nutrient-packed smoothie in the morning – find what works for your routine and make breakfast a must. 

3. Prep your playlist

Listening to music can be restorative, while releasing dopamine and enhancing alertness in learning and attention. Proven to better your mood and relax you, the type of music you listen to affects your thinking differently. Find the tunes that make you want to take on the world and listen to them on the way to work to get you into the right zone. 

4. Find your three-hour slot

Studies show that we are most productive for a minimum of three hours a day. This could be in the morning or at midday. Find your groove and make those three hours count. 

5. Make a list

Few things are quite as satisfying as ticking off the items on your to-do list. Whether it’s a good old pen and paper or a digital list, set it up, get the order of your day’s priorities right and start ticking off. Tip: Try not to jump around between tasks – complete one item, tick it off and move on to the next one. Juggling multiple tasks gets nothing done but makes you vulnerable to unproductivity and unnecessary stress. Avoid impromptu tasks and multi-tasking as this divides your attention, it’s like switching yourself on and off.

Content by Pargo. 

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