Each person has a certain amount of psychic energy, which he spends on tasks. And if this energy ends, then productivity drops sharply. You should get rid of these 10 habits in order not to be left without important resources.
1. Lack of a plan
The more decisions you make, the more psychic energy you spend. These decisions can be big or small (like which shirt to wear). Energy is wasted on any decision. Therefore, many famous people deliberately limit themselves. Just look at the wardrobes of Barack Obama, Steve Jobs, and Mark Zuckerberg. Each of them, in most cases, appeared in public in the same clothes. And the American entrepreneur and economist Seth Godin never changes his breakfast, which consists of only one banana-nut cocktail.
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Solution
Every evening, make a plan for the morning. First, add important tasks to it. Update the list as needed.
2. Excessive planning
Excessive planning can also be harmful. Filling your to-do list with work, family reunions, and sports can be easy enough, but it's much more difficult to handle. Having free time for relaxation is one of the most important aspects of a balanced life. You can easily forget about it, but you need to relax.
Solution
Leave spaces in the plan each day for activities that calm you down. It can be a hobby or just reading a book.
3. Ignoring clutter
You might think that the order in the workplace is not as important as productivity. But productivity can depend on how much the place is cleaned. Studies have shown that many visual stimuli have a significant effect on the brain when you are trying to focus.
More mental energy is spent on concentration when there are many things on the table that distract attention. These are not smartphones and other devices that make sounds and vibrate, but paper clips, notepads, and mugs with unfinished tea.
Solution
Maintain order, not only in the workplace but wherever possible. It increases concentration and soothes.
4. Procrastination
When you feel like your brain is tired, it is tempting to put off all the work until later. Sometimes it makes sense; It's hard to work on an important project when you can't get the most out of yourself. But procrastination can have a bad effect on psychic energy.
It even takes effort to decide whether to get down to business now or postpone it a little. Even remembering an unfulfilled task takes effort. All this leads to the depletion of mental reserves.
Solution
Follow the two-minute rule; If you can complete a task within this time, don't even think about delaying. At the same time, you may always take a two-minute break with little or no loss of concentration.
5. Perfectionism
Striving for the perfect result is good but in moderation. It can take a lot of time trying to complete a 10 out of 10 tasks, but your excessive efforts may not be noticed at all. It is better to learn to stop when you understand that the work is done well, and there is no point in doing it further. Your boss will most likely take a minute or less to read a letter you have pored over for an hour.
Solution
Ask yourself if you are satisfied with the outcome of your work. Don't waste tons of psychic energy to achieve the perfect result. Just do the job well.
6. Multitasking
Studies show that multitasking is highly ineffective cognitively. Switching from one activity to another does not go unnoticed; every time you waste energy. But for some people, multitasking only increases productivity. If this is your case, then continue in the same spirit. But most people do much better when they're alone.
Solution
Make single-tasking a habit. Learn to focus on one goal for 25 minutes and then give your brain a quick respite.
7. Reluctance to keep records
The more knowledge you retain in your mind, the more energy you spend. This could include a shopping list, ideas for a weekend break, or even someone's phone number. If all this is not written down, the brain has to make a lot of extra effort.
Taking notes is very simple and useful. You will never forget something important with note-taking apps, even if your brain is busy with completely different tasks.
Solution
Take notes on paper or electronically. When you write down, you are telling your brain, "Sit back, buddy; I took care of it for you." It is also believed that what you write is better stored in memory.
8. Poor nutrition
Your diet also has a significant impact on how productive you are. High glycemic foods like white bread, white rice, and anything with refined sugar will give you a quick boost. But it will be followed by a sharp decline and fatigue.
Lower glycemic index foods, including things like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and foods high in protein, increase energy more smoothly and allow you to maintain it for longer.
Solution
Just a little change in the power system is enough to feel a significant difference. Eat nuts, fish, and fresh berries. And don't get hung up on caffeine. It helps, but not for long.
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9. Lack of water
Drink plenty of water. How much to drink is controversial, but if you drink six to eight glasses a day, you will feel better. Even a small decrease in the level of hydration in the body has a significant impact on well-being and productivity.
If you are used to drinking fizzy drinks, coffee, and tea, then choosing water will not be as easy as it might seem. But it's worth it.
Solution
If you find it difficult to force yourself to drink a lot of water, try a dedicated app like My Water Balance. It will show you how much you have to drink per day and help with motivation.
10. Lack of sleep
Nothing energizes like sleep. Getting enough good sleep allows you to do your tasks well and not get exhausted. Your brain is not fully utilizing its resources if you don't get adequate sleep. Some of them are capable of being "woken up" by coffee, but over time, immunity develops over time Also, coffee and energy drinks make you sleepless, so fatigue comes faster.
Solution: Give your body as much sleep as it needs. If you have constant fatigue, then you definitely need to sleep more. Most people need about eight hours of normal sleep, so start from that number and adjust according to how you feel.
Adapted and translated by The Cop Cart Staff
Sources: Life hacker
