How to Be More Productive in Your 20s: 11 Ways to Take Control of Your Day

Hey there, lovely readers! If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself working from home more often than not these days. While it’s great to have the flexibility, it can be a bit of a productivity challenge. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back. In this blog post, I’m going to share some tried-and-true tips so you know how to be more productive while working from home.

Set a Routine That Works for You

First things first, let’s talk about routines. I know it’s tempting to stay in your pajamas all day, but trust me, having a routine can make a world of difference. Start your day by waking up at the same time every morning, getting dressed (yes, out of those PJs), and having a good breakfast. This sets a positive tone for your workday and signals to your brain that it’s time to be productive.

One of the challenges of working from home is the blurring of boundaries between work and personal life. To overcome this, set specific start and end times for your workday. When it’s time to finish, shut down your computer, and resist the urge to check work-related emails or messages until the next workday. Here’s what my typical week looks like on Google Calendar. I color code to remind myself where me-time, socialization time, and work time are within the day. Obviously life gets in the way, and one event might bleed into another, but this is a great structure to create a sense of normalcy.

Time Blocking

Time blocking is a game-changer when it comes to learning how to be productive. The idea is to allocate specific time blocks for different tasks. For instance, you could dedicate one block for answering emails, another for project work, and so on. Stick to your schedule as closely as possible, and you’ll find that you can accomplish more in less time.

The schedule above is a broader definition of time blocking, but you can further dedicate each block into subblocks. For instance, I might take one hour to write blog posts, another to engage with social media, and yet another for photography. Although these are all within the “Deep Focus: Side Hustle Work” time block, I have further broken down the time.

Avoid Any Distractions that Effect Focused Work

Distractions are the mortal enemies of productivity, especially when you’re at home. Identify your biggest distractions and find ways to minimize them. Turn off social media notifications, close unnecessary tabs on your browser, and let your family or roommates know when you need some focused work time. I typically try to keep my phone in a different room, outside of my sight. I also keep things like snacks hidden away and my Netflix account logged out so I cannot be tempted to derail from the work I am doing.

Also, know when you are creating distractions for yourself that are pretending to be productive work. For instance, creating lists is a helpful way to organize tasks, but if you are only creating lists and subtasks, you are still not getting anything done. This is a prime example of feeling like you are being productive when you are still just procrastinating on real work.

Set Time Limits on Your Phone

Let’s be honest; our phones can be productivity killers. Apps like Instagram and TikTok have a magical way of sucking us in. To combat this, set time limits on your phone for specific apps. This will help you stay on track and resist the urge to scroll endlessly. Even though I might enable screen time for another 15 minutes some days, it is still a great way to stay accountable for how much time you are spending on these platforms.

A great productivity app that takes this one step forward is Forest. It completely disables your phone for a set amount of time to help you from unconsciously reaching for your phone. You can take it even further by adding the extension to Chrome and blacklisting sites that you waste time on often like Netflix and YouTube.

Create a Dedicated Workspace

Having a designated workspace is essential for productivity. Try to separate your work area from your bed or couch, if possible. When you’re in your workspace, your brain will associate it with work, making it easier to stay focused. Plus, it helps you mentally “leave” work when you step away from that area at the end of the day.

I typically try to keep my laptop and notebooks only at my desk to avoid falling into the trap of a far too comfortable workspace. This also helps me create the mindset that at the desk I work and get things done. Bringing my desk into my living room has helped tremendously with feeling lazy and shifting to my bed.

{Related Post: Small Home Office Ideas: 3 Budget Friendly Options for the Modern Young Professional}

Take Regular Breaks and Stay Active

Sitting at your desk for hours on end isn’t healthy or productive. Make it a habit to take short breaks throughout the day. Stand up, stretch, and maybe even do a quick workout or some yoga to get your blood flowing. Physical activity can boost your energy and creativity.

Scheduling time dedicated to moving your body is one of the best ways to stay energized for the rest of the day and even the next. Without adequate activity, you will feel yourself burning out even if you stick to your productivity schedule. Even getting a standing desk or walking pad is a great way to get the movement in.

Get Ready Like You’re Going to the Office

Remember those pre-pandemic mornings when you used to get dressed and do your hair and makeup? Well, you can still do that even if your commute is just a few steps to your home office. Getting ready as if you’re going to the office helps you feel more put-together and motivated for the day ahead.

At the very least, do not just roll out of bed and turn on your computer. Set the right intentions for the day by washing your face, brushing your teeth, combing your hair, and making your bed. These small actions make you feel like you have already accomplished tasks within the first hour and can help keep you motivated for the rest of the day.

Create Brain Dumps and To-Do Lists

Brain dumps are like mental decluttering sessions. When you feel overwhelmed by a flood of ideas, tasks, or worries, take a moment to jot them down without judgment or structure. This simple act can clear mental space, helping you prioritize and address each item more effectively. Whether it’s work-related tasks or personal goals, a brain dump is your first step toward regaining control and finding clarity in the chaos.

Now you can easily make a to-do list with the most important tasks for each day. When creating your to-do list, focus on specific, achievable tasks and prioritize them. As you tick items off throughout the day, you’ll boost your sense of accomplishment and make sure things get done.

Better yet, do it the night before. I write my main tasks for the day the night before to help avoid unnecessary time wasted the following morning. Now, I wake up and know exactly what I want to accomplish.

Don’t Forget to Reward Yourself

Remember to reward yourself for a job well done at the end of the day. Celebrate your accomplishments, both big and small. Treat yourself to a special snack, a few minutes of your favorite TV show, reading a book, or a short walk outside. Positive reinforcement can help maintain your motivation and productivity.

One thing to remember is regardless of what you did that day, you might feel like you should have done more. But this will not change the outcome of the reality of the day. So instead, find happiness and be content with what you did accomplish, and be grateful for that. This will help shift your mindset to one that feels like you are pushing forward.

Getting Out of the House and Socializing

While working from home offers convenience, don’t forget the importance of stepping outside and socializing. Take short breaks to enjoy some fresh air, even if it is just a walk around your neighborhood. You will be surprised by how big of a difference it makes to your energy levels and mood.

Meeting friends or colleagues for a quick coffee or lunch can provide a refreshing change of scenery and human interaction. These moments can boost your mood, combat isolation, and offer a much-needed mental break. Remember that we thrive on connections, relationships, and interactions with others. Even if it is grabbing a cup of coffee and working at a café, remember to exchange pleasantries with others at the very least.

Taking Care of Your Body and Mind

In the quest for how to be productive, don’t neglect self-care. Ensure you’re nourishing your body with balanced meals, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep. Additionally, consider incorporating mindfulness practices like meditation or journaling into your routine to reduce stress and stay mentally sharp.

A healthy mind and body are your greatest assets when it comes to long-term productivity and well-being. It is easy to snack all day and sip on only coffee when we do not have others around us to set examples. Make conscious choices that fuel your body rather than drain it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, working from home can be incredibly productive if you implement these tips into your daily routine. Remember, it’s all about finding a balance that works for you. So create that routine, time block like a pro, and minimize distraction.

With love,
Aditi <3
Aditi Rani – Figuring Out Life in Your Twenties

*Disclaimer: This is not professional advice. Some links are affiliate. By clicking and/or purchasing, I may receive a commission. It does not alter the price or change your buyer experience.