Many people find themselves struggling to stay productive some days at work. The truth is, it is not always easy to manage productivity with obstacles like poor time management and estimation, distractions, lack of sleep, anxiety, or even burnout.

While that is the case, maintaining productivity remains critical if your work KPIs highlighted in your annual calendar template are to be met. The first step towards improving it is identifying the barriers. Here are some tips to help you overcome obstacles and improve your productivity.

1. Break down tasks

Big goals can intimidate you and make you feel anxious. Anxiety is a blocker of productivity, and the best way to prevent it is by assigning yourself tasks that you think you can complete. This will be less overwhelming and make you feel in control.

You will be more energized, and your productivity will be boosted. Breaking down the tasks will also make it easy to track your progress. Achieving the smaller functions that build up to the bigger goal will also give you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, boosting productivity.

2. Maximize prime time 

The truth is, productivity is not uniform across the day. For example, handling tasks that need more focus and attention when your brain is slow will hurt your productivity. But, on the other hand, establishing the most productive time will help you increase your effectiveness and efficiency.

For most people, mornings and early afternoons are the most productive periods of their day. During this time, you are well-rested, and motivation is more. There are also fewer distractions during this time.

Dedicate this time to complex projects with strict deadlines, and you will make better progress.

3. Take breaks

Contrary to what most people think, taking breaks will not slow you down. Avoiding cracks will not make you complete tasks faster. Remember that work is never done effectively when one is experiencing burnout.

A burnout will hurt your motivation, hence productivity. Schedule regular breaks to get an opportunity to enhance your mood and boost your concentration and overall productivity. You can take a walk, gaze outside your office window if the view is refreshing, or even make a cup of coffee.

4. Avoid multitasking

Multitasking affects productivity. Your brain is most active and efficient when handling a single task over an extended period. Running multiple times will slow you down and weigh down the quality of your work.

Your brain cannot juggle two tasks at the same time. Not only does multitasking hurt productivity, but it is also not good for your brain health.

Conclusion

Not all the time, we are perfectly productive. However, there are ways that we can increase efficiency. Identifying barriers to productivity such as distractions and burnout can help us establish the best way to boost it.

Breaking down big projects into smaller talks will make you feel less overwhelmed and help you progress your work. Maximizing the time you are most productive, taking breaks, and handling a single task at a go will also boost your productivity.