Do you feel that you are constantly running out of time at work, and you have to spend less time on your pleasures? Drowning in emails, trying to meet deadlines, and wondering where the time is going? In today's world, staying productive can be a constant struggle. Here are 5 techniques that will help you increase productivity and regain control of your work day.

To-do lists are a double-edged sword. They can keep you organized, but they can also become overwhelming monsters that drain the joy out of your work. What to do? There is an answer:

• Prioritize: Not all tasks are created equal. Determine the 2-3 most important tasks for the day and tackle them first. Use a framework like the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks based on urgency and importance.
• Breakdown: Break large projects into smaller, easier steps. This makes them less intimidating and easier to get started.
• Use the power of "no": Don't be afraid to say "no" to tasks that don't fit your priorities or workload. Your time is valuable, so save it.

Our brains are wired to focus on one thing at a time. Enter time blocking, a technique where you dedicate specific blocks of time to specific tasks. This increases concentration, reduces distractions, and helps you get more done in less time.

• Identify your peak productivity hours: When are you most focused and energetic? Schedule difficult tasks for that time.
  Block distractions: turn off notifications, close unnecessary tabs, and find a quiet place to work.
• Use the Pomodoro technique: work focused on 25-minute intervals with short breaks in between. This helps maintain focus and prevents burnout.

We live in an age of productivity tools galore. Use technology to your advantage:

• Finding the Perfect Task Manager: Explore options like Todoist, Trello, or Asana to track tasks, due dates, and progress.
• Take benefits of automation: Automate repetitive tasks like email sorting or social media scheduling with a tool like Zapier.
• Go password-free: Eliminate the frustration of forgotten passwords with password managers like 1Password.

Productivity isn't just about work; it's about taking care of yourself. Here are some tips:

• Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. A well-rested mind is a productive mind.
• Feed your body: Eat a healthy, balanced diet and stay hydrated. What you eat affects your energy levels and concentration.
• Get moving: Exercise regularly, even if it's just a brisk walk. Physical activity improves your mood, energy, and cognitive function.

And last but not least - celebrate your achievements. Accomplishing a difficult task or reaching a milestone deserves recognition. Reward yourself with a break, a treat, or something else you enjoy. This reinforces positive behavior and keeps you motivated.

Therefore, to make your working day productive and leave time for yourself, you need to set priorities correctly among tasks, divide your time into periods of their completion, use modern apps for organizing time and tasks, pay attention to your health, and reward yourself. And how to do the last one, for example? We write about it all the time - make a surprise for yourself and find something right in our recommendations for gift ideas.

Bonus: Pomodoro App, Website blocker, Grow your own forest with hard work