Stay Productive
You’ve put in the time, gotten over the hump and have finally reached the end of the week. But as the clock is slowing ticking the seconds away on a Friday, it can be extremely difficult to motivate yourself. However, don’t let the last remaining hours of the Friday go to waste. Instead, you may to do as much as you can in the home stretch, as it can put you in a better position for the dreaded Monday morning. The following are tips on how to stay productive as the clock is winding down on the week:
1. Plan for Small Tasks
While you may want to do as much as you can, you should be realistic about your own expectations. Working beyond your capacity can leave you burnt out, and in a worse state of mind to face the weekend. Instead, make a to-do list of tasks that are small and can be easily achieved by the end of the day. By taking a major project and breaking it up into bite-size chunks, it can have a positive effect on the progress and your overall productivity.
2. Remove Distractions
It can be difficult to stop yourself from gazing out the window, watching your colleagues leave for the weekend. However, this can quickly lead to procrastination, reducing your chances of productivity on a Friday. In general, you want to remove as many distractions from your space as possible, in order to get work done. Whether this involves moving away from the windows or cleaning up your workspace, take the steps you need in order to create an environment more conducive towards work.
3. Stay Away from Social Media
Social media can be a major hindrance to your productivity, as your friends and colleagues tweet and send out updates of fun plans and schedules. However, don’t get distracted by their upcoming plans for the weekend! Instead, try to limit your usage of social media, as it can quickly suck up your time and energy. Make sure you close out of any social media tools or profiles, as it can seriously hinder your workflow. Soon enough, you’ll be able to join in and enjoy your weekend as well.
4. Take Breaks
If you’re feeling unproductive, you may need to take some time away from your desk. One tip is to take breaks throughout the day in order to break up the monotony of a Friday. Great ways to relieve your restlessness include taking a brisk walk or to strike up a quick conversation with a colleague. In addition, many companies realize the need to take breaks, and often host mixers and happy hours on the Friday workweek. If your workplace offers this type of activity, it’s highly advised that you take part, in order to network with coworkers as well as gain a much needed respite.
5.Plan Ahead
If you simply cannot get any work done, then the least you can do is to plan for the days ahead. For example, organize your tasks for a project and determine a schedule that will help you achieve them effectively and efficiently. Not only will this cut down on precious time spent scheduling and planning, it will also relieve a great deal of stress on your upcoming work week.
How do you stay productive on Fridays?
Abby Evans is an avid blogger who writes on everything from finding jobs in Toronto and navigating the job search Canada. She has written on a variety of blogs and websites, and loves to learn all she can on the job hunt.