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9 Ways to Be More Productive

Updated on
2/3/2024
A laptop, notebook and cup of coffee on a desk.

As a health promoter, maintaining productivity in both my personal and professional life is essential. Balancing the demands of work, self-care, and personal growth can be challenging, but I've found that implementing certain strategies can greatly enhance productivity. It doesn't come overnight. Although overnight time is extremely important to fall asleep. Ways to be productive are included in these 9 effective ways. I'd like to present them as a remedy for physical and mental well-being.

How to Start?

Productivity is more than just checking off tasks; it's about optimizing your time and energy to achieve your goals efficiently. As a massage therapist, I've learned that taking care of my physical and mental health is paramount. So, let's explore these 9 strategies that have helped me stay productive while prioritizing self-care.

Before I wrote this post, I had a heartwarming conversation with my oldest friend, who enthusiastically declared that he was kickstarting the year 2024 with a set of resolutions focused on his health and well-being. As we caught up, he shared his plans to improve sleep quality by establishing a soothing bedtime routine and emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced diet. He also mentioned his commitment to incorporating more physical activity into his daily routine and regularly indulging in massage therapy sessions to alleviate stress and promote relaxation.

What struck me the most was his determination to prioritize self-care, from practicing mindfulness to setting up contingency plans for potential obstacles on his journey toward improved health. It was inspiring to witness his dedication to these resolutions and his eagerness to make 2024 a year of positive transformation.

We also had an interesting dialog about time management when using electronic devices. This element was an interesting example of how screens take over our focus and energy. Of course, these are habits that tend to develop over time along with technology advancements. We simply have to take a break and prioritize time to eat or create a comfortable environment for “live” conversation with another person. 

A laptop, notebook and cup of coffee.
An organized workspace to increase concentration and productivity

Start with a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet forms the foundation of productivity. I talk a lot with my clients about food, how to eat healthily, and how powerful is healthy breakfast. Incorporate nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins into your meals. More fish in our diet will bring more benefits. Wild-caught fish can provide better and healthier quality sources of proteins, healthy fats, and omega-3 fatty acids so important for our cardiovascular system and hormonal balance. Proper nutrition fuels your body and mind, enhancing your ability to stay focused and energized throughout the day.

Although topics like “how to eat” might be easy ones on our to-do list, they bring challenges too. It requires solid research about what not to eat too. Very often we have to put an effort into eliminating our favorite unhealthy snacks, and unhealthy but tasty foods. It may also require creating capital for better-quality foods. 

Changing eating habits is a process where we engage our strong will, so we have to reprogram our brains and start small. It will pay off in the future. Self-discipline, motivation, and more work put into investing in one's health make a lot of sense and are ways to success.

A table with variety of food.
A table with variety of food to create balanced diet

Prioritize Quality Sleep

Improving sleep quality is crucial for productivity. Ensure you get 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night. Adequate sleep not only enhances cognitive function but also supports physical recovery. I've been working on consistency and motivating myself to fall asleep earlier than I used to do for the past couple of years. My habits didn't include enough sleep either.

I have always been a night owl and I had that one period in my 24-hour cycle to generate my focus and energy on creating content, editing imagery, executing ideas, or spending time on learning and doing research.

I decided to put that effort into a strategy that worked short term. I used to spend late nights to be productive. I realized that I didn't have enough time and energy to create my ideas. I also felt that this strategy would not walk me to success in the future. I didn't have free time at all.

There were two things that I ignored. I was already energy-drained after an entire day full of challenges and I simply had to change my habits to become productive in a short time. I started creating a better balance and making a to-do list for the next early morning.

