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These tips will set the groundwork for maximum productivity. Doing these things will lock you in for focused work, better results, and longer endurance. We all have only eight hours to get everything done, and these productivity hacks will help you get it done! 💪🏼
Hey, I’m Seth. I’m a freelancer with 7+ years of experience in digital marketing. I help you earn more and work less. Check out some helpful guides to assist with your workflow.
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Now, let’s get to it:
1. Create a clean, distraction-free workspace
Clean your desk or work area of clutter. This really helps me focus. Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” and close all other distractions for the period of time you’re working.
A study by the University of California, Irvine found that it takes an average of 23 minutes and 15 seconds to get yourself back on track after being interrupted.
Woah. Fewer distractions mean better work — and more income.
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2. Set a timer
This is my favorite hack to get stuff done. This is effective when you have a dreaded task and just need to get headway. Thirty minutes is my go-to.
You can also do 15 minutes if you simply need to get started. Refrain from one hour since this is a large chunk of time, and you may get distracted while it’s timing.
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3. Hydrate
Some days I feel sluggish. It’s because I’m dehydrated.
Do you need to get started on a project but can’t find the energy? Drink 8-12oz of water.
Before you know it, you’ll be back in the zone.
4. Get the blood flowing
A few pushups or burpees does it to get the blood flowing.
Get out of the office chair and move the body!
5. Go for a walk
Similar to the above point, walking connects the two sides of the brain for maximum creativity.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a process used by therapists to help patients remember trauma.
On a less intense level, you can use it to enter deep work. Walking does this, but so does music.
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6. Listen to focus music
I use Lo-Fi to keep me focused. I also use Brain.FM for those deep work sessions.
It uses pulsating frequencies (similar to EMDR) that match brainwaves to get you into the productivity — or relaxed — mode.
Music without words is a good option!
7. Take short breaks
Momentary breaks between timer sets help keep your brain from overworking.
Go to the bathroom, drink water, or take a quick walk to get back in the zone.
Movement is your friend for breaks — DON’T get on social media. Social media has its benefits, but it distracts you from the productivity goal.
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8. Use smells
This isn’t one I use often, but using essential oils, like citrus, is a helpful resource for staying focused.
Lemon, lime, and orange all wake the senses for productivity.
9. Guard your working time
YOUR working time is your ONLY time to get stuff done.
Others will always want in to your focus time. Email is the worst distraction of all. I downloaded Boomerang for Gmail to pause all incoming emails for periods of time so I can get everything done.
Block outside interruptions so you can hone in on deep work.
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Freelancing is Hard, Let’s Talk
Hey, I’m Seth. I’m a freelancer with 7+ years of experience in digital marketing. I help you earn more and work less. Check out some helpful guides to assist with your workflow. Want some 1-on-1 freelance coaching? Schedule a free call. Don’t forget to follow on Instagram: @SethTheFreelancer.
Seth Kingdon 