Sometimes though we wish life were simpler, it just isn’t. For those of us with complex and busy lifestyles in the prolonged process of simplifying our lives, there’s a few productivity tips to help.
- Take supplements. Most of us don’t get all the nutrients we need, and nutrients play a big role in our energy level and sleep quality. Here’s a few of the things I’ve been taking that I’ve noticed making a significant difference. Juice Plus+, Optimum Nutrition, Omega 3 Fish Oils.
- Wake up early. I like to get up between 5–5:30am (I feel great now that I’m on those supplements). There’s no scientific research, but I always seem to get more done when I wake up early. By 10am I can have most things done that would otherwise usually take all day.
- Use a to-do list. To-do lists aren’t just for people with bad memories. When you have something written down to accomplish for the day, there’s an instinctive nature to want to check off those items. I use Things, but there’s plenty of other free applications out there. Try to find one that has a computer and phone app that sync.
- Exercise. This will help get the blood flowing, release those endorphines, and make you more focused. 20min of elevated heart rate is all it takes. Swim, bike, run, yoga, hike, rock climb, lift weights, etc. You can’t say you don’t have options.
- Plan ahead. To-do lists are good for the daily details, but you also need to map out the big picture. Take one day a week to jot out your next week’s schedule. I put down work appointments, exercises and their times, recreational blocks of times, and personal study times (because I always want to be learning). Personally, certain categories I plan for the upcoming week and some I plan 2wk in advance due to my schedule filling if I don’t plan far enough out. Once you make your schedule, decide to stick to your guns (like exercise) if something else comes up (friend wanting to get coffee)…there will be other days.