Woman laying on white pillow and sleeping.
A sleeping time to create internal balance for better productivity

Maintain Emotional Support

When we are talking about being productive we talk about work and anything work-related. That's why I narrowed it down to the point of how to manage this aspect in the work environment. Emotional support is a vital element in various professional roles and interpersonal relationships, whether you are an employer, employee, specialist, CEO, or service provider. In the context of working with others, it plays a crucial role in fostering a healthy and productive environment. Here's how emotional support can benefit individuals in different professional capacities:

  1. Employers and Managers: Effective leaders understand the importance of emotional support in the workplace. By providing a supportive and empathetic work environment, employers can boost employee morale, reduce stress, and enhance job satisfaction. This, in turn, leads to increased productivity, employee retention, and a positive organizational culture.
  2. Employees: On the employee side, feeling emotionally supported by colleagues and supervisors can make a significant difference in job satisfaction and overall well-being. Knowing that you have a support system at work can reduce workplace stress, enhance job performance, and contribute to a healthier work-life balance.
  3. Specialists and Experts: In fields where expertise is required, emotional support can help professionals manage the pressure of delivering high-quality work consistently. Colleagues and mentors can provide valuable support, guidance, and encouragement, ensuring specialists remain motivated and engaged.
  4. CEOs and Executives: Even in executive roles, where the focus is often on strategic decision-making, emotional support remains essential. CEOs and top executives can benefit from having trusted advisors and a network of peers who offer emotional support and insights, helping them navigate the challenges of leadership.
  5. Service Providers: Whether you're a massage therapist, healthcare provider, counselor, or any other service-oriented professional, emotional support is a fundamental aspect of client care. Being empathetic and offering emotional support to clients can foster trust, enhance the client-provider relationship, and contribute to positive outcomes.
  6. Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners: Running a business can be stressful and demanding. Entrepreneurs and small business owners can lean on emotional support networks for encouragement, problem-solving, and stress relief. This support can be invaluable in overcoming obstacles and maintaining the resilience required for long-term success.
Two women in the office working together.
An emotional support creates healthy workplace

In essence, emotional support is a universal need, regardless of your role in the professional world. It creates a foundation of trust, collaboration, and well-being, enabling individuals to thrive in their careers, build meaningful relationships, and ultimately lead more fulfilling lives. By recognizing the significance of emotional support and actively fostering it within your professional circles, you can contribute to a more positive and productive working environment.

Emotional well-being is key to productivity. Seek emotional support when needed, whether through friends, family, or professional therapy. A healthy emotional state can boost your overall productivity.

Productivity isn't just about checking tasks off your to-do list; it's also about nurturing your emotional well-being. In our quest to be more productive, we often underestimate the power of emotional support. Just like collagen supports our physical health, emotional support plays a pivotal role in maintaining a balanced and productive life. Whether it's seeking professional help, engaging with loved ones, or developing resilience strategies, emotional support is the cornerstone of our mental clarity and overall productivity. Remember, a healthy mind is a productive mind, and investing time in your emotional well-being can lead to transformative results in your daily life.

Two employees sitting together at work.
Emotional well-being to keep our mental clarity and overall productivity

Incorporate Massage Therapy

Massage therapy isn't just a luxury; it's a valuable tool for relaxation and recovery. Regular massages help reduce stress and muscle tension and promote overall well-being. Consider massage therapy as an essential remedy to stay productive.

One often overlooked, yet highly effective way to enhance productivity is by incorporating massage therapy into your routine. Just as we focus on healthy diets and exercise to optimize our physical well-being, massage therapy should be seen as a vital remedy for our mental and emotional health. It's a strategic investment in your overall wellness. Regular massages can help you achieve better sleep, reduce stress levels, and improve mental clarity. As a dedicated massage therapist, I've witnessed the profound impact of therapeutic touch being productive firsthand. It's not just about relaxation; it's about revitalization. By taking advantage of professional help and indulging in the therapeutic benefits of massage, you can unlock your full potential, both in your personal and professional life.

A woman getting massage and feeling relaxed.
Body care to support mental and emotional health

Plan a Balanced Diet

A balanced diet is all about moderation. Avoid extreme diets and instead focus on a variety of foods. This approach ensures you receive all the essential nutrients your body needs to thrive. The example that comes to my mind is eating more fish. It also reminds me of a conversation with my client where I talked about sources of collagen in a healthy diet.

To truly harness your productive being, it's crucial to start with a solid foundation - a balanced diet. Healthy eating habits are the cornerstone of a vibrant life. Incorporating collagen-rich foods like lean proteins, vegetables, and fruits can contribute to overall well-being, enhancing your energy levels and mental clarity. By focusing on a balanced diet, you're not just eating healthily; you're investing in your future productivity. Think of it as fuel for your body and mind, allowing you to stay focused, maintain steady blood pressure, and have enough energy to tackle your to-do lists. Remember, the path to productivity often begins on your plate, so create a diet plan that nourishes your body and fuels your productivity journey.

