10 Tips for Feeling Productive

The first signs of spring always feels like a fresh start after cold temps, shorter days, heavy clothes, and just a general lack of life when you look out your window. With warmer days and sunny skies comes this new found feeling of “doing!” Waking up early, getting more items accomplished before sitting down for work, getting outside, cleaning out that random drawer of stuff that you haven’t looked at since Christmas…you know how that goes! Even the most simple accomplishments can help you to feel more productive so I decided to share what works best for me to ensure I make the most of days {in no particular order}.

1. Do something productive {even if it is small} right when you wake up! Start a load of laundry, make your bed, unload the dishwasher or clean the dishes from last night, make a to-do list for the day, clean out your medicine cabinet, hang up your coats…the list goes on! These simple accomplishments only take a few minutes and always help get me in the productive mindset for the day.

2. Get some fresh air. I work from home {but remember my cute office? I miss it!} so there are days when I don’t breathe fresh air until it’s time to walk to the grocery store for dinner. I love taking Webster out in the morning, or walking to grab a coffee, or even taking a break to walk around the block. Being able to take a few deep breaths outside always helps to clear my mind and let go of any silly stress.

3. Make a to-do list. My saving grace on days that feel out of control! I actually like to make my daily to-do list the night before. It ensures I go to sleep without stressing about my day and helps me feel much more organized. There isn’t a better feeling than crossing off items on your to-do list! I recommend finding a cute one for your desk.

4. Get moving. Yoga stretches, a quick walk, a workout class, a YouTube video, a short run. It doesn’t take much but it is the perfect dose of energy to get me through the day!

5. Clean out your closet. For women, this is one of the biggest stresses of your day. The dreaded question – “what do I wear?” Trust me when I say that less is more and if your closet is stuffed to the brim with too many clothes {you know that dress that you wore in college that you’re saving? get rid of it} that overwhelm you, you’re never going to leave your house feeling confident. Don’t keep wearing the same items over and over. Personal style is fun and is why we enjoy buying clothes so much! So ditch the items that are weighing you down and ensure that you leave the house feeling great about what you’re wearing every day!

6. Clutter IS chaos! Get rid of the stuff people. Too much stuff will just stress you out, again less is more. Obviously there will always be sentimental items that we save but do yourself a favor and take advantage of spring cleaning. Your productivity will thank you! *If you’re like me, I can’t work professionally unless I’m organized personally so this was a big issue for me! I made the rule that if one thing comes in, two things go out. It has really helped me realize what I DON’T need.

7. Make evening plans. Meet a friend for drinks, plan a new recipe to cook, or go out to dinner with your husband/boyfriend. I don’t mean you have to go out until the early hours of the morning, I just mean make plans for after work so you have a to-do at the end of the day. This helps me make sure I work up until that final item on my to-do list. Making a plan for later in the day helps me work harder/longer during the day!

8. Give yourself a break! Seriously this is so important. Allow your brain to check out for a bit. Take a long lunch break, a walk around the block, browse your instagram, and allow your brain to shut down for a bit. Work isn’t your life {or I hope not!} so don’t put so much pressure on yourself. Everyone deserves a break.

9. Book a vacation. I read a quote once that said “travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” Word. I always come back from vacation inspired to do and be better so give yourself something to look forward to. Even if it is only a 3 hour drive! Escaping from reality is good for the soul.

10. Balance. I like to breakdown my to-do lists by priorities: work deadlines, blog posts, projects, shoots, meetings, conference calls {*high priority} – accounting, editorial calendar planning, social media posting, shoot planning, catch up on emails {*medium priority} – Target run, grocery store, mani/pedi, laundry, UPS store, schedule drinks with a friend {*low priority}. Give yourself some balance! Your day doesn’t have to be completely daunting. Be realistic, we can’t do everything so just do what you can as well as you can.

*photo from our office feature on Glitter Guide, shot by Heather Talbert.