If you’re like most people, the thought of returning to work after vacation fills you with a sense of dread. The to-do list is daunting, the inbox is overflowing, and you’re not sure where to start.
But don’t worry, productivity experts have tricks for getting back into the swing of things quickly. Here are a few of the things they do when they return to work after a vacation:
1. They take a few minutes to plan their day.
Before getting started on anything else, productivity experts take a few minutes to plan their day. This is done through the use of a to-do list. A to-do list is a list of items that need to be completed in a certain order. The goal is to have a plan that will help you stay on task and be as productive as possible.
There are a few different types of to-do lists that can be used. The first type is a basic to-do list. This is a list of items that need to be completed, in no specific order. The second type of to-do list is a priority list. This type of list is used to organize tasks by priority. The last type of to-do list is a time-based list. This type of list is used to organize tasks by the amount of time that is needed to complete them.
No matter which type of list you use, there are a few tips that can help you be more productive when using it.
Make sure your list is specific.
When creating a to-do list, make sure to be specific. Don’t just write down “ laundry”. Instead, write down “ wash clothes” and “ put away clothes”. This will help you stay focused on the task at hand.
Break down large tasks.
If a task is large, break it down into smaller tasks that can be completed individually. This way, you won’t feel overwhelmed and can work on the task at your own pace. Additionally, it can be helpful to create a timeline with specific deadlines for each task. This will help you stay on track and ensure that the task is completed on time.
One way to approach a large task is to break it down into smaller tasks that can be completed individually. This way, you won’t feel overwhelmed and can work on the task at your own pace. Additionally, it can be helpful to create a timeline with specific deadlines for each task. This will help you stay on track and ensure that the task is completed on time.
For example, if you have to write a paper, you might break the task down into the following smaller tasks:
- Research the topic
- Outline the paper
- Write the paper
- Edit the paper
Each of these tasks can be completed within a specific timeframe, which will help you stay on track. Additionally, working on these tasks one at a time will help to prevent fatigue and allow you to focus on each individual task.
Set a specific date for tasks.
If there is a task that needs to be completed by a certain date, set a specific date for it on your to-do list. This will help you stay on track and avoid last-minute stress.
Use a different color for different types of tasks.
If you have a lot of items on your to-do list, use different colors to signify different types of tasks. This will help you better organize your list and make it easier to read.
Put an “X” next to the tasks that have been completed.
Once a task has been completed, put an “X” next to it on your to-do list. This will help you keep track of what has and has not been done.
2. They try to get caught up on email.
Email can be a major time suck, so productivity experts try to get caught up on it as quickly as possible. One great way to minimize the time you spend in your inbox is by creating a template for the most common emails you send. This way, you can quickly copy and paste the text, rather than drafting it from scratch each time.
When creating your email template, keep these things in mind:
Keep it brief.
Your email template should be concise and to the point. No one wants to read a long email, so get to the point quickly.
Use an easy-to-read font.
Choose a font that is easy to read, such as Arial or Verdana. This will help ensure that your email is easy on the eyes.
Stick to a standard format.
Keep your email template format consistent so that people know what to expect when they open one of your messages.
Customize it for each recipient.
Your email template should be customizable for each recipient, so be sure to include the appropriate name and contact information.
Test it before you send it.
Make sure your email template looks good and is error-free before you send it. You don’t want to embarrass yourself by sending a mistake-ridden email.
The best way to create an email template is to simply copy and paste the text of an email you’ve already sent. This way, you’ll know that it looks good and is error-free. If you need to make changes, be sure to do so before you hit send.
Now that you know how to create an email template, put it to good use and start sending out shorter, more concise emails. Your recipients will thank you for it!
3. They start with the easiest task.
Rather than starting with the most difficult task, productivity experts start with the easiest one. That’s because if you can’t get yourself to do the simplest task, you’re going to have a hard time doing more difficult ones. So, the first step is to make a list of simple tasks that you can do easily and that don’t require much thought. Once you have that list, do one of those tasks every day.
One way to make sure that you do a task on your list is to set a timer for yourself and start the timer as soon as you sit down to do the task. That way, you’ll be forced to focus on the task and you won’t spend too much time on it.
Another way to make sure you get things done is to break down a larger task into smaller tasks. That way, you can focus on one task at a time and you won’t feel overwhelmed by the larger task.
And finally, one of the best ways to make sure you’re productive is to eliminate distractions. That means turning off your phone, shutting down your computer, and avoiding noisy places. If you can’t eliminate distractions, try to find a way to minimize them. For example, you can put on headphones to block out noise or use an app to block websites that are distracting.
4. They take breaks.
Productivity experts know that it’s important to take breaks throughout the day. But what’s the best way to take a break?
There are a lot of different opinions on this topic. Some people say that you should take a break every hour, while others say that you should only take breaks every few hours.
So what’s the right answer?
It depends on what works best for you. Some people find that they work better if they take a break every hour, while others find that they work better if they take a break every few hours.
The best way to find out what works best for you is to experiment. Try taking a break every hour for a week, and then try taking a break every few hours for a week. See which one works better for you.
If you find that you work better if you take a break every hour, then try to stick to that schedule. If you find that you work better if you take a break every few hours, then try to stick to that schedule.
No matter what schedule you choose, make sure to take breaks throughout the day. Breaks help you to stay focused and productive.
5. They use productivity tools.
There are a number of productivity tools available online, and productivity experts make use of them. I am going to share with you some of the tools that I use, and how I use them.
The first tool that I use is a task management tool. I use a tool called Asana, and I love it. Asana allows me to create tasks, and then assign them to different people. I can also add deadlines, and track the progress of the tasks. Asana is great because it allows me to stay organized, and it ensures that everyone is aware of the tasks that need to be completed.
The second tool that I use is a time management tool. I use a tool called RescueTime, and it helps me to track how I am spending my time. RescueTime tells me how much time I am spending on different activities, and it helps me to focus on the tasks that are most important. RescueTime is a great tool because it helps me to be more productive, and it prevents me from wasting time.
The third tool that I use is a goal-setting tool. I use a tool called Lift, and it helps me to set and track my goals. The lift allows me to set goals, and then track my progress. Lift is great because it helps me to stay motivated, and it ensures that I am making progress towards my goals.
These are just a few of the tools that I use to be productive. I highly recommend using these tools, and I promise that they will help you to be more productive.
6. They set a goal for the day.
At the end of the day, productivity experts set a goal for themselves. This could be a number of tasks that need to be completed, a certain amount of work that needs to be done, or a deadline that needs to be met.
By following these tips, productivity experts are able to get back into the swing of things quickly and efficiently.