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12 Productivity hacks and tips to get more stuff done 

Looking for ways to be more productive or increase productivity?!? You can’t create more hours in the day, so you have to make the best use of the hours you do have.

I’ve supported myself 100% as a freelance content creator for the past 15 years – as a personal finance writer and with my YouTube channel. And over the years I’ve adopted several techniques to complete the most work in the least amount of time. This not only increases productivity, but also my bottom line.

So if you’re looking to get more stuff done in the fastest amount of time, here are several productivity hacks that can shave minutes off your tasks, including several that I use myself.

1. Inbox pause

Depending on what you do, you might get tons of emails a day. And as we know, these messages can slow down productivity.

However, inbox pause is a productivity hack for staying on track and maintaining focus because you’re able to stop emails from coming into your inbox.

You can pause new emails for as long you want. And once you’re ready to deal with them, you can unpause your inbox and receive your new messages.

2. Dictate rather than write

For years I’ve used dictation for practically everything. I use it to write emails, outline my work, and even write my articles and posts. Honestly, I can’t tell you the last time I actually typed out an entire article.

This increases productivity because I speak faster than I type, and I can often finish a 1,000 word article draft in about 20 minutes. 

Personally, I don’t use any type of special software — only my phone and computer’s dictation. It’s pretty accurate, too, so my editing process is also faster.

3. Decompress after solving a tough problem

Dealing with a tough problem or a complicated task can be mentally taxing. But one thing I find effective is to take a 10 to 15 minute break after solving a big problem (if you can). Maybe get some fresh air or something to drink, or just step away from the computer to decompress or regroup.

I find that when I jump into something immediately after dealing with a problem I’m not as alert or focused.

4. Eliminate needless communication

This productivity hack isn’t an option for everyone or in every situation. However, this is something I’ve started doing recently and it’s worked out pretty well.

Sometimes a client wants to schedule a phone call, and they’ll say something like, “can we hop on a call for 5 minutes.” The problem, though, is that the calls are never 5 minutes. And often times, what they tell me could have easily been communicated through a short email.

One time I had a call scheduled while I was super busy. I sent an email explaining that I didn’t have time for the call, and they could either reschedule or send an email with the information.

She was completely fine with this, and even offered to send a PDF outline of what she wanted to discuss. I was able to get the information, yet avoid the 30 minute conversation.

5. Stay hydrated

Did you know that even mild dehydration can impair cognitive function, making you sluggish and tired? This can decrease productivity, so make an effort to drink more often, preferably water.

I usually fill my water bottle several times throughout the day and sip on it as I work. I also add a squeeze of lemon. Not only to add flavor to the water, but also because the scent of lemon is believed to boost productivity and increase motivation.

6. Learn how to manage your energy

Again, this productivity hack might not be an option for everyone. But if there’s flexibility in your schedule, be cognizant of when you’re the most alert and when you’re most productive.

For some people this is earlier in the morning, and for others it might be the early afternoon.

Personally, I’m the most alert in the mornings, so this is when I get the most of my work done – especially those harder tasks. If I wait until the afternoon to start assignments that require a lot of brain power, I’ll procrastinate and get very little done.

7. Schedule smaller tasks

I think there’s often a tendency to only schedule big things, and then squeeze in smaller tasks when we can. But what often happens is that we forgot about the smaller stuff, or keep putting them off.

Another thing I find effective is to schedule the small stuff too, whether it’s related to work or personal.

For example, I might schedule dusting or vacuuming, and then set a timer. This helps get more done, and it prevents spending too much time on a single task.

8. Take a “real” lunch break

Working through lunch might seem like a great use of time. However, much-needed breaks are essential to performing at your best.

It can ease stress, recharge you, and decrease exhaustion – which can increase focus and help you get through task more efficiently. So whether it’s 30 minutes or a hour, allow yourself a real lunch break.

9. Take a nap

I’ve never been one to power nap. It usually takes me an hour just to fall asleep, and by then, it’s time to wake up again.

If you can power nap, though, a 20 or 30 minute nap can also refresh your brain and give you energy to power through the day.

10. Reward yourself

I’ve been using the reward system with myself for years and it’s also worked well. When working on an assignment I commit to staying focused on the project by putting off a reward until I finish the task.

Let’s say I want to take a 10-minute break and go for a walk outside or get a cup of coffee. I only allow myself this break after I’ve reached a certain point in my work. This keeps me focused, motivated, and I’m less likely to procrastinate.

11. Scale back on tools

So many tools are designed to improve productivity, and in the past I’ve downloaded several thinking, “I can use this for that and so forth.”

However, when you have so many apps or tools to help manage your day, managing these becomes a job in itself. It can be time consuming and distracting, so scale back. Choose your favorite one or two tools, and delete the others.

12. Create a morning routine

I find that I’m most productive when my day doesn’t start off chaotic. If it starts off bad or behind schedule, this continues and I’m not able to catch up.

For the longest time I didn’t have a real routine. But once I created a morning routine – where I get up earlier, exercise, read, or enjoy quiet time before jumping into the day – GAME CHANGER! 

I can’t explain why, but this routine sets the tone for the day and everything else seems to fall into place.

We all have our own tips and tricks for getting more stuff done. Which of the above hacks do you plan to use, or what productivity tips and hacks do you find most effective?