Our busy schedules mean we want to make the most out of each day and there is nothing more frustrating than ending a day with the feeling of having just wasted it. With only a little planning ahead and some minor changes in habits, you can turn every other day into a productive day!

Energise yourself at the start of the day 

There is nothing worse than waking up on the wrong side of the bed. To make it all better make sure you do what is needed to pack yourself with energy. Do activities in the morning that you like which will rejuvenate you and give you the boost of energy required to make it through the day productively.

It can be doing light exercise, going for a jog and getting some fresh air, starting your day with warm tea, or taking a cold shower. It can even be practicing a hobby – making your own breakfast, gardening, or reading – things that will also lighten up your mood.

Tackle your most challenging tasks first

Get rid of the bigger tasks early on when you are geared with a well-rested brain and a fresh mind. This way, you can put your maximum concentration on the tasks that are more difficult and leave out the rest for later. This will help you have a more productive day ahead.

Eventually, you will have a less cluttered mind throughout the day and build the momentum and motivation to go through the rest of it. Even so, as you accomplish your tasks, this can also be a good way to avoid procrastination.

Eat and drink what is best for your body 

The aroma of coffee or tea first thing in the morning can be tempting, but it is wise to settle for the simpler glass of water. Drink a full glass of water immediately after waking up and it will help you avoid dehydration and give you that required boost for a productive day ahead.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and thus it is important to consume the right things. Have a healthy breakfast that is full of nutrition and avoid having greasy food that will make you feel more lethargic. It can be as simple as a bowl of oatmeal or a sandwich.    

Make a to-do list and follow it! 

Working throughout the day without a specific goal in mind is like going towards a destination without following any proper direction. Even if your end goal is to get maximum things done in the day, make a productive day schedule with a list of what you want to achieve. But do not overestimate yourself, or you will feel less accomplished and more disappointed.

Listing down the tasks you want to get done is not enough, time them too. This might sound like a rigid and constrained way to spend the day but it is worth the feeling of accomplishment you get at the end after ticking off all those boxes. If you have ten things that must be completed by EOD, set the time you will spend on each activity to stay on track.

Rest well and get enough sleep 

This may at times sound counterintuitive when you have a lot on your plate but do not underestimate the power of a good resting time. Waking up after having not rested adequately will eventually make you feel drowsy, sometimes even leading to a headache that will make you counterproductive.  

So, sleep well at night, eliminate things that you may find unnecessary in the morning to make room for proper sleep, and have adequate sleeping hours. An hour of extra sleep may actually add a few hours of work with proper concentration.