Five Ways To Be More Productive.

Having just completed a degree alongside a part time job and operating (rather badly, I may admit) this here space on the internet, I've sure learnt a thing or two about keeping organised the past few years. With numerous distractions in our way (Twitter, Instagram, Netflix, the cute cat sat outside the window) it can be downright hard to stay on track. So, if you're struggling with organisation, you've sure come to the right place, friends! Today I'm sharing my top tips on how to get sh*t done...

Plan.

Call me a grandma, but writing lists is my number one way of staying ahead of the game. Jotting down your aims and goals for the day or week is a great way to get those thoughts out of your mind. Even better, I find giving myself time slots for each task (yep, I really am a granny huh?) makes sure I'm not aimlessly staring at the wall for hours on end. Get yourself a snazzy little notebook and get planning.

Don't get distracted.

Alright, so this is way easier said than done. Twitter can wait, ok, it really can. Save your browsing until you've successfully completed your to-do list and you can scroll to your hearts content - guilt free. Try switching off your phone (or putting on silent mode) and using a temporary web blocker so you physically can't get onto the likes of ASOS and The Daily Mail. They ain't gonna do your dissertation for you, y'know...

Treat yo self.

Hell yes to this. Getting it into my mind that once I've met my aims for the day I'll treat myself is one fast-track way to completing those tasks. Be it watching an episode of Gossip Girl (which I've now finished *sob*) or having some good old fashioned Dairy Milk, giving yourself something to look forward to definitely, definitely helps.

Give yourself regular breaks.

So, throughout my entire time in education, I probably did this around four times. Whilst this may make me sound like a total hypocrite, giving yourself regular breaks really does help to keep your mind focused and your time used wisely. Don't be getting no cabin-fever, step outside and get some fresh air for half an hour and you'll (hopefully!) return feeling motivated and ready to rock. As mentioned, throughout my degree especially I struggled to do this, and would instead give myself square eyes from endless hours glued to my laptop. Also, I guess you could say I'm living proof of how terrible this is for your poor eyes. I started my degree with fabulous sight (not to toot my own horn or anything *ahem*) and fast forward four years, I'm now sporting a pair of specs. Regular breaks for the mind and eyes is key, and is something I wish I'd done more of throughout Uni and college.

For the love of god, don't forget to eat.

Again, my bad... Hours whizz on by and your stomach starts to rumble. You look at the clock and it's 2pm. Crap. I have done this many, many times in the past and it's really not a good thing to get into the habit of. It can be so easy to get distracted, but food of course fuels the brain, so you're unlikely to do your best work if you're felling hangry. Yes, I fully believe that 'hangry' is a genuine thing...

So there we have it, my top five ways of keeping motivated and having a productive day. What do you like to do to keep on track? Do you follow any of the above?

*Image from Tumblr*