If you’re struggling to manage your tasks at work, try some of these tips to get back on track. All of them are simple, but they can really boost your office productivity.

Set your schedule a day ahead

Before you leave the office in the evening, plan and prioritise your tasks for the following day. By doing so, you can get straight to work with a fresh mind in the morning.

Get a proper night’s sleep

Obvious but also important. You can’t focus if your body is battling against a lack of sleep.

Give yourself time to wake up

Don’t dive straight into the day’s tasks, hoping to save time. It’s much better to set aside some time in the morning to eat a proper breakfast and let your brain wake up in its own time. Spending 20 minutes reading the news is all it takes.

Write a to-do list

Make sure you are clear on what you need to get done, so that you can plan your time accordingly. Prioritise the most important tasks and be realistic about what you can achieve in the time you have.

Tackle bigger tasks first

Of course, if there’s a task you’re not looking forward to, it’s tempting to put it off. Don’t. Tackle the most daunting tasks first and the rest of your day will seem very manageable by comparison. That way, in the afternoon (when you have less energy), you will be working on easier tasks.

Take a break

It may seem that when you have so much to do you need to use every moment, but you will actually be more productive if you take a short break every hour or two. Just five or 10 minutes will do the trick. Get a drink or chat to a colleague to take your mind off work. Your brain will be fresher afterwards.

Stretch your legs

If your concentration is flagging, it’s a good idea to get your body moving. Take a brisk walk around the block to wake yourself up.

Give the coffee a rest

A seems like a quick fix when you’re flagging at work, but too much caffeine can lead to crashes. It can also mess up your sleep pattern. Try a decaf or a tea instead.

Try a change of scenery

Working somewhere different will help to keep your brain alert. Try working in a cafe for an hour or two, or working part of the day at home and part at the office.

Avoid multitasking

Work on one task at a time, give it your full attention and do a good job. Then, move on to the next thing. It takes time for your brain to readjust itself to each new task – time that is effectively wasted.

Leave your email alone

Instead of constantly checking your inbox (and, in doing do, phasing in and out of the task at hand), only check your messages at set times, every few hours.

You’ll be surprised how much better you can work by following these tips.

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