03/05/2021
*SECRETS OF THE MOST PRODUCTIVE PEOPLE*
_HOW DOING LESS CAN HELP YOU_ ACHIEVE _MORE_
Don’t sleep on the power of rest. Our society may encourage hustle and grind as the only means to be productive but if you really want to maintain your well-being and efficiency, stop and rest. Sleep deprivation declines productivity and negatively impacts our health. Employees with fatigue are costing employers $136.4 billion a year in health-related lost productive time.
Many of us have a habit of pushing through. But working through our lunches and not taking small breaks can actually be very counterproductive. Pushing past our limits causes our productivity to take a nosedive, coupled with additional stress and eventually burnout.
Have you ever thought of rest as being productive? For many, rest seems like an aspirational word. It sounds good and easy in theory but difficult to apply. However, rest is part of the process and is integral to our journey to success.
We have to be intentional with implementing rest into our daily lives, otherwise, it just won’t happen. Using a productivity hack such as the Pomodoro Technique can help you regain some level of control over how you manage your time. It helps you prioritize your breaks, minimize distractions (which use up additional mental energy), and optimize your brain so you can be more efficient and productive.
The technique can be broken down into five easy steps:
Pick a task
Set a 25-minute timer
Work on your task until time is up
Take a 5-minute break
Every 4 Pomodoros, take a 15-to-30-minute break
This technique allows you to break down complex tasks and cluster small tasks together. The key is that you have to stay focused on that one Pomodoro. Even the smallest distraction can interrupt your workflow, so turn off your phone and email notifications. If there is a disruption, try to see how you can avoid it in your next session.
Taking a break allows you to come back to a task with a different perspective. It gives your brain a chance to tap into clarity, creativity, and insight