I’m sure you’ve heard it before… “Every one of us has the same 24 hours.”  And it’s true.  But why is it that some of us seem to get so much more accomplished in a day and others of us seem to only add more to the To-Do list day after day?  Well, here’s a quick read of 10 life hacks that will help you be more productive.

1. Schedule Less Time For Important Tasks 

Sounds crazy, right? But in reality, when you limit how much time you give yourself to work on the important tasks, you force yourself to expend more energy over less time so you can get the tasks done faster.  The same holds true for meetings.  Most meetings can be limited to 15-30 minutes, tops.  That not only give people more impetus to show up on time, but it helps to rid the meeting of unnecessary banter, debate, and thinking out loud. 

2. Save a Higher Proportion Of Your Income 

Easier said than done, yes.  But this allows you to cut decades off of your working life, because you prioritize working less and retiring early to live a richer life over living a fancier life.  Sounds like something The Budgetnista would approve.

3. Exercise 

Working out may be one of the best ways to get more energy. And it doesn’t just energize you; exercise also combats disease, brightens your mood, and helps you sleep better!

4. Stop Drinking Caffeine Habitually

If you subscribe to the idea that you need coffee (or energy drinks) every morning to get your day going, you’re wrong. Caffeine begins to lose its effects when you drink it as part of your routine.  However, it is very effective when you drink it strategically (like from time to time when you need an energy boost or need to focus).

5. Drink 16oz of Water Right After You Wake Up

Right after you wake up every morning, drink a tall glass of water. You may not realize it, but your body just went eight hours without any fluids, and is likely dehydrated.

6.  Sleep!  

As we’ve talked about before, today’s generation foolishly believes that sleep is counterproductive to success.  WRONG!  Sleep boosts your concentration, attention, decision-making skills, creativity, social skills, and health, and decreases mood fluctuations, stress, anger, and impulsiveness.

7. Limit Your Exposure to Blue Light Before Bed

Exposing yourself to too much blue light (from your smartphone, tablet, TV, or computer) before bed is detrimental to your sleep.  Arianna Huffington even recommends charging your cell phone in the next room so you’re not so tempted to reach for it before going to sleep or if you wake up in the night.

8. Make More Friends At The Office

Office friendships increase your job satisfaction, help you to be more engaged at work, and even make it more likely that you’ll get a promotion!

9. Schedule Regular Power Lunches

I was recently told by Don Viapree – whose advice I tend to accept no matter what – that I should regularly schedule a power lunch, once a week if possible.  This gives you an opportunity to mine the minds of those whom you deem influential, successful, experienced, or just plain interesting (if interesting could be described as “just plain”).  It also helps you to consistently utilize your network to help you in your personal and professional growth.

10. Seek Out Conflict

You are the most productive when you have a moderate amount of conflict and stress—not a low or high amount.  Allow for your ideas to be questioned and challenged.  We’ve all seen the results of people who are surrounded by “yes” men.  Don’t be that guy.

Can you think of other life hacks that you’ve used and have been effective in being more productive?  Feel free to share! Comment below, or Tweet us @the_newarktimes and use the hashtag #tntlifehack