More and more people work from home, whether in an office job or a freelance field. Even though it comes with endless advantages and freedom, too much space can make it hard to schedule your day in the most productive way.
However, there are 9 steps you can quickly adapt to schedule your day in the most productive way.
1) Own a Planner
Owning a planner is always a good idea, as scheduling will give you more control over your day and to-do list. However, it would be best to own only one planner where you keep everything together for better control. A one-for-all planner will keep you organized for all your tasks about your job, household chores, kids’ extras, etc.
In this way, you may have your planner as your go-to diary for all reminders and to tick off all accomplished tasks.
2) Own a Simple and Functional Planner
There are endless choices for planners: weekly or monthly planners, and daily planners with many sections such as to-do-list, achievements, take-aways section, priorities, notes, etc.
Choose a daily planner and ensure it has only a few sections. You can go for simple daily planners or just an essential notebook where you can write your to-do list and notes, as you may always arrange your activity times yourself and add a section or highlight priorities.
3) Make a Schedule
You have the best-looking notebook/planner ready in hand. It is time to fill it up and get those chores off the way.
There is nothing better than waking up to a purposeful day! It is best to write every day’s schedule from the day before. Doing that will allow you to sleep with a clear mind as you have already noted everything flying around in your head. Also, you will know what to expect when you wake up.
The first section to write – Priorities
Note down the priorities you have classified based on the deadline, the time it takes to complete the task, the pressure and pain it gives you, etc.
In cases where you included your priorities as a part of your to-do list (instead of a separate title), you may use a specific color highlighter to identify the priority list.
The second section to write – Time Blocking
Schedule a period for each task. Be realistic with your time blocking, and don’t squeeze things. A tight schedule will only put pressure on you. If there’s not enough time to tick off more than a couple of points, you will feel that you could not fully accomplish what you aimed for.
If you can only partially keep up with your schedule by the end of the day, start putting some of the tasks to the next day but pay attention if this happens often. If it does, try to prepare a less busy schedule that you can keep up with.
The third section to write – Reminders
As you go along the day, you will come up with extra points which require your attention. Make a separate section for those with the title “To Remember,” and note everything you want to spend some time on later during the day or the next.
4) Categorize the Tasks
Put all similar tasks under the same category and try to sort them out around the same time. If washing and cooking are on your list, you may stick them together for better efficiency. Doing this will save you time and effort as you will finish the tasks that should take place in the same area altogether.
Also, this way, you will put the correct type of focus in the right group of tasks without shifting concentration.
5) Evaluate Your Productivity and Replan
Once you complete one week of hourly planning, see whether your days flow as they should or if changes are needed.
For example, are you happy to do sport first thing in the morning, or are you much better off doing some creative work early morning and feeling more energetic in the afternoon for a run?
Instead of idealizing the morning routines of others, create your own based on how well you produce each section of the day. Some people like running in the morning, and some prefer to use their morning for their reading session. Some are good at writing early morning before they get distracted by the stress of the day, and some are way better late at night, accompanied by a glass of wine.
Keep a close eye on your daily routine and see what works best for you. You may feel more flexible and comfortable dividing your day into “morning,” afternoon,” and “evening” sections rather than hourly sections; change the way you write down your plan.
6) Use Tools that Can Help You to Better Focus
Some numerous apps and books help you better concentrate on your work. However, there are simple yet highly effective ways that you can use to train yourself to focus better.
Sleep
Sleep should always be your number 1 tool for better concentration. Once you are adequately rested, your brain will function at total capacity (which is what you are after when you wish to complete your everyday tasks). You will not look for sugar to compensate. You will not be drowsy in front of your laptop but will be fully aware of all the steps you are taking.
Meditation
Choose to meditate in the way that relaxes you the most. Yoga, pilates, taking short walks to free your mind, or simply using breathing techniques to relax during the day. You should find what allows you to recharge best and integrate it into your daily schedule to find peace while you work.
Multitasking
Do not try to multitask. Even if you believe you will save time by tackling a couple of things simultaneously, focusing on one thing at a time is always a much better option. You will focus precisely on your undertaking, allowing you to complete it in its best shape. Also, not having to think of “how to” do the other will give your beautiful mind a break. Take one step at a time, calm and focused. You will eventually finish everything you aim for.
7) Avoid Distractions
Avoiding distractions is as simple as turning off your phone or putting it on flight mode and applying self-control. When you feel like you are about to escape work by typing one of your favorite website’s names on your search bar, stop yourself.
Immediately write down all the things you wish to do when you finish work that day and put them aside, thinking how faster you will reach them if you get back on track with your work.
Always remember that when you work hard, playing afterward is more fun! So work hard to play hard! Deserve the time you give yourself to do everything that makes you happy. This way, you will see hard work as a path to your happy times.
8) Take Regular Breaks
Taking regular breaks is one of the essentials when it comes to productivity.
You may use time blocking to know when to start and finish a task and organize a purposeful break time between each time block.
Taking 15-20 minutes breaks (or even longer depending on how long you have already worked on a task) can reduce your stress levels, recharge your mind and allow you better re-focus once you are back at your desk.
Track the maximum time you can stay focused and see what type of breaks are most beneficial for you. Some can work for 90 minutes without a pause and take longer breaks to unwind. Some tasks allow you to set shorter concentration periods and breaks, such as in Pomodoro Technique, by working 25 minutes and taking 5 minutes off. Make your plan by putting an alarm or keeping an eye on the time for when to start and finish.
9) Always be Flexible
Life is made of the unexpected, and this is where its beauty lies. Always remember that as long as you have ticked off your priority boxes (and this is why you put them all early at the beginning of the day) and your conscious is clean about taking a bit of time off to do something that would give you joy and motivation, go and do it.
Allow inspiration to lighten you up. Otherwise, you may need more foreplay to start the following day or to keep up with your program overall.
