How to be productive by doing nothing

productivity
Text sign showing Don t not Be Busy. Be Productive. Conceptual photo Work efficiently Organize your schedule time Hand hold paper lob and red pen red circled black words on white paper.

In today’s fast-paced world, being “busy” is worn like a badge of honour. It’s easy to assume that doing as much as possible every hour of the day is the best way to be productive. In fact, sometimes the opposite is true.

Research from Wharton School showed that by reducing work hours and promoting rest periods, people are able to focus their attention more effectively. They end up producing just as much, often with higher quality and creativity.

Here are eight productivity tips that everyone can adopt which involve doing surprisingly little:

1. A tired brain is a useless brain

Rest plays a key part in boosting your energy levels to be productive; trying some age-old resting techniques might help. Some people love daytime naps and others practice guided meditation on a daily basis. You might like to try out some of these different methods to help you relax and increase your work productivity.

2. Make switching off part of your daily routine

Switching off from the online world sounds impossible these days, but it’s worth considering – at least in short bursts. Set some time aside at night to deliberately wind down and switch off. This can increase the quality of sleep and reduce insomnia, which in turn will do wonders for your productivity during the workday.

3. Manage email overkill

You feel the pressure to reply to every email that’s beeped at you and quickly. But if you think lessening your email time sounds unrealistic or unproductive, think again. Research shows that establishing boundaries between emails is a lesson in how to be productive. You can set designated times to respond to emails when you’re in the right frame of mind, making better use of your time and creating more considered replies.

4. Hold off on making rush decisions

At times it may feel like you are under pressure to make an immediate decision, like giving feedback or responding to an internal situation. Taking a bit of extra time to think about the response can prevent a lot of back and forth in the long run. Assess the urgency and then decide appropriately.

5. Step back from technology frustration

There’s nothing more frustrating than a computer issue. Let alone someone suggesting that you “try turning it off and on again”. Try taking a few minutes to think calmly through a solution and take some deep breaths. It can save time and energy in the long run.

6. Don’t let emotions get the better of you

It’s easy to act defensively when you receive an inquisitive email or when a colleague seems to be coming across offensively. Instead of reacting immediately, it’s wiser to step back and cool off. You’ll come back to it with a clearer and calmer head, which will have a positive effect on your productivity.

7. Take advantage of the wealth of fantastic apps now available

While technology can be a huge distraction, it can help boost your productivity. It’s worth trying some productivity-boosting apps like Wunderlist (a new take on the old-fashioned to-do list) and Pomodoro (a timer to help you focus on one task at a time).

8. Use designated breaks to get out and exercise

Getting angry, frustrated or overwhelmed by work or colleagues? It’s time to run or walk it out. Even half an hour of exercise a day, before or after work or during your lunch break, is great for your mind and motivation.

Doing nothing might sound like the fast track to wasting time, but it could be the answer to getting through that ever-growing to-do list. After all, it won’t take much effort.

Nicole Gorton, Director, Robert Half Australia