Let’s face it. You’re busy all the time, and for the most part, you are constantly in front of a screen. Productivity gurus and SAAS companies are constantly coming up with tech solutions, promising to solve your productivity issues. But, what if there was a way to boost your productivity (and creativity) without the need to rely on tech? Well, today I’m going to talk about 10 non-tech productivity hacks that will help you maximize your productivity while maintaining your sanity. I promise these activities are so simple, you’ll want to get started right away – so let’s get straight to it.
1) Reading for Productivity and Creativity
As creative online business owners, it’s important to continually nourish our minds with fresh ideas and perspectives. One of the most effective ways to do this is by reading. Not only does reading help boost your creativity, it can also increase your productivity.
By dedicating time each day to reading, whether it’s a business-related book or a fiction novel, you allow your mind to explore new concepts and ideas. This can help you approach problems in your work with fresh solutions and strategies.
Reading can also help you improve your focus and concentration. By committing to a daily reading habit, you train your brain to stay focused on a task for an extended period of time, which can be invaluable in the fast-paced world of online entrepreneurship.
Lastly, reading can help reduce stress and anxiety. By taking a break from your work and immersing yourself in a book, you allow your mind to relax and unwind. I guess that’s why books are sometimes the best companion on a holiday! So try escaping into a book. It can lead to increased productivity and a more positive outlook on your work and life.
So, the next time you feel stuck in a creative rut or overwhelmed by your workload, take a break and pick up a book. You’ll be surprised at how much it can boost your productivity and creativity. I might do a separate article listing some of my favorite books that have refreshed my perspectives on work and life.
2) Staying Healthy with Exercise and Clean Eating
As a busy online entrepreneur, it can be easy to fall into the trap of sacrificing exercise and clean eating for the sake of getting work done. I’ve been guilty of this for such a long time. I’ve learned through experience that neglecting my physical health can leave me feeling burnt out, which eventually leads to decreased levels of productivity and creativity.
Research has shown that exercise and clean eating can have a positive impact on brain function, including boosting creativity. So, make sure you prioritize physical activity and healthy eating in your daily routine. In my case, I watched a health documentary What the Health, which prompted me to take a closer look at what I was putting in my body.
Start small. Keep it achievable, like taking a 20-minute walk outside during your lunch break or swapping out your afternoon sugary snack for a piece of fruit. As you build consistency, you’ll notice a boost in your energy levels and focus, which will do wonders to improve your work output.
Our minds are our most valuable asset. So, it makes sense to prioritize the health of our body which helps us do the work we love to do!
3) Learning a Skill Not Connected with Work
As creative online business owners, it’s natural to get caught up in the day-to-day demands of work and forget to take time for personal growth and development. However, taking time to learn a skill not connected with work can actually boost your creativity and improve your overall productivity.
Learning a new skill, whether it’s cooking, gardening, or painting, can help stimulate your brain and get you thinking outside the box. This newfound creativity can then be applied to your work, leading to innovative ideas and solutions to problems that may have previously stumped you.
Additionally, learning a new skill can provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that can translate to a more positive mindset and increased motivation to tackle your work tasks. And who knows, you may even discover a new passion that can add some balance and fulfillment to your busy work life.
So sign up for a class or watch online tutorials, and let your mind explore new territories. I recently learned to swim after all these years of living near a swimming pool! I never knew how fun and freeing swimming can be, or maybe it’s just the initial excitement of a newbie! Overall, only good things can flow from being open to new, positive experiences.
4) Spending Time with Kids
It may seem counterintuitive to suggest that busy entrepreneurs spend more time with their children, but it’s a vital non-tech productivity hack that has been proven to work wonders. Spending quality time with your kids not only allows you to disconnect from work but also provides you with the perfect opportunity to recharge and refocus. As creative online business owners, we’re constantly seeking new ways to improve our businesses, but sometimes, it’s sometimes the simple things that make the most significant impact.
