A typical workday for most of us is characterized by a long list of things to do. We flip through the tasks for hours unending, only to realize that just a few tasks are ticked off at the end of the day. It is in such moments that we feel unaccomplished and wish there was a way we could get more things done.

However, your work days don’t always have to feel overwhelming. Even though you have no control over the number of hours in a day, little adjustments on how you approach our workdays can make a lot of difference.

Here are some tricks to help you get more things done in your workday.

 

1. Tackle hard tasks at your best time

We all have those tasks that we dread doing, but have to be done anyway. Trying to tackle such tasks when you are feeling overwhelmed will only have you struggling through them. Assign them at the time that you feel most productive. If you are a morning person, you are most likely to power through them during the morning hours. You will take less time to do them, freeing up the rest of your time for the less stressful tasks.

 

2. Break down large tasks

Viewing a complex task as a whole will only demotivate you, which can lead to procrastination. Instead of trying to approach it this way, break it down to small realistic tasks. You will be able to complete the micro-tasks much faster to get more done in a shorter period of time.

 

3. Organize your files

You could be spending most of your time looking for important files, simply because you forgot where you stored them. Avoid wasting such precious time by being more organized. Have a color code for your files so that you don’t waste a lot of time at the file cabinet. In addition, utilize zip files application to store related files under a single zip file in your computer. It becomes easier to locate such files whenever you need them. Furthermore, it takes a short time to unzip files free as well as share them on the internet.

 

4. Take regular breaks

Whenever you have a lot to do, the temptation to work for long hours can be overwhelming. However, this is not to say that you will accomplish anything much. Working this way will only make you feel fatigued, and might struggle through the day. Ensure that you take regular breaks between your tasks. You will come back to your tasks more rejuvenated and energized. Stepping away from work for a few minutes is a good way to fill your creativity tank. If you are tackling a task that requires your creativity, it will flow much faster after a break.

 

5. Focus on a single project at a time

Another deal-breaker in a workday is multitasking in a bid to get more done. What you achieve with multitasking is having a divided focus between the various tasks that you are tackling. We all know that you can’t achieve much when you are not focused. Of course, you can talk on the phone while composing an email. But, if you are tackling larger tasks, resist the temptation to multitask.

 

6. Take care of yourself

When you start your workday with fatigue, chances are that you will struggle throughout the day. Ensure that you are starting your day right by signing off properly the previous day. That means turning in early and ensuring that you get enough sleep. In addition, take care of your health to ensure that you are in a stable condition to work every single day. You can start by eating a balanced diet and taking in enough water. In addition, make it a routine to exercise regularly. A morning workout can do wonders to your energy levels to help you power through the day.

 

7. Eliminate distractions

A typical day can have a lot of distractions. In this era of social media, for instance, social media platforms can be a major distraction in the workplace. Noises from colleagues can also be a source of distraction for you. Switch off social media to help you focus on your tasks. You can also invest in noise-cancelling headphones to keep noises away.

 

Conclusion

In a nutshell, getting more done in a day boils down to the ability to organize and focus on your tasks. Ensure that you are taking the right approach to your tasks to help you do them efficiently and in the shortest time possible.

 

 

 

Sarah Morris is a business advisor for several companies in the Arkansas region, and also works for US Translation Company. She has experience working in a range of industries and providing technical support in topics such as business growth, market expansion, and product development.