Friday 25 September 2015

Increasing motivation/productivity for work and university

I can't believe it is September already, this year has flown in super quickly. Bitter-sweet, but I am so happy that Autumn is finally here - even though I am currently loaded with the cold due to the slightly colder weather!

Anyways, as you are all probably aware, I feel like this I have had a constant battle with finding motivation this year and last. I have been researching endlessly looking for techniques to keep me focused, so today I thought I would write about what has and hasn't worked. Hopefully, it will help some of you, particularly those who work from home or go to university.

+ Plan and organise
This is probably the most obvious one, plan, plan, plan. I invested in the Filofax earlier this year and whilst it took me a good while to get used to it; I have finally come up with a way that works for me. Personally, next year I will look into buying the day per page layout as you can fit more in, but the miracle for me was the check list stickers! I found these online, and as someone who loves ticking off  to do lists I am now able to do the same in my planner. It helps keep me so much more organised. I am also still loving my today's activities pad from Sighh Designs, I really love the style of it.


I have an idea of what needs to be completed in that day and then with the checklist stickers I tick them off as I complete them. Some people, however, plan their day by the hour; this isn't something I have ever done, to be honest, but I will be giving it ago when the new weeks starts to see if it is any better.

+ Switch off technology
Social media is such a distraction and it is sometimes hard to switch off if you are the Queen of Procrastination. In the past, I have found that I'd say to myself I would just quickly check my Twitter feed, and then one hour later I am still on Twitter! There is a plug-in on Chrome called StayFocusd and it allows you to temporarily block sites. This avoids you getting distracted.

+ Listen to music
I love listening to the 'work' playlist on Spotify. The playlist is an accumulation of calm music that apparently helps you to focus better - I personally think it works. If you don't have Spotify, there is a 'work playlist' on youtube - just search for it.

+ Take breaks
This won't apply to those who work for other people, but if you work for yourself or are still in education it is so incredibly important to take multiple breaks. I have quite a short attention span as much as I hate to admit, so for me breaks are vital. If I work around 20 minutes straight I normally then have a short 5-minute break. It helps refresh your mind allowing you to concentrate when you recommence your work.

+ Set goals
I love setting goals, long term or short term they are a way of providing motivation. I have a section in my planner where I keep both and again, once completed I tick them off. If you are passionate about something, you will be determined to complete the tasks required to achieve that goal.

+ Eat healthy
The biggest bane of my life, probably. Eating the right food is so important. I notice if I eat something heavy, I feel sleepy and de-motivated and that's no help at all. I came across an infographic here from Citrix GoToMeeting which shows a few healthy alternatives you can snack on. I have personally found fruit smoothies, trail mix and wholemeal toast with avocado increases my productivity. 

I hope you enjoyed this post, I really hope it helps some of you guys! If you have any other tips, do let me know.

*sponsored post
all opinions my own

10 comments:

  1. I love setting goals especially when it comes to my blog, love the planner you have! x
    Emma | Emmys Beauty Cave

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind comment! I really need to work on setting blog goals :)

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  2. I love setting goals especially when it comes to my blog, i love the planner you have! The second link in your post doesn't work, i just tried to check it out x
    Emma | Emmys Beauty Cave

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  3. I love that planner it's too cute! I always find having great organisational stationary really helps me :)

    http://www.abigailalicex.com

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    1. Thanks, Abigail, I totally agree! I am loving the to-do list pads :)

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  4. That planner is so cute!! I feel like cute stationary would have motivated me to do school work...

    Ayre

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    1. I always use this justification - ie the planner... a cute filofax would make me use it more hah!

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  5. Great tips! Agendas are the best! I love yours!!

    Be | lovefrombe

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    1. Thank you so much Be, glad you liked the post x

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  6. organisation is the key to everything! love this post

    Hannah at HNNHVNBLS

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