It can be difficult to stay productive and get things done at times, but it’s even more difficult to do so when you’re tired. Even if you have the motivation, it can be difficult to know where to start or how to get anything done.

So here are 4 easy ways to help you stay productive, even when you’re tired:

1. Tackle the important things first

When you’re feeling exhausted and lacking energy, you definitely don’t want to be wasting your time on unnecessary tasks. To identify what really needs to be done, try to prioritise your to do-list. There are many ways to do this. You could write out your tasks from most to least important, and start with either the easiest or the toughest.

Or, you could use an alternative technique, like the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritise based on importance and urgency. Either way, you’ll be able to stay productive and avoid wasting time on tasks that simply don’t need to be done (right now, at least!).

2. Turn off your notifications

If you really want to get something done, try to switch off from any potential distractions. This is one of the easiest and simplest ways to stay productive. All you need to do is mute your phone and log off from your emails.

It’s almost impossible to get anything done if you’re constantly being distracted by notifications and new tasks keep popping up. Not only do these notifications distract you, but they’re also a waste of energy (which you’re already lacking right now!). Whether or not you act on them, notifications interrupt your workflow. This is because you’re wasting precious time and energy as you recover and get back to the initial task.

3. Drink water

I’m sure you’ve heard it all before, but water really is vital for your brain to function. Dehydration can cause multiple issues, such as a lack of focus, memory, brain fatigue, as well as headaches, sleep issues, depression, and many more!

Water provides the electrical energy needed for all brain functions, which makes it’s essential to keep your brain fuelled. Once you’re hydrated, you’ll be able to think faster, be more focused and in turn, stay productive.

So, try your best to drink the recommended 8 glasses of water a day and see what a difference it makes – to both your productivity and your health.

4. Take breaks

Many studies suggest that if you take regular breaks, you’ll perform better than those who don’t. Whilst it’s natural to think that sitting at your desk for hours is necessary to stay productive, it really isn’t an effective way to get things done. In fact, you’re likely to be harming your productivity. Eventually, you’ll become drained, lose concentration, and make careless mistakes.

Taking breaks is essential as it allows your mind to be more focused and more energised. Be careful though, it’s important that you’re taking productive breaks rather than just checking Facebook or Twitter every few minutes. You should be re-energising, not simply procrastinating. Why not grab a snack, or if you’re still feeling really tired, have a quick nap?

A popular method for taking breaks is the Pomodoro Technique. Developed by Francesco Cirillo in the 1980s, this technique is a productivity favourite. Here’s all you need to do:

Choose a task Set the timer to 25 minutes Work on that task until the timer rings Take a 5-minute break Reset the timer and repeat

Simple, right? Try it out and see if taking regular breaks helps you to stay productive. But don’t think that you have to stick to Cirillo’s timings, instead, find out what works best for you.