There are multiple ways to learn how to be productive in life. In most cases, how productive we are changes due to circumstances in our lives. If you’re like me, you may find yourself at a point in your life where you’re not at your best productivity level. There are times when my routine just falls through the cracks, life gets the best of me, and I have to pivot. People struggle with how to be productive, but it’s easier than you think. My solution is to always to go back to the basics. Here are 5 easy tips on how to be productive in life.

1. Getting Adequate Hours of Sleep

Woman sleeping in a white bed

Cliché right…No! Sleep is very important and determines how productive you can mentally and physically be. Have you ever tried to study for a test last minute and cram or tried to workout when you’re tired? It’s virtually impossible. Your body needs to be able to function to be productive. Yes, your body has a productivity level and it starts with sleep. Research states that “sleep deprivation negatively affects work performance—productivity and quality—and working relationships. Without adequate sleep, [people] have more difficulty concentrating, learning, and communicating. Memory lapses increase. Problem-solving abilities decline. I would recommend 7-8 hours for an adequate amount of sleep time.

2. Waking Up Early

Woman stretching her arms waking up from bed

We’ve discussed getting adequate sleep now let’s talk about waking up early. Waking up early is another habit that should constantly be worked at so that we maximize the most out of our days. If you’re wondering how to be productive in life, maximizing the most out of your day. Habits can be naturally developed and some take discipline, this is one I’ve personally struggled with and have to constantly work at.

Often times we are wasting minutes/hours and the day is moving and our lack of time management is showing. I know, I know, 6am seems drastic, but you don’t have to start there. You can train your body to wake up early by setting your alarm clock 30 minutes earlier than what you’ve currently set it to for at least 1-2 weeks. Once you get acclimated to that time set it to 30 minutes earlier than your new wake up time and repeat the process. Waking up early gives you more time to be productive with your time.

3. Meditate/Pray/Journal

Open faced hands in sign of prayer

Those last two steps are stepping stones to maintaining a productive lifestyle. But, the habit of journaling is by far my favorite. I’ve struggled with centering my mind and journaling has been an outlet in the morning or at night for me to reflect. I’m more productive because I take time to myself to do one of these three tasks: meditating, praying, and/or journaling.

Some days you can get all done and sometime only one but either way implementing one of these habits will enhance your productivity levels. We are easily overstimulated as soon as the day starts but cutting out time to center yourself can truly make a difference. I suffer from anxiety, it developed after college and majority of people walking around are anxious. I recognized my anxiety was directly correlated to how “successful” I was at that point in time. I realized that if I was not productive in my day to day life that I associated myself with being lazy and unproductive. It was the opposite. I was overwhelmed and overstimulated and that affected my productivity levels. If I was anxious, I was not productive. Meditating, praying, and/or journaling in the morning allows me to gather my mind, body, and soul and you can too!! Even if it’s 10-15 minutes in the morning or evening give yourself time to decompress.

4. Assess Your Day and Prepare a Task List

Black woman with smile making checklist

We’ve gotten this far, so stick with me! A task list can be either one, two, or three things you want to accomplish during the day or for the week. Tasks can be split into three sections: low priority, medium priority, or high priority.

Tip: If you’re still wondering how to be productive in life, list one task for each task type.

For example:

  1. Low priority: Prepare your lunch bag the night before
  2. Medium priority: File taxes
  3. High priority: Remodel the garage for gym purposes

Now those example may or may not resonate with you but you should understand the concept. Low-medium priority tasks are easily accessible and can be outsourced. If feasible for you, it will allow you to have more free time to complete a high priority task on your list. Completing low priority tasks provides you minimal satisfaction and greater satisfaction comes from completing tasks with high priority because it’s closer to a bigger goal you’ve set for yourself. If you don’t have a task list or assess your day you can easily fall into doing little tasks or irrelevant tasks that do not add to your greater goal. You want to minimize as much time wasted and draw your attention to tasks you need/want to do for your greater purpose.

5. Drink Water

Woman hand holding bottle of water with lemon

This last tip is very important. Again, our bodies need to be fueled properly to maintain its productivity levels. Brain fog is a real thing and can be a cause of many different reasons. I can say for sure as Americans we do not ingest as much water as we should. We tend to work off coffees, lattes, espresso shots, and more due to staying alert from lack of all the previous tips listed above. We lack water as a society. Your body is made up a minimum 50% of water, depending on your gender it ranges from 50-60%. You are probably dehydrated and you don’t know. Lack of water can lead to dehydration, brain fog, weak muscles, and poor digestive systems. We maintain toxic waste in our bodies daily and a habit of drinking at least 6-8 glasses of water can improve your health and your body’s composition. “Studies have shown that just 1% dehydration has been found to decrease worker productivity by a total of 12%. Even worse, 3%-4% dehydration can bring as much of a decline as 25% in worker productivity“.

These tips on how to be productive in life need to be developed to truly impact your daily lives. These minor adjustments are easy to implement. You may not be a pro at all the tips listed out in one try and that is perfectly ok. You are human, allow yourself grace. You will determine either these tips or one that is entirely unique to you is beneficial to your productivity levels. These were my steps to maintaining a productive lifestyle and have made a difference in my life. Share your tips on how to be productive in life – either daily or weekly that’ve changed your life for the better.