Redefining Productivity: A Balanced Approach for Optimal Wellbeing

When you think of productivity, you might envision someone stressed, rushing around, and scheduling every minute. However, that image often leads to burnout rather than true productivity. Laura Mae Martin, Google’s in-house productivity expert and author of “Uptime: A Practical Guide to Personal Productivity and Wellbeing,” suggests a different approach. True productivity involves thoughtfully designing your days by determining what to do, when, where, and how to do it well.

For instance, lounging on the couch and binge-watching your favorite TV show can be productive if it’s intentional downtime to recharge. Martin emphasizes the importance of setting aside time for rest and enjoyment to rejuvenate for the coming week.

To regain control of your time and create sustainable schedules, consider these factors: You cannot accomplish everything, so you must choose a few priorities, perhaps three, that matter most to you. “Have the lens of ‘Future You’ in mind,” Martin advises. “Focus on what you will be glad you prioritized and make a to-do list reflecting that. Learn to say no to other things.”

Not all time blocks are created equal. Some periods will be more productive than others, depending on how you are wired. If you are a morning person, schedule your most demanding tasks earlier in the day when your productivity peaks, typically around 9 or 10 a.m., and reserve less taxing tasks for later. According to Martin, “The biggest pitfall of productivity is treating all time slots equally. Protect your ‘Power Hours’ for focused work.”

The pandemic has highlighted the importance of identifying your most productive hours and the best location for that effort. This is a personal decision, as some may thrive in a quiet home environment while others benefit from an open, collaborative workspace. Utilize ‘state dependency,’ where certain environments are associated with specific tasks, to your advantage. For example, use a desk for calls and meetings and a chair across the room for emails.

Managing emails efficiently is crucial. Instead of checking emails sporadically throughout the day, set specific times to categorize them into different buckets: read, review, or respond. Martin maintains ‘Inbox Zero’ by treating email management like laundry—handle it in batches rather than one piece at a time.

Your smartphone can be a useful tool but also a source of distraction. Set boundaries like locking apps after a certain time or putting your phone in another room at night. “Make it work for you, instead of against you,” Martin advises.

By adopting these strategies, you can achieve true productivity and maintain a balanced, fulfilling lifestyle.

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