Want to increase productivity in your work and home life? Then stop multitasking. As proven through scientific studies, multitasking is a myth. Trying to get many things done at the same time is just not efficient.
Instead of trying to multitask, good workers need to focus and practice good time management skills. And yet, that may be more easily said than done.
Our digital age has filled our lives with a multitude of distractions. All day long, we receive notifications and alerts from a variety of devices. What’s more, our attention spans keep getting smaller as the prevalence of short-form content continues to rise.
But it’s not all bad news. For a surefire way to increase productivity, incorporate a timer into your life. A timer can help you accomplish everything from work to chores, making you more efficient with less procrastination.
Listed below are the reasons why a timer can help you increase productivity.
Increase Productivity Tip #1: Stay on Task with a Timer
Stop wandering away from your duties by using a timer as a way to stay committed to your assigned task. Here’s how: before starting on any assignment, give yourself a fixed amount of time to complete it, and then set it on the timer.
As the clock runs down, you can adjust your work pace if you find yourself falling behind. If you complete the task well ahead of time, you can adjust this time accordingly the next time you have to do it.
In this way, you’ll see your tasks to completion before moving on to other things that require your attention.
Increase Productivity Tip #2: Make a Schedule & Stick to It
Your work time can become more productive if you break it down into more definable periods of time. Instead of setting aside a whole afternoon for doing a number of tasks, break your work down into more manageable and smaller periods of time. And for optimal efficiency, you should schedule these “chunks of time” with a timer.
Despite your best intentions, it’s impossible to be 100% productive throughout the entire day. While some may assert that being “always on” gets the most work done, many have found that it’s much more efficient to work in spurts. Use a timer to help time manage your tasks, and you’ll find you will get them done more easily.
Increase Productivity Tip #3: Avoid Distractions
Simply put, you need to dedicate time specifically used for working. When you’re on the clock, don’t allow distractions to interrupt your flow of productivity. Stay committed to your original goal until the timer runs out. Don’t use this scheduled time to answer emails or use your phone; instead, you should do these actions at a time you assign for yourself.
In short, don’t allow outside distractions to keep you away from the task at hand.
Increase Productivity Tip #4: Make Breaks Meaningful
It’s difficult to relax when you need to keep an eye on the clock. And yet, by putting a set limit on your break time and keeping watch with a timer, you’re actually making them more meaningful.
Time can sneak up on you when you’re not paying attention. Without a clear plan of action, you can easily waste a ten-minute break period. Instead, plan to take a short walk or do some light stretching. This will help energize you and clear your head. And by putting a set time limit on these activities, you can accomplish much more on your breaks instead of doing nothing.
Increase Productivity Tip #5: Avoid Multitasking with a Timer
As new assignments and requests appear throughout the day, it’s just about impossible to always stay committed to a single task. But to stay committed to finishing tasks and avoid multitasking, this means that you need to reevaluate your time schedule throughout the day. When new things show up, readjust and set new times for yourself.
Adjust your timer to the new tasks, and stay productive on your new duties.
More Ways to Stay Productive
- Try a focus app: These block distractions by limiting access to websites, thereby preventing aimless browsing. Examples of free focus apps include LeechBlock NG and Pawblock.
- Optimize your work environment: Clear your desk of clutter, and put your phone out of reach.
TM03 2-Pack Digital Timer
For a timer you can depend on, consider the ThermoPro TM03 2-Pack Digital Timer. This easy-to-use device comes in a practical package of two that makes time management accessible and affordable for everyone. Equipped with simple buttons and a large display, the TM03 is the smart tool for increasing your productivity.
Conclusion: How to Increase Productivity with a Timer
With the right tools and mindset, you will be able to increase productivity and live a more efficient lifestyle. Don’t let your tasks get the better of you; start managing time like a pro by using a timer!
