Written by Liza
In a world where every second counts, time slips away before we realize it. As a full-time student juggling work-related projects and countless assignments, staying productive can be a challenge. Over the years, I discovered that the secret to getting ahead isn’t working harder — it’s working smarter. In this blog post, I’ll share game-changing productivity tips to help you make the most of every moment.
1) Build a List of Low-Effort Tasks for “In-Between” Moments
Throughout our busy lives, we tend to overlook the small pockets of time that can be easily transformed into productive moments. The 10-minute wait for the next bus may seem insignificant initially, but after adding those moments up over the week, you may realize you have more time to work than you think. Instead of doom-scrolling on your phone, why not seize these “in-between” moments to tackle a few tasks that have been idling on your to-do list?
Try curating a list of easy-to-complete tasks that you can tackle whenever you find yourself in between transitions in your daily life. Some tasks on my list include responding to emails, booking appointments, or brainstorming new ideas for an upcoming project.
Elevate your list by sorting tasks into categories based on the estimated time required to complete them, such as “5-minute tasks” or “15-minute tasks”. By the end of the day, you might find that you’ve accomplished more than expected, simply by making use of all those “in-between” moments.
2) Fuel Your Brain with Energy-Boosting Nutrients
As your productivity and brain function is impacted by your diet, prioritize foods that can boost energy levels and support healthy brain activity.
Omega-3-rich foods, like fatty fish, have been correlated with improved focus. Be sure to add salmon, avocados, or chia seeds to your meal plan the next time you need a brain boost. Green leafy vegetables are packed with lutein, which can decelerate cognitive decline. Some vegetables you can incorporate into your meals are spinach and kale.
You can also consider supplements to skyrocket your cognitive performance. If you’re experiencing difficulty with memory, ginkgo biloba may assist with mitigating brain fog. To feel more rejuvenated after a night’s rest, consider magnesium or melatonin before bed.
While I’d prioritize sustaining your brain with foods already containing these nutrients, supplements can be useful for those with busy lives or limited access to certain foods. Always consult with your healthcare provider before taking new supplements!
3) Master Time Blocking
A tool that can improve your time management skills is time blocking. This strategy organizes your day into different time blocks, each allocated to a task you’d like to tackle within that period.
To start time blocking, create a calendar that divides each day into half-hour or hour-long segments. You can build a calendar in a physical planner or utilize digital tools like Notion and Google Calendar.
Next, list tasks you would like to work on, along with any events you have scheduled. Referencing this list, allocate non-negotiable or time-sensitive events to their appropriate time blocks. Fill the remaining segments with more flexible tasks, accounting for buffer time. Don’t forget to set time aside for any meals and breaks throughout the day.
Follow this calendar daily, and be sure to reflect, experiment, and adjust future time blocks as needed.
Productivity is about being intentional with your time. By working towards quick wins, fueling your brain, and time blocking, you can create a more efficient routine that works for you!