Our daily habits define who we are as a person and end up shaping up our overall personality. They are more important than we even realize. So here is a list of few productive and healthy habits you need to incorporate in your life right now to help you shape your life and make you a better person. Procrastination is also a big productivity killer. If you are also struggling with the habit of procrastination try this sure shot fix today to help you overcome the problem.
1. Make your bed first thing in the morning
Now this might sound so vague but it has been practiced and proven that making your bed right after you wake up first thing in the morning is really indeed effective. It just takes 4-5 minutes of your time but getting it done right away in the morning will always make you feel organized and in control by checking off one item off of your to do list already in the first 5 minutes of your morning. Also, who wants to come back to a messy undone bed after a long day at work anyway?
2. Organize your workplace and tidy it up
Whether you’re working from home or working on your desk at office, maintaining and having an organized desk/workplace is more beneficial than not. A clean, tidy, organized desk helps focus better on the work and can also help motivate you and improve your quality of work. You can even personalize your desk by adding your favorite scented candle, or putting positive quotes or affirmations onto the sticky notes, having a family picture or pictures of loved ones framed, some fresh green plants, will help you improve the vibe and the aesthetics of your workplace.
3. Workout or have some or the other physical activity
Stressing this point I believe is never enough. Even if you’re someone who hates to workout start small by taking at least a few steps in- in the morning. Moving your body, be it at any time of the day, but especially in the morning hours will help you at being active and full of energy throughout the day. In fact I’d recommend each and every one of you reading this article to incorporate at least this one daily habits in your life more than anything and I promise you, you’ll witness your productivity rising each day.
4. Make a to do list (Top 5 priority)
If you’re someone who struggles to keep up with your priorities or fail at getting done all that you’ve planned for the day, this one’s for you. Start your day by writing minimum top 5 of your priorities on a piece of paper, number 1 being of the highest priority and focus on getting them done more than anything else and only stop once you check all 5 of them off at the end of the day. This way it will help you focus only on those top 5 goals planned for the day without you having to worry or get distracted by things that don’t matter.
5. Dedicate some time to learn something new every single day
Even If you schedule about 10-15 minutes of each day for your hobbies, or on new things that you’re learning be it learning a new language, musical instrument, a new dish, or even taking up an online course, will make your brain sharp and active and also help you focus/distract you on something other than your work helping you to wind down or relax for the day.
6. Listen to valuable podcasts
Podcasts are on the rise these days. And if you’re already bored of your mundane song playlist podcasts are there for you. Be it listening to them while on your daily commute, or while cleaning, cooking, doing the dishes; engaging yourself in consuming some valuable content and information will definitely expand your knowledge. And if multitasking like this- getting things done while also gaining some knowledge or entertaining yourself with some fun podcasts is not productive then I don’t know what is.
7. Avoid distractions
While working, keep your phone far away or on do not disturb mode. This will help you avoid going on it or getting distracted by constant messages/notifications that keeps popping up every now and then; which will in turn help you get your work done faster with more efficiency and once it’s done you can handle all your messages later after work.
8. Plan a week ahead using apps like Google calendar
This is another from the list of productive habits that has helped me stay more focused and efficient. You can use the proven daily planner diary way or advanced digital options like Google calendar is a free app you’ll find on your App Store or Play store. You can plan your week ahead, sitting down with this app on weekends by adding all your schedules- workout, work meetings or casual meetings with friends, grocery shopping and hundreds of other things. The fun part is you can also color code your schedules by allocating colors of your choice to various items on your schedule. It’ll not only help you stay productive but you also won’t have to worry about your upcoming schedules as you’ve already planned them in advance.
9. Go to bed reading a book rather than mindlessly scrolling through Instagram
Reading a book is of course more productive habits and beneficial than not but if you’ve to ask me the perfect time to read a book other than while commuting, I’d recommend reading it before going to bed at night. We are all guilty of mindlessly scrolling through Instagram late up until night, straining our eyes and ending up staying up until late hours. But if you substitute it by reading a book instead, not only will it add more value but it will also help you sleep faster and earlier.
10. Drink water- plentyyy of it!!!
Sorry if this sounds like your mom but this point had to be here. Water is like a holy grail to your body, not only helping you with various health benefits like increasing your physical performance or relieving headaches but also keeping your stomach full, keeping your skin clear, healthy and glowing and oh! Also helps in weight loss. So, you’re still here? Go get up now and chug on as much water as you can.
To know more about productive habits and its importance in our daily life I’d recommend reading the book, ‘The Power of Habit’ by Charles Duhigg.
