I have partnered with the Almond Board of California to help promote almonds. I have been compensated for my time commitment. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.
My Slashie profile can look intimidating at first glance: Entrepreneur / Business Owner/Author/Speaker/Organizational Coach/Boss/Bae/Mom/Friend/Swimmer/Shower Singer. I’m used to wearing many hats and juggling numerous responsibilities with my clients, staff, family and friends. Though my to-do list is often lengthy, I enjoy the challenge and conquer my days by making every moment as productive as possible.
As soon as I wake up, I do a 10-minute Pilates routine. This simple exercise allows me to start the day on a positive note. After my routine, I get ready for work and enjoy a delicious (and easy!) breakfast of cereal with almond milk and fruit. Even when I’m crunched for time, I always ensure that my breakfast has a source of protein so I’m able to power through my mornings.
I begin my workday with my creative projects, since my brain is best in the morning. This type of work takes uninterrupted focus, so I make sure to turn off my email and avoid distractions as much as possible. I’m an advocate for checking email in batches—I allocate 20-30 minute blocks of time during my day to manage my Inbox instead of letting it manage me! After I finish my creative work, I spend my afternoon juggling meetings with staff, media and clients.
Though my days are jam-packed, I try to finish all my work by 6:30 p.m. Before I leave for the day, I ensure that I have planned ahead for the week by using a technique called “tomorrow plus two.” When I schedule my to-dos over three days instead of just one, I’m able to have a backup plan in case my schedule changes.
One of the reasons I’m able to accomplish my long to-do list is my dedication to exercise. In addition to my daily morning Pilates routine, I find time to fit in swimming and Pilates classes throughout the week. However, exercise doesn’t have to come in the form of a class. I also stay fit by incorporating conscious movement throughout the day. I’m happy to walk extra blocks to the subway or take the stairs instead of the elevator in the office. My exercise routine increases my energy levels and ensures that I am able to perform in whatever situation the day might bring!
Another key reason I am able to get so much done is my focus on eating the right types of food. When I’m snacking throughout the day—particularly during the afternoon—I’m big on fruit and almonds because they satisfy my hunger and boost brain power without an energy crash. It’s amazing fuel for the body and allows me to maximize my productivity throughout the day. Plus, these snacks don’t involve any prep work!
What helps you stay productive throughout the day?