Struggling to be productive in this predominately online, WFH era? You are not alone. I’ve been trialling ways to maximise productivity without feeling too much screen induced fatigue. It’s so easy to get distracted when you are sitting at home. So here is a list of my top productivity tips that have sky rocketed by productivity, especially during my USMLE preparation!
1. Create a morning routine. I’m going to create a whole post on this because I really believe this can change the trajectory of your day. Spend the first 20, 30, 60 minutes of the day doing something for yourself. Meditate, practice gratitude, exercise, read…whatever gives you peace (no screens though!). The days I wake up early and commit to my morning routine, I get so much more done and am in such a better mood.
2. Create a work space at home that you enjoy being in…or dare I say, vibe in. For me that meant putting up pictures, getting flowers, lighting candles and clearing the clutter! A clean space = clear mind.
3. Make a to-do list/plan out your day ahead of time. Every evening I make note of everything I need to get done the next day in my agenda. I make sure the 3 things I absolutely NEED to get done are at the top of that priority list. The others can be juggled around. On Sundays, I sit down and jot down all the major commitments for the week (meetings, tutorials, etc.) so I can get a sense of the week.
4. Do the most onerous/least enjoyable tasks first thing in the morning. You are the sharpest in the morning and have the most energy to devote to harder tasks at that time. Save the menial, relatively brain-less tasks for the afternoon and evening.
5. Utilise the 45/15 minute rule. I set a timer on my phone for 45 minutes and close all other tabs and distractions. I put my head down and work for 45 minutes consistently. In your 15 minute break you can do whatever you like: check your phone, make a coffee, etc. Do get up and stretch before starting your next 45 minute block. I recently downloaded the TeraTime app on my MacBook. It is a simple timer that you can expand to full screen mode. Helps me stay on track and stay off of my phone.
6. Youtube ‘Study with Me’ videos. If you are someone who is struggling to study or work from home alone, check out the many ‘study with me’ videos on Youtube. These can help combat the inability to focus on your own, especially with libraries and coffee shops having COVID related restrictions.
7. Throw on a groovy playlist if you are someone who enjoys ambient music. I try to simulate being in a coffee shop, my favourite place to study.
8. Practice the concept of one touch: a tip I like from @EntreMD. Try to touch a task only one time if possible. If you have something you need to get done, DO IT. Don’t save it for later or add it to the bottom of your to do list. If it will take you five minutes to reply to that email, do it. Finish that draft. Edit that post. Double check the patient’s details. I have a tendency to get bored halfway through a task and leave it for later…but days later I have so many little things to do that I wish I had just completed the first time through. If you can get it done in a single instance, then do it!
9. In the same vein as number 4, if the task takes you five minutes, get it done so you can cross it off!
10. Know when you are at your limit, and just quit it (for the time being). I struggle with this one. I have a tendency to push through even if I’m frustrated, exhausted and getting nowhere. You will be much better off putting your work away, doing something you enjoy and trying again in an hour or two rather than trying to miserably push through.
11. Plan something you enjoy in the week, put this into your calendar & look forward to it! I would not be able to get through medical school if I didn’t have regularly scheduled social events in my life. This keeps me sane and makes me want to grind harder so I can take the time off, guilt-free!
12. Exercise: I’m sure we all know the benefits of exercise by now, but think about it as a productivity booster if nothing else! Even a short 15-20 minute workout can help get you out of that mental fog.
13. Be aware of your mental health. Be kind to yourself. Invest time into doing things that you love, because investing in yourself is NEVER a waste of time. And recognise when you may need extra help! Seeking help from a mental health professional may be the best gift you could give yourself.
SINCERELY MILLIE 