FIVE PRODUCTIVITY TIPS FOR YOUR WORK DAY WITH CHELSEA POTTINGER
PRODUCTIVITY DOESN ’ T HAVE TO COME AT THE EXPENSE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH . TRY THESE PRODUCTIVITY TIPS TO WORK SMARTER , NOT HARDER .
FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF EQ MINDS , CHELSEA POTTENGER IS ONE OF AUSTRALIA ’ S MOST POPULAR CORPORATE WELLBEING PRESENTERS . SHE IS ON A MISSION TO RESET THE CORPORATE AGENDA , ASKING BUSINESSES TO PRIORITISE THEIR EMPLOYEES ’ MENTAL HEALTH .
1 . IDENTIFY YOUR MIT ( MOST IMPORTANT TASK ):
To-do lists are great , however studies have shown that only 41 per cent of items on these lists actually get done . So prioritise your MIT and don ’ t move on to the next task until it is complete .
2 . MINIMISE DISTRACTIONS - TURN NOTIFICATIONS OFF
A study done by The University of California Irvine shows that it takes an average of 23 minutes and 15 seconds to get back into the flow of work every time you are interrupted by a distraction . When you have an important task to get done , put your phone on silent , turn off your notifications and ask your colleagues to not interrupt unless urgent for 90 minutes .
4 . DON ’ T MULTITASK - MINIMISE THE NUMBER OF TABS ON COMPUTER
Everytime you multitask , your brain switches on and off different systems . Every transition costs the brain energy and is fatiguing your prefrontal cortex .
A great way to minimise multitasking is to have just two tabs open on your computer at any given time . Having multiple browser tabs open on your computer can increase cortisol levels and will distract you from your task .
5 . SCHEDULE EMAIL TIME
The constant checking of emails is a sure way to eat up your time . Schedule three times throughout the day to reply to all your emails at once , e . g . 10am , 2pm and 4pm .
You can find more productivity tips in Chelsea ’ s book .
‘ The Mindful High Performer .’ Audible available
here .
For more tips and tools visit
EQ Minds .
Order your copy
3 . TAKE A BREAK EVERY 90 MINUTES
The body works in 90 minute ultradian rhythms throughout the day . If you push your body to work non-stop without a break , your brain will become fatigued . Make sure you take a five minute break every 90 minutes . The break should be technology free to truly give your brain a rest , e . g . take a walk outside .
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