In such sensitive times where the world is battling to survive from COVID-19, the complete lockdown has been initiated. Due to which, people have been confined to their houses. Everyone is working from home and students have no option but to attend online classes. Being at home often reduces our productivity & increases our frustration. But if we look at the brighter side, consuming this time with productivity and creativity would not only help prevent boredom but also develop you as a person. So let us dive right into the tips to improve productivity during the lockdown. 

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR PRODUCTIVITY DURING LOCK

MANTRA 1: USE GOOGLE CALENDARS TO MANAGE TASKS

Have you ever felt the need to study or else you would fail? Or if you are working at home, your thoughts might be travelling abroad? Isn’t it? Every time you pick up a book or your laptop you are easily distracted? 

The way is to train your brain to adhere to what you want to do. If you have a proper schedule in hand, there are fewer chances of you to wander around. And to stick to it, make use of Google Calendars. It will not only help you in tracking your work,  but will send you frequent reminders too. 

PRO TIP: Make your schedule flexible & keep breaks in between. If you will overburden yourself, you are more likely to give up!

MANTRA 2: FOLLOW THE TWO MINUTE RULE

Hearing the two minute rule for the first time? It says that whatever task you think you can accomplish in two or less than two minutes, you should do it right away! This helps to keep tasks off your desks and prevents small tasks pilling up on you later. Following this rule would help you take your mind off the smaller objectives and focus on the greater task which increases both concentration and efficiency for you towards the task. 

MANTRA 3: REWARD YOURSELF

According to Psychology, humans perform 73% better if they receive instant gratification for their work. Applying this simple principle of reinforcement can get our work done more efficiently, thus making us more productive. The reward can be your favourite snack, a chocolate bar, new clothes or even a video call with your loved ones. For Example: If you are a foodie, reward yourself with your favourite dinner only if all your tasks for the day are done. If not, have something regular! 

 PRO TIP: Avoid spending too much time on deciding a small reward to yourself as this would overpower the benefits of the reward.

MANTRA 4: CREATE AN OFFICE/ SCHOOL LIKE ENVIRONMENT 

Have you observed that you take around half the time to complete a particular task in the office/school than at home? It is because our brain is accustomed to work in an office-like environment & becomes more relaxed at home. So, if you can arrange for a table which is away from your bedroom, it will automatically increase your concentration and productivity. 

PRO TIP: According to research, keeping plants at your work station can decrease stress & increase your productivity and your memory. Also, if possible keep your table near a window. It will regulate the flow of light, keeping you fresh and active. 

MANTRA 5: AVOID MULTITASKING 

Multitasking may make you look really professional but it divides your concentration. This further decreases your productivity as well as your efficiency. Instead, make a habit of completing one task and then further moving on to the next one. 

MANTRA 6: TURN OFF NOTIFICATIONS OR KEEP YOUR PHONE ON SILENT

Can you guess the name of the biggest distraction we face? It is not that hard to guess – Our cell phone. We are in the middle of a very important task, suddenly our phone vibrates and it is already 30 minutes when we realise. The best way to avoid this is by keeping the phone on silent. Always check your phone in between your breaks. 

MANTRA 7: WORK IN 90-MINUTES ONLY!

Don’t be surprised, it is not for the entire day. The attention span of an individual is around 90 minutes at a stretch, and after which we require some time to refresh our mind. If we will continue to work, there are more chances of day-dreaming or taking more than expected time to complete the task. So, always take a quick break of around 10-15 minutes after 90 minutes of work. You can listen to a song, take a walk, play with your pet or just talk to a family member. 

A MUST READ: Confused About Your Career? Read This!

 We at Career Monk will be more than happy to help you further with your questions and your views about this topic in the comment section down below. 

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Written By

Atharva Singh