How to Stay Productive Without Burning Out
Modern work culture seems to be all about productivity and hustle, and while there is nothing wrong with ambition and hard work, this obsession can have a dark side. Burnout is a very real danger that can affect anyone who tries to cram as much as possible into their day with no respite. It’s also completely unnecessary. With tactics like the ones below, it is possible to be ultra-productive and able to sustain your performance in the long run.
Differentiate Between Urgent and Important
When a task with an imminent deadline is dropped on your desk, it is almost impossible to ignore. Having a limited time frame makes it feel important, but we have to learn to ask ourselves whether it really is. Such tasks are usually administrative and are not really drivers of long-term progress, yet if we are not careful our days can end up full of them, burning us out with nothing to show for it.
For greater productivity and more motivation at work, prioritize your long-term goals. Dedicate some time to work on them exclusively and set small urgent tasks aside for later.
Set Boundaries
With everybody using smartphones and computers at home, it is all too easy to work late into the night, and even in bed. But our minds need to switch off and rest, so set working hours and break times and stick to them. Inform those you work with not to contact you about work during your breaks. And don’t worry, you will make up for the hours spent not working by going even harder in your next work period.
Don’t Always Sit
Sitting still for long periods causes fatigue and poor circulation, which results in impaired focus and less blood going to the brain. That means you are likely not working very hard or effectively when you slave away at your desk all day. There is an easy fix for this, though: a standing desk. Standing helps make you more alert and engaged. But if you prefer sitting, at least stand up for a few minutes every half hour or so.
Don’t Neglect Nutrition
If you are buying lunch from a vending machine so that you don’t have to leave the office, or ordering takeout for the team while you are all burning the candle at both ends, you are doing yourself a disservice. Balanced meals are essential to give you the energy and cognitive boost you need for true productivity. Avoid being tempted by sugary quick fixes that will leave you feeling sluggish soon after.
Final Thoughts
There is an argument to be made that the most productive people are those who can balance career success with an active social and family life. Nonetheless, sometimes we all want to advance at work and focus our efforts on that. But doing so effectively does not necessarily mean being the first in the office and the last to leave. You can do tremendous amounts of work in fewer hours by utilizing the right productivity strategies.
