Time Management Tips
More often than not, I experience not having ample time to complete my daily work. Below are five quick time management tips that I'm trying out to manage my time wisely and be more productive.
1. Set Clear Goals
Set SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Based.
This by far is the hardest tip but I'm getting there.
2. Prioritize Wisely
Learn to prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance by using the Eisenhower Matrix (Urgent vs Important).
I find this matrix very useful because it helps me to group my to-do list good enough to keep procrastination at bay, or else all tasks will end up in the 'urgent & important' box and I will be dead. LOL.
3. Organize Yourself
Write down the deadline and allocate time to complete each task and project.
Apart from the word 'goal', 'deadline' is another scary word. However, I realize that it's very important to set a deadline to avoid tasks from getting nowhere. Going with the flow doesn't help most of the time; setting a deadline does.
4. Take A Break
Always make time for a short break between tasks to refresh yourself. Of course! I will be taking my fruit-break or coffee-break around 4pm daily.
The keyword is make time. No one has enough time, you just have to make time.
5. Plan Ahead
Make it a habit to write down your "to-do" list for the next workday. My good friend Amanda is adamant that this tip of planning ahead helps her throughout the day as she manages her music school schedules.
Concentration Improvement Tips
Below are six quick tips to improve concentration and focus for better work performance.
1. Ensure Quality Sleep
Get at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep every night.
I diffuse Lavender essential oil at night because it helps me to have longer deep sleep (I keep track with my smartwatch). I also take supplements (ageLOC Reset) to help me sleep better.
2. Get Physically Active
Engage in exercise or physical activities at least 3 times or up to 150 minutes per week.
Physical activity immediately boosts the brain's dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels—all of which affect focus and attention. (Source: The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise)
3. Stay Hydrated
Drink water regularly and at least 8 glasses in a day to avoid dehydration.
Lack of water to the brain can impair short-term memory function and the recall of long-term memory, as well as cause a variety of symptoms such as brain fog, exhaustion, headaches, sleep issues, stress, anger, and depression. (Source: Staying Hydrated Boosts Brain Power)
4. Focus, Focus, Focus
Learn to focus on one task at a time to avoid mistakes from multitasking.
Multitasking reduces your efficiency and performance because your brain can only focus on one thing at a time. When you try to do two things at once, your brain lacks the capacity to perform both tasks successfully. Research also shows that, in addition to slowing you down, multitasking lowers your IQ. (Source: Multitasking Damages Your Brain And Career, New Studies Suggest)
5. Train Your Brain
Try brain training activities such as sudoku, chess, or crossword puzzles.
Doing certain brain exercises to help boost your memory, concentration, and focus can make daily tasks quicker and easier to do, and keep your brain sharp as you get older. (Source: 13 Brain Exercises to Help Keep You Mentally Sharp)
6. Meditate
Try yoga or deep breathing exercises while meditating.
Meditation is an excellent practice for reducing stress and increasing happiness, but it also helps your ability to focus. (Source: Here's The One Hack You Haven't Tried Yet For Overcoming Procrastination)
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