How Doing Too Much Kills Your Productivity
Are you a busy bee about to go ‘out of your hive’ because of the massive amount of work on your plate?
Even with the influx of technology assisting our everyday activities, life just doesn’t seem to slow down. In fact, today’s virtually limitless communication methods generate additional reasons to keep our brains ticking. On top of filling in the gaps in life that were once free, digital technology is yet another distraction we add to the “busy-list”.
Before taking on another task, here are a few productivity-pointers to ponder before buzzing off to your next engagement.
What happens when you get too busy
Something fascinating happens to our brains when we get caught up in multi-tasking. Rather than getting many things done at once and increasing productivity, we actually split our focus and make achieving each of our tasks difficult and taxing.
When we try to handle email, take phone calls, and work on weekly reporting, Say a contractor can’t adhere to his scheduled appointment and at the same time, a friend wants to discuss a death in her family. You accept her call; however, you continue contemplating when you can reschedule your absent contractor since the work will take time out of your own job.
While talking with your friend, your concentration is off and you give minimum responses as she explains the details of her loss while you are searching for the next opening on your calendar. Your friend senses the disconnect and eventually ends the call in a disappointed manner. You then realize that you let her down since you weren’t giving her your full attention.
Sure, things happen, and at times situations are unavoidable. It is just when things happen too often and too much is happening at once due to over scheduling is when things get out of hand.
What happens when you spread yourself too thinly
Experiencing an attention deficit and unintentionally hurting another is just one example of being less productive; however, there are many. When we are overworked and spread our time too thin, we can end up in a vicious cycle of added stress and frustration that can lead to issues such as:
- Sleep deprivation
- Communication setbacks
- Rushing to get projects done
- Risk of faulty work or job failure
- Missing key points and factors in general
- Emotional or mental breakdowns
- Other health concerns
So how can we turn a productivity from a cup that is half empty and sour to one that’s full of flavor and taste?
Defragment your life
Your hard drive needs to be “defragged”, or decluttered from time to time, and so do our brains. If we take on too many tasks at once, our minds can malfunction just as a laptop can periodically freeze up or shut down. To avoid a potential ‘mental system overload,’ here are a few steps to help with your productivity:
- Prioritize and make a list ranging from most important to least.
- Ask questions or conduct research when something is unclear.
- Allow additional free time for yourself in between activities — even an extra 15 minutes will be beneficial when unexpected issues arise.
- Don’t be afraid to say “no” or politely decline when too much is going on. People will understand.
- Allow ample time for sleep: Your brain needs to recharge and a fresh mind can handle a lot more.
- Eat healthily: It is true that you are what you eat. The better the foods are that are ingested, the better the output Whole foods, organic, and all natural diets are the best way to go.
- Exercise. Even a 20-minute walk outside can be rejuvenating.
Take a mental break. A few minutes without any distractions can help immensely. If you meditate or are involved in yoga, even better.Shut it off! Unless you are an on-call professional or have a dire reason to have a cell phone at your side, it’s okay to abandon your digital diary at times. For instance, not being distracted by a digital or cellular device during a meeting or date is respectful and will be appreciated during the long run. Shutting it off or muting the ringer before bed, will ensure proper rest. After all, there are many things that can be missed in life when your eyes are glued to a screen all day!
Shut it off! Unless you are an on-call professional or have a dire reason to have a cell phone at your side, it’s okay to abandon your digital diary at times. For instance, not being distracted by a digital or cellular device during a meeting or date is respectful and will be appreciated during the long run. Shutting it off or muting the ringer before bed, will ensure proper rest. After all, there are many things that can be missed in life when your eyes are glued to a screen all day!
Reaping the rewards of productivity The final product of productivity
Although many things such as using a phone, dealing with people and working are a part of a typical everyday lifestyle, it’s how one goes about it makes all the difference in terms of productivity. Too much of a good thing, such as technology can be counterproductive if one is typing personal emails instead of completing an assignment due in less than an hour. It’s not rocket science, productivity involves time moderation while creating the proper balance and flow that works for you best for you as an individual.
Do you have any tips of your own for becoming less busy and increasing productivity? Share them in the comments below!