A healthy food to create a balanced diet.
A healthy and moderate diet

Develop a Relaxing Bedtime Routine

Enhance sleep quality by creating a calming bedtime routine. This might include meditation, light reading, or gentle stretches to unwind before sleep. Another example I'd like to write in this post is ASMR. As long as we are comfortable with sounds created by ASMR producers in front of a high-sensitive microphone, we might find a very relaxing therapy.

Amidst our pursuit of productivity, we mustn't neglect the importance of quality sleep. Developing a relaxing bedtime routine can be a game-changer in your quest to be more productive. Prioritizing enough sleep and improving sleep quality can significantly impact your daily performance. Incorporating collagen and other sleep-enhancing habits, such as turning off digital devices, can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy restorative, uninterrupted sleep. So, why not start small by creating a soothing bedtime ritual? It could involve reading, gentle stretches, or even a warm cup of herbal tea. The goal is to signal to your body that it's time to wind down, recharge, and wake up the next day with the energy and motivation to tackle your goals.

Incorporate Physical Activity

In our pursuit of productivity, it's easy to overlook the importance of staying physically active. Yet, physical activity is not just about maintaining a healthy body—it's a key driver of overall productivity and wellness. Incorporating regular exercise into your routine, whether it's a brisk walk, yoga, or a full-fledged workout, can have a profound impact. It increases energy levels, enhances mental clarity, and even improves emotional well-being. Physical activity releases endorphins, those "feel-good" hormones that reduce stress and boost your mood.

If we add breathing techniques and approaches like" if we stay in the game, we need to play healthy" then we create a unique blueprint for ourselves. Physical activity boosts productivity by increasing blood flow to the brain and releasing endorphins. Incorporate regular exercise into your routine to keep both your body and mind in peak condition.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness meditation helps you stay focused and reduces stress. Dedicate a few minutes each day to mindfulness exercises to clear your mind and enhance productivity.

In the fast-paced world we live in, practicing mindfulness can be a transformative tool in your quest for productivity and well-being. Mindfulness, characterized by present-moment awareness, can help you stay focused and manage stress effectively. By incorporating mindfulness techniques into your daily routine, such as meditation, deep breathing, or simply taking moments to pause and be fully present, you can develop emotional resilience, improve decision-making, and maintain a balanced perspective. The ability to cultivate mindfulness can make a significant difference in your productivity journey. It allows you to navigate challenges with a clear mind, fostering a harmonious work environment and enhancing overall work-life balance.

Minimize Digital Distractions

Constantly checking your digital devices can hinder productivity. Set specific times for checking emails and social media to avoid constant interruptions.

  • Use To-Do Lists

To-do lists are powerful tools for organization. Prioritize tasks, set deadlines, and track your progress to ensure you stay on top of your responsibilities.

  • Work Upfront

Tackle challenging tasks early in the day when your energy levels are at their highest. Working upfront can help you accomplish more in less time.

  • Create Contingency Plans

Having contingency plans in place can reduce stress when unexpected obstacles arise. Develop alternative strategies for common setbacks.

  • Prioritize Self-Care

Taking care of your well-being should be a priority. Consider regular massages, exercise, and healthy eating as investments in your long-term productivity.

  • Invest in Professional Help

Sometimes, seeking professional help can provide insights and strategies to enhance productivity and mental well-being.

  • Reflect and Adjust

People think productivity is a fixed state, but it's an ongoing journey. Periodically review your strategies, learn from your experiences, and make necessary adjustments to continue growing.

A graphic representing a person being productive.
Productivity concept

Conclusion

Incorporating these 9 strategies into my daily life as a massage therapist has not only boosted my productivity but also enhanced my overall well-being. Remember, productivity is about finding a balance that works for you. Prioritize self-care, consider massage therapy as a valuable remedy, and embark on your journey toward increased productivity and a healthier, more fulfilling life.