Cell phones, internet browsing, and office gossip are some of the top workplace distractions, resulting in a drop in productivity. There’s nothing wrong with taking an occasional break, but when these interruptions take up a significant part of the workday, it’s time to make some changes.
Software developers truly understand the challenges of distractions and poor time management. That’s why in this guide, we’re going over some top productivity tips you can use. Keep reading to learn effective strategies to boost efficiency, reduce stress, and more.
Create a Dedicated Work Area
Whether you work in an office or remotely, it’s crucial to create a work area that’s both comfortable and efficient so that you can get into the right mindset.
A separate room is ideal, but even a corner or a wall of your home or apartment will work. The key is to minimize distractions, including noise and interruptions. If you’re working from home, be sure to tell your family members or roommates that you need privacy and quiet.
Try to set up the office away from the television, as TV can be one of the worst distractions for those that work from home.
Buy a Comfortable Chair
At the bare minimum, ensure you have a real desk and a comfortable chair. Having the right posture while working can help to reduce back pain, which keeps you comfortable and productive.
If you’re working from home, invest in an ergonomic chair. If you’re working at the office, ask if you can upgrade your seat to a more comfortable option.
You also want a desk that sits at the right height and has enough room for your computer or laptop.
Invest in a Monitor
Consider buying a monitor even if you use a laptop. It can reduce eye strain and give you the option of a second screen, which greatly boosts developer productivity. Doing so can also help with project management.
As a developer, you may spend up to a third or even half of your workday in front of the computer. Having a second screen allows you to have multiple documents open at once, split tabs between two screens, and perform more work without having to switch back and forth between windows, apps, spreadsheets, etc.
Having a larger monitor can also help with eyestrain when coding. Consider investing in an ultrawide monitor or a model with a higher resolution for optimal eye health and comfort.
Keep Your Desk Tidy and Get Organized
One tip you’ll often hear when researching how to be more productive is to keep your work area tidy and free from clutter. As it turns out, there’s some scientific evidence to back up these claims.
Dirty and cluttered environments can increase stress levels. Too much clutter in your work area can also make it hard to find what you need, such as your planner or printouts.
If you want to improve your productivity, try keeping your desk clean and free from distractions. It can also help to keep your phone out of sight while you’re focusing on work tasks.
It’s easy to keep your workspace clean if you spend a few minutes each day putting things away, throwing away wrappers and trash, and wiping down your desk and computer.
Start Time Blocking
Whether you like to write down your tasks on paper or not, create a schedule you can follow for each day of the week and month.
Time blocking is a useful technique for workers who often find their day interrupted, such as with meetings, emails, or other disruptions. It can also help you accomplish more in less time by efficiently managing your tasks.
Time management is one technique any programmer needs to learn. It can help you accomplish more and reduce stress and the feeling that there aren’t enough hours in the day.
Don’t forget to set aside time for a lunch break. It’s crucial to take time away from the screen, which brings us to the next point.
Take Planned Breaks
Disruptions are unplanned and can break your focus and your working momentum. On the other hand, scheduling breaks to re-energize yourself can actually help your productivity.
Sitting at your computer all day has consequences, such as an increased risk of heart disease, depression, and obesity. Movement breaks can limit these negative side effects and help you return to work with renewed focus later.
Occasional breaks also help to prevent decision fatigue and restore motivation. Plus, it can give your eyes a break from your screen, which is better for eye health.
The key is not to let the length of the break go too long. A quick five-minute walk around the office or outside is all you need to stay focused and productive.
Many people use the Pomodoro Method, which is a time management technique that involves setting a 25-minute timer and working on a task until it chimes. Then, you can take a five-minute break. After four “pomodoros,” you can take a longer break of around 15-30 minutes.
This technique doesn’t work for everyone, but it’s worth a shot if you find yourself frequently getting distracted or working long hours without taking a break.
Automate Tasks
If you often find yourself repeating the same tasks, finding ways to automate this work can save you a ton of time. For instance, you can use task runners to run tests.
Automating those time-consuming tasks streamlines your work and can reduce the monotony. Not only will this make it easier for you to check off more tasks on your to-do list, but it can also reduce stress by saving you hours of coding.
Productivity Tips You Can Use Today
If you want to make the most of your work day, be sure to use these productivity tips. If you do, you may notice you get much more done in less time.
Managing your work day can help you to reduce stress, but don’t forget to take a moment for yourself! Try these highly effective stress relievers. Stay refreshed and focused so that you can put in your best work, and keep checking back for more tips like these.