Our tips to staying productive 💫!

As another school year nears, staying on task is key! Have a higher screen time than hours asleep? You are not alone! These are our team's best tips for being more productive.

1) Waking up early

There are so many benefits to waking up early - reduced stress levels, better mental state, more energy and, of course, improved productivity.

But if you feel like you are going to drift back asleep after your alarm, then a great app is 'challenge alarm', where you have to complete a challenge before your alarm stops. You can find this in the Apple app store or Google play store.

2) Start your day the right way

I think we all feel the temptation of getting back into bed in the morning, but these tips will help you stay awake and start your day right!-

• Wake up at a reasonable time

• Refreshing, cold water

• Making your bed

• Refreshing, cold shower

• Healthy breakfast

• Yoga

• Meditation

3) To- do list-

Before you begin your day, make a note of all the tasks you need to get done that day. You could use the iPhone's 'reminder' app, 'notes', or 'Microsoft to do'. Make sure to colour code them from most important to least, so you get your priorities straight!

4) Timers and time management-

This is definitely the one I find most helpful. I find that I’m so much more productive if I set timers to do my tasks, as it is like a mini-challenge! Don't forget to plan out the different times you will set yourself, so you can fit everything in. I love using my 'Alexa' to set timers, but you can always just use the clock app on your phone.

5) Music

Music can be really helpful for getting things done, as it makes it more enjoyable. Listening to music is great for tiding, cleaning or working out. Don't use it if you're trying to focus on something like school or work though, as it can be a distraction. Although, there are many lofi playlists on Spotify, great for school work! See our Spotify for playlists here.

6) Rewards

After working on something especially strenuous or boring, giving yourself a reward at the end of your task, like buying yourself something new or just watching Tv. It can be a great way of motivation.

7) Bullet Journal

Bullet journaling is similar to writing to- do lists, but in a more creative and fun way! You can draw pictures and write in different fonts, whilst still staying productive. This is more for people who like to write things down and enjoy art, but if that's not your thing, don't worry, just type a list on your phone instead.

8) Take breaks

If your continuing to do school work for long periods of time, you're obviously going to find yourself getting distracted, so make sure to take short, regular breaks to stay on task. It's also a good way of refreshing your mind and can give you a new perspective.

9) Screen time limits

I know it's hard to stay productive when you have your phone with you. It's definitely the biggest distraction whilst working! However, you can limit the time you spend on your phone with screen time limits!-

For android -

1. Go to the settings app.

2. Tap 'Digital Wellbeing' and 'parental controls'.

3. Tap the chart.

4. Next, for the app that you want to limit time spent on it, tap 'set timer'.

5. Choose how long you can spend in that app. Then, tap 'set'.

For iPhone -

1. Go to 'Settings'.

2. 'Screen time'.

3. 'App limits'.

4. Add time limits and selects which app and for how long. You will then receive a reminder when your times up, and it will lock you out of the app for that day, but you do have an option to ignore the limit if you want just 5 more minutes!

10) Tidy room, tidy mind-

Always make sure the area you work in is tidy and clean, so nothing is a distraction. It is also generally more pleasing if your area is tidy, and this can really help you to focus.

11) Healthy habits

Finally, healthy eating is so important for a productive day. Living of chocolate bars and sweets can make you feel lethargic and tired therefore slowing down your day.