I’ve never believed that productivity should be measured by the number of hours you work in a day or what time you start and finish. For me, it’s always about the quality of my output. I want to address this because in our culture, especially among the older generation, there’s a perception that if you don’t start early or work the traditional 8 to 5, you’re lazy and unproductive. This mindset might have been applicable decades ago when work options were more limited, and yes, it can still be relevant depending on one’s profession. But it’s not fair to say that if you deviate from the norm, you’re unproductive.
This idea resonates even more with me because I have a medical condition to consider. To truly balance work, life, and health, here’s what I do:
Tips for staying productive:
- Get enough sleep.
This is my top rule. Yes, more than just a tip, it’s a golden rule. Our productivity depends on how well-rested we are from the previous night—this is a universal truth. It’s even more important for those with medical conditions like mine. My sleep is sacred. It doesn’t have to be a solid 8 to 9 hours, but I make sure I get the sleep I need so that the next day, I’m at my best, and would translate to best output; best quality of work.
- Meditate and breathe.
As the saying goes, a relaxed mind is a powerful mind. Meditation and simple deep breathing exercises throughout the day as a relaxation maintenance, or most especially during stressful moments can instantly calm us, clearing our thoughts. This is important for productivity because when we’re tense, overthinking, or frustrated, our output suffers. Beyond work, keeping a calm mind and body helps our overall health and well-being.
- Plan your tasks ahead.
It doesn’t have to be perfectly organized, but the truth is, we’re all more productive when things are structured. Planning doesn’t necessarily mean mapping out weeks or days in advance. It can be as simple as writing down what you want to carry out the next day. It can be as simple as what time to wake up, or scheduling breaks, and what food to eat while on break. Focus on planning the relaxing parts of your day rather than just the tasks you need to complete. This way, the mindset and planning process is more positive.
- Set a goal.
Building on the earlier tip, it’s equally important to have goals—small, achievable ones are best. These give you a sense of direction, a sort of north star to follow.
- Lastly, and the most challenging to achieve, but I’ll say it anyway—avoid sugar. Or at least reduce it.
This is a struggle for me too, but the reality is, sugar can make us feel sluggish, and cranky too, which in turn affects our productivity.
These simple tips will not only help you become more productive but also help your overall health. Your healthy, productive, and most important, you’re happy.