Simple Ways to Boost Productivity as a Writer
As a writer, being productive is something that sounds good until you’re sitting down, staring at a blank page. Our profession is one of a kind because it’s no real formula to get the work done. Sure you can do your research beforehand or make a very detailed outline but at the end of the day it’s just you pulling out words from thin air. This can make it very easy to get distracted and spend extra time to complete one simple assignment. Thankfully, you can use a few tips and tricks to stay attentive and be more productive during the workday. These practices can also be applied to other professions (especially fellow work-from-homies out there) or simply for times when you want to quiet the world and zone in on a particular task.
The Phone Has Got to Go
You knew this was coming. For most people, our phone is the number one distraction in our lives. How many times have you said you were going to do something, but then spent hours on TikTok instead? Yeah, me too.
That’s why the “Do Not Disturb” feature on iPhone is my bestie when it’s time to get work done. All it takes is one notification from your phone, and you get trapped in the wormhole of switching between apps, and before you know it 30 minutes are gone. That feature is something that can help prevent that. For all the Andriod users out there, you can opt for silencing your phone and placing it face down.
You can also take it a step further and leave your phone in another room to avoid being tempted to even reach for your phone. You can do whatever works for you, just as long as that small device doesn’t even cross your mind when it’s work time.
Make a To-Do List
Before you even get started on getting tasks out of the way, do yourself a favor and make a to-do list. This could be a no-brainer for some, and feel like a waste of time for others but trust me this helps you stay on task.
It’s good to make a list of the things you need to accomplish so you don’t forget anything and also to stay organized in your progress. This means while going down the list, don’t start another task before you finish the first one.
Trying to do so many things at once has been proven to be counter-productive and leads to less quality work being done. If you use your list as a productivity roadmap of sorts on what to do and where to go next, you will work more efficiently and get things done in less time.
Listen to Frequency Music
Now we’re getting into the less cliche tactics of being productive and getting in the zone. I stand by having some light focus music in the background when you are working, especially for a task that requires you to get in the flow state such as writing.
I notice that I work better when I listen to binaural beats or frequency music. Binaural beats feature two frequencies to induce a meditative state in your brain. However, specific frequencies are known to illicit certain properties such as sleep, relaxation, and focus. For a deep concentration and focused mindstate listen to beta frequencies, which are between 14 to 30 HZ. For it to be most effective, wear headphones to have two different frequencies in each ear. This will put you in the flow state and leave you less likely to be distracted.
Light a Candle
To create the ultimate work environment, set the mood. I recommend lighting a candle or using an essential oil diffuser to elevate your senses. Of course, like the binaural beats you should pick the right one that will put you in a focused mindset rather than relaxation. Uplifting scents such as orange, rosemary, peppermint, lemon, or cinnamon have been found to have properties that promote concentration and even fight mental fatigue. Shout out to aromatherapy.
Switch Up Your Environment
This is mostly applicable to my fellow work-from-homies. You can set up the ideal environment for your home with a home office, fancy monitors, and all of the stops but after a while, you can become bored. That is why I highly recommend switching up your environment.
If you know me I am a coffee shop addict, so every once in a while I like to go to a local cafe in the morning to start the workday. Doing this not only allows me to get more work done but also makes getting work done more enjoyable because I am in an environment that makes me happy. The aesthetically pleasing decor, delicious lattes, and intriguing strangers make this practice like a work vacation.
You don’t have to stop there. If a coffee shop isn’t really your vibe or you don’t have access to one, try working near some sunlight or maybe at a bookstore or library. You can get creative but just don’t chain yourself to the same space all the time.
These are all practices that I implemented in my 9-5 life that have made a major difference in my focus and productivity. Even though I swear by these, everyone is a little different so don’t be afraid to explore what works for you. In the meantime, I think these practices are a good place to start. I would love to know what works for you and how you’ve made progress! Do you have any tips worth mentioning?
