Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, intern, or full-time employee, you’re probably trying to maximize your productivity. No matter where you’re at in your professional journey, there are several ways to be more a more productive employee or student in your day to day activities.
These are our top ways how to make you more productive at work:
1. Get enough sleep
Although it might seem impossible to get enough rest as a student or a busy intern, your sleep schedule is extremely important to your productivity levels. When you’re tired, it’s harder to stay focused on your tasks. You’ll also feel more energized, be in a better mood, and sharpen your memory with enough sleep, making you a more productive employee and person.
2. Make your bed in the morning
While this might sound like a nagging reminder from a parent, making your bed first thing in the morning sets the tone for the rest of the day. Many professionals, from Navy SEALs to CEOs recommend this simple step. Not only will you feel accomplished, but your room will also be neat and ready for you to start the day. This is one of the easiest ways to be more productive. Making your bed in the morning starts a chain reaction of other productive and positive habits.
3. Turn your phone to black and white
The average young professional looks at their phone nearly 75 times a day. Think of all the productivity lost during that time! Experts suggest combating this by making the display grayscale. Without the bright lights and colors of your normal screen, you’ll feel less compelled to pick it up and spend ten minutes scrolling through Instagram.
4. Make lists
You don’t have to be an obsessive list maker to use them to your advantage. Lists are an excellent way to keep track of a busy schedule or intensive project. Consider making a weekly list to keep yourself on top of to-dos, and check the list when you’re wondering what to do. Writing down your tasks is also a good way to organize your thoughts and set a clear path forward. An organized thought pattern and process can lead to a much more productive mindset at work.
5. Declutter
Organization is the key to success. You’ve undoubtedly heard this before from parents, professors, or mentors. Psychological studies have shown that piles of clutter accumulating in your room or office can cause you to feel overwhelmed and stressed. When it comes to your productive space, stick to the essentials and keep it to a minimum. A tidy space can lead to a tidy mind! You'll feel fresher and more focused without clutter distracting you from your productive work day.
6. Exercise
It’s no secret that exercise boosts productivity. Making it part of your routine will help increase energy levels and focus during your day. This isn’t just something your gym teacher dreamed up - it’s science! Exercise produces endorphins in your brain, helping you to feel better throughout the day. If you don’t have time for a full cardio session, consider taking a walk during your lunch break or opt for the stairs instead of the elevator.
7. Turn off notifications
Notifications are a major distraction from productivity. Whether it’s a Facebook notification, a pop-up on your computer from Gmail or a message from your bank, it pulls your attention away from the tasks at hand. Turning off these non-essential notifications or putting your phone into 'focus' mode is simple, and will make a drastic difference in the amount of time you spend on social media and other platforms.
If you're looking to put these productivity tips to the test, why not try your hand at an international internship? Internships are the perfect way to get into the swing of a new career and can provide valuable lessons in productivity that you can take into a full-time role.