Not feeling productive today? I understand how that feels. Sometimes, it seems like I’m just going through the motions without making any real progress. However, I’ve discovered some effective methods to break out of that slump and get back on track.
I’ve put together a list of 10 things that really help me relax and refocus. They might not look like your typical productivity hacks, but trust me, they do wonders for my state of mind. Through these activities, I find the space and peace to reflect on what truly matters.
So, if you’re feeling stuck, give these a try. They might just be what you need to stay balanced and keep moving forward.
1. Get organized
You may not be working on anything at this moment, but that doesn’t mean you can’t organize what needs to get done. Clean up your desk, sort through emails, organize documents, and make a to-do list for when you do feel more productive.
Doing this doesn’t take much mental work and can be done even when you aren’t feeling productive.
2. Get your body moving
Stretch, do some yoga, or hit the gym. A body in motion stays in motion. Once you create the physical momentum through movement, you will feel more energized and, possibly, more prepared to be productive.
3. Take a break from work
When you force yourself to work, despite not “feeling it” it only leads to burnout and lower quality output. When you see you’ve hit a wall, take a break!
Step away from your work and focus on something else entirely.
4. Put your favorite music on
Music has a huge impact on our mood. Sometimes we don’t feel productive because we have a lot on our minds, or maybe we’re feeling down and low on energy.
Music can help boost your mood and promote a sense of relaxation so that you can get re-centered to focus on what you want to work on.
5. Change Your Scenery
Getting out in the sunshine, breathing in some fresh air, and experiencing nature feels grounding and rejuvenating. If you feel like you aren’t finding the motivation to be productive, or you’re finding it hard to focus, get outside for a walk, or have your lunch outside.
The change of scenery can help offer you some fresh perspective.
6. Get creative with activities
Engaging in creative activities helps you shift your way of thinking. Maybe you aren’t feeling productive because you’re stuck on a problem you haven’t found a solution for.
Creative activities such as painting, woodworking, DIY design, and photography can help you build on problem-solving skills. Building and creating with our hands can also be a meditative experience to help you re-center.
7. Take care of your needs
If you’re tired, hungry, and overworked, it’s only natural for you to feel unproductive. Taking care of your basic needs by eating well, balancing your work and personal life, and getting enough sleep are the foundations of productivity. When we feel our best, we perform at our best.
So take care of your needs, and indulge in self-care such as getting a massage, taking a bubble bath, or meditation to help you reconnect with yourself.
8. Cook a healthy meal
Cooking at home is not only a therapeutic act, but it’s also great for your health. Plus the smell of cooking food in the kitchen can turn around any bad mood.
It not only provides you with an opportunity to take care of yourself and nourish your body but also allows you to step away from whatever else might be stressing you out. You could even try making some sort of healthy dessert.
9. Chat with a friend
Chatting with a friend not only takes your mind off of not being productive, but it can also help you think about things in a different way.
You may find yourself coming up with more ideas on how to get back into the groove once you start talking about them.
10. Read up on a topic you’re passionate about
When you’re not feeling productive, why not spend some time relaxing and reading a book or article on a topic that interests you? It’s a great way to learn something new and focus your mind on something else that excites you.
Final Thoughts
Taking control of your own productivity will make all the difference in how quickly things get done. Even if we don’t always feel motivated or creative at work, following these 10 simple tips can help you stay on track with your goals and priorities so that you’re more productive throughout the day.
Remember, you don’t have to feel productive all the time. Sometimes it’s good not to do anything at all, and other times your best work may come from doing something completely different than what you’re used to!