15 Psychology Experts Share Their Most Effective Productivity Tips

I came across this article and instantly knew I had to share with all of you. Productivity road blocks (as I call them) happen every day. They’re creeping around the corner just waiting to throw you a curve ball you can’t possibly prepare for… or can you?

Psychology Today recently asked 15 busy psychologists about productivity in the workplace. These productivity tips are great for anyone of any industry or profession! Below are just a few of the great productivity tips they had to share!

Take breaks from your desk to stimulate your productivity.
“Walk Away: Without realizing it, I spent years trying to be productive in the most unproductive way–sitting at a desk for hours. Now I ‘walk away’ from my office after a few hours (or less). Moving, if only to get a cup of coffee, water a plant, or walk outside for five minutes, made me sharper and more focused.  With short breaks, improvement in concentration and productivity soars. Try it.” – Susan Newman, Ph.D.

Don’t be afraid to close your door. 
“There are a couple, seemingly simple things that I do to ensure that I am productive. The first is simply closing my door at the office! Although I am extremely welcoming, I am often approached by colleagues, peers, and students about various topics ranging from sports to clinical considerations. Closing my door ensures that I remain productive. Second, I schedule ‘avoided’ tasks; when I block out time (and get reminded on ALL of my Apple devices), this ensures that I engage in productive action. Action precedes motivation; these small steps facilitate more action and lead to me feeling accomplished.”  – L. Kevin Chapman, Ph.D.

The George Washington Method.
“I use the ‘George Washington Method’, which I learned from one of my literature professors in college. Washington, a farmer, always carried a portable sundial with him. His method entails picking an arbitrary point deemed ‘Noon’ and moving forward in segments from there, keeping your focus only in the ‘hour’ in which you are working. The White House cleaning staff still use this method today.” – Michael J. Formica, MS, MA, EdM.

Stress relief helps reduce distractibility.
“Plan exercise breaks: stress leads to binary (either/or) thinking, distractability, and procrastination. Taking time to reduce stress enhances productivity by keeping you sharp and boosting your capacity for creative problem-solving.” – Craig Malkin, Ph.D.

Click here to read full article: 15 Productivity Tips: Quick and Easy Time Management & Efficiency Tips