How to Be the Most Productive Without Feeling Exhausted

We live in a fast-paced, multi-tasking world and that can get overwhelming. We all want to be as productive as possible, but how can we achieve maximum efficiency without burning ourselves out? Here are some expert tips for achieving the most without stretching yourself too thin.

1. Embrace Uncertainty When creating your daily schedule, it is important to build in some buffer time into your day. Don’t plan every minute of your day with high-intensity tasks or you will feel constantly stressed out. Carve out specific times to the most critical deadlines but leave some time buffer time for the unexpected things that pop up so that you won’t feel overwhelmed and immediately behind schedule when they do.
2. Be Flexible Don’t let those unexpected setbacks that arise during the 9 to 5 sabotage you. If you try too hard to adhere to a rigid schedule, you will end up frustrated. Allowing for a bit of flexibility in your day allows you to be happier and more productive.
3. Delegate! Part of being a good manager is knowing how and when to delegate. No one likes a martyr, especially since they are typically exhausted and irritable. If you have someone on your team, who can complete a task for you, delegate it to them. You hire people based on their skill sets so take advantage of the reason you added them to the team in the first place.
4. Know Thyself While many experts tell you to do the most important tasks in the morning, that may not work for everyone. If you are not a morning person, don’t force yourself to fit into unrealistic standards. Perhaps you are more productive from 11 to 3 or even 4 to 7. Know when you work best and maximize your peak energy time by tackling the toughest tasks during those hours. Create a realistic schedule that works for you. Take a lunch break when you are hungry not just because it is noon. Not hungry? Go for a walk, read a book, pet a dog—just take a brain break.

Productivity isn’t about getting everything done in the least amount of time possible and then having no energy left for your actual life. One often-overlooked facet of productivity is the importance of balance. Work/life balance is not just a hollow term. Put down the smartphone set aside your laptop when you are home. Leaving time for your personal life is the best way to feel fulfilled and satisfied.