But though such approaches are often pitched or sold as productivity cure-alls, they still require dedication to start and maintain.

Popular productivity systems include the Getting Things Done method GTD , the Pomodoro Technique, bullet journaling, Eat That Frog, and Zen to Done. While some widely-known systems such as GTD or Zen to Done are explained in books or require a membership, others, such as the Pomodoro Technique and bullet journaling, are free to learn and implement.

The Getting Things Done GTD method is a productivity system developed by productivity and organizational consultant David Allen and popularized in his book entitled Getting Things Done. The core tenets of the GTD system involve writing down everything that needs to be done, breaking them into actionable steps, grouping similar tasks together, and scheduling blocks of time in which to complete them.

Though many aspects of the GTD method are widely-known or shared by other productivity systems, the GTD method has gained a large following for its simplicity and straightforwardness.

Some proponents claim that in addition to improving productivity, the GTD system may also reduce anxiety. The Pomodoro Technique is a relatively simple timing technique that is thought to be effective for helping someone get something specific done or to work more efficiently over the long-term.

Someone using the Pomodoro Technique will set a timer for 25 minutes and work on a single task for the duration of that time. When the timer goes off, they will take a 5-minute break, reset the timer for 25 minutes, and start again either on the same task, if needed, or on a different one.

After working for four "Pomodoros" each minute unit counts as one Pomodoro , they will take a longer break—usually 15 to 30 minutes. Bullet journaling is a productivity and planning system devised by a designer named Ryder Carroll. Though Carroll has a website and book that outline a system for first-time users, bullet journals are highly customizable and many users create unique systems and layouts that meet their specific needs.

Though it can feel counterproductive, among the simplest ways to get more done in less time is to eliminate multitasking and focus only on a single task. Multitasking requires the brain to shift its focus repeatedly, which is inefficient and mentally draining; every switch, however rapid, results in lost time.

Other counterintuitive ways to achieve more while working for less time is to take frequent breaks. Certain strategies and tricks are designed to bolster lagging motivation, both for short- and long-term goals.

Motivation hacks include:. Research has consistently found that people are more likely to stick with good habits if the cues and tools are directly built into their environment. Someone who wants to improve their focus at work, on the other hand, could reorient their office so their back is to the door, making them less likely to be distracted by coworkers walking by.

Beyond specific behaviors an individual wants to promote, there are additional environmental tweaks that may improve productivity. Working in a well-lit and properly ventilated room, for example, has been linked to greater well-being, productivity, and concentration , while having plants nearby has been associated with increased attentiveness and reaction time.

To-do lists are rarely categorized as a productivity hack. But they are among the most popular tools for getting more things done, and the approach one takes to their to-do list can have a significant impact on how useful it is for improving their productivity. Like the hacks and systems described above, not every to-do list strategy will work for anyone who tries it; rather, it will often be necessary for someone aiming to be more productive to try out several approaches to figure out how their to-do list can best work for them.

Generally yes, but it depends. However, many of these individuals appear to also be significantly higher in the personality trait conscientiousness, which may make them more likely than others to follow through on tasks in the first place. Making lists of what needs to be done can help quell anxiety ; people who feel overwhelmed by all that needs to be done often find that having it down on paper renders it more organizable, less frightening, and easier to tackle.

Similarly, crossing items off once completed can be a form of motivation and even stress relief. To-do lists can also help an individual separate unimportant tasks from important ones, keep track of easily forgotten responsibilities or appointments, and break large tasks into smaller chunks.

There is no one right way to write a to-do list. However, there are specific strategies that many people find helpful, including:. Writing appointments on a calendar, in addition to on a to-do list, can also be helpful. This can serve as a reminder to move from one particular task to another related one, which can improve efficiency and allow more work to be completed in less time.

Large, complex tasks can be daunting to start, and may linger on a to-do list as a result; breaking them into "baby steps" can help lower the barrier to entry and make it more likely that they'll be completed. In addition, crossing off each milestone as it is finished can be mentally rewarding and provide motivation to move to the next one.

The most common problem people face is that their to-do list is too detailed and becomes overwhelming. Some people benefit from having every possible task, both large and small, on a long, running to-do list. But others find that this approach creates visual and mental clutter and makes it difficult to direct their energy to what matters.

Those who find that exhaustive to-do lists overwhelm them or make it challenging to prioritize may benefit from a different approach. David Burkus, a leadership and management professor, suggests a counterintuitive solution: identifying the most important items on a to-do list , removing them, and transferring them to a calendar instead.

Having a specific time scheduled for critical tasks—and leaving other, less vital tasks that can be tackled at any time on a running to-do list—can help someone determine what to prioritize now and what can be put off for a bit longer, Burkus argues.

Others, however, take the opposite approach—only including the most critical, need-to-do tasks on their to-do list and removing the rest. Each individual will likely need to experiment with a few to-do list strategies to determine what works best for them.

Would you like to increase your productivity at work, meet deadlines, and get more organized? Learn these five key strategies to optimize your work experience. A positive work environment that fulfills autonomy, competence, and relatedness increases satisfaction, engagement, and success.

Three reasons why the management pendulum is swinging against remote work. A Personal Perspective: As resolutions fall by the wayside, we still seek a system to heighten productivity.

Instead of ramping up, try pairing down. We can develop our relationship with caffeine, and more meaningful lives, by diving into caffeine's history, health benefits and risks, cultural roles, and existential meaning.

Cultural factors influence the relationship between the amount of sleep and overall health. Visualization and a positive attitude should be followed by taking action and being resilient, curious, and authentic to yourself. Unravel how therapeutic relationships and patient expectations can revolutionize clinical practice and outcomes.

Disappointing pay rise? Here is what to ask for instead. Lifestyle hacks for increase focus, productivity, energy and joy. Holiday job search myths and realities. How to upskill when working from home. How to answer difficult interview questions. Don't meet all the requirements - 3 reasons to apply.

Employer Deploying a Managed Service Provider. Advancing gender equality in construction. How to build a curious team Key quarterly trends in the world of work. Salary transparency is coming, are you ready for it? Are you still using the same strategies in a bid to secure skills?

Could a four-day work week win the talent you need? AI has taken a big leap forward, what now? Recruitment challenges for Why businesses need to prove their sustainability credentials.

Defining the new equation in the world of work. Employee retention: What's your game? Manage Salary Expectation Gap. Budgets are tight how can I recognise and reward my staff?

How to manage a hybrid team long-term. Scam alert banner. Do not show this message again. Lifestyle hacks for increased focus, productivity, energy and joy.

Umut Bulurlar. Creating a balance between the hours spent at different work environments and doing things just for yourself can seem impossible, while the very act of trying to attain it can leave you depleted of energy.

Plus, deep down you feel that you are unproductive despite the long hours you put in, so that unhelpful voice in your head tells you that you are a procrastinator, rendering you not only tired but also demoralised. The causes of it are many and having depression in your life compromises your focus, energy, and joy.

Some of the causes can be physical, so be mindful of:. A diet high in sugar and starch and low in fat is extremely harmful.

The brain loves saturated fats. They are not called essential fatty acids for nothing! To gain optimum nutrition you need to include whole foods, plant-based foods, healthy fats, Omega 3 fats avocados, nuts, seeds , grass-fed animal protein or natural protein that provides amino acids, plus good oils e.

Water is essential, yet few people drink enough of it, leading to dehydration. Before you feel thirsty, you will experience many signs that are less noticeable. These include lethargy, lack of concentration and lower tolerance to stress.

Aim to drink 8 — 10 glasses of water a day on average.