One of the best things about spending time with your kids is that it allows you to step away from work and engage with your loved ones on a personal level. Children have a natural curiosity and a unique perspective that can inspire creativity and spark new ideas. Whether it’s playing games, reading books, or simply spending time together, interacting with your kids can help you look at problems from a different angle and find unique solutions.
Moreover, time with your children can be rejuvenating, particularly after long hours in front of a computer screen. The joy and energy of being around young people can be infectious, providing the perfect mental break from the stress of work.
Plus, spending time with your kids gives you a chance to unwind, destress, and have some fun. Our kids love that anyway (I know my kid looks forward to our play time), so why not do more of it if it’s good for everyone?
Let’s remind ourselves that success in business is not just about the bottom line, but it’s also about finding fulfillment in life beyond work. By prioritizing time with our children, we’re making a smart investment in both our personal and professional well-being.
5) Prayer Time for Mental Clarity and Focus
As a busy online entrepreneur, it can be difficult to quiet your mind and focus on the tasks at hand. That’s where prayer time comes in (this is my personal experience). Some may view this as a personal choice, but as a practicing Christian, I have found that starting my day with prayer brings me peace, joy, and mental clarity.
If you are not religious, taking a moment for quiet reflection can still do wonders for your mental health. Slowing down and stopping the nonstop buzz in your mind improves mindfulness, awareness, and leaves you feeling grateful and rejuvenated to tackle all the challenges of the day.
Setting aside time for prayer or reflection is a way to tune your mind into positivity, gratefulness, and love, so that you can infuse these values into everything else you do. When you start your day with prayer, you are putting yourself in the right mindset to be productive, focused, and successful.
6) Journaling for Reflection and Goal-Setting
Journaling is a powerful tool that can help online entrepreneurs stay on track with their goals and stay creative. By taking the time to reflect on the successes and challenges of the day, you can identify patterns and trends in their work, which can help them make better decisions in the future.
At the same time, journaling can also help with setting and achieving your goals. By breaking down large goals into smaller, achievable steps, as an entrepreneur, you can make steady progress and see the results of your hard work over time.
One of the benefits of journaling is that it doesn’t require any special equipment or technology. All you need is a pen and paper or a notebook to get started. Try setting aside 10-15 minutes each day to reflect on your day and set goals for the next one.
When journaling, don’t be afraid to be honest with yourself. Write about your successes and challenges, your hopes and fears, and anything else that comes to mind. Use your journal to brainstorm new ideas and make plans for the future.
Over time, you’ll find that journaling becomes an important part of your daily routine, helping you stay focused, productive, and creative. To be honest, it’s not a habit yet, but when I do remember to journal, it helps me to articulate my emotions and by the end, I’m left with a feeling of gratefulness and determination to make the best of my day with all that I am.
7) Incorporating Breaks for Better Work Output
Studies have shown that taking regular breaks can actually improve productivity and focus, making it a crucial non-tech productivity hack for busy online entrepreneurs. I’m sure you knew that already, and this could be your sign to start getting more organized to incorporate more time for rest.
When we take breaks, we give our minds and bodies a chance to recharge and refresh. This can lead to increased creativity, better problem-solving skills, and improved overall well-being. Here are some things I do to incorporate breaks into my workday, which may help you too:
- Take short, frequent breaks: Rather than waiting until your eyes can’t operate normally to take a break, try taking short, frequent breaks throughout the day. This could be as simple as getting up to stretch, taking a quick walk outside, or chatting with a colleague (or catching up with an old pal) for a few minutes.
- Schedule in longer breaks: While short breaks are important, it’s also crucial to take longer breaks to recharge. Try scheduling a 15-30 minute break every few hours to eat a healthy snack, read a book, or do something else that you enjoy.
- Avoid distractions during breaks: It’s important to use your breaks effectively, so avoid checking your phone or scrolling through social media during this time. Instead, try engaging in an activity that truly helps you relax and recharge. (Like jumping into a pool – which is my favorite break time activity).
- Change your scenery: Sometimes, a change of scenery is all you need to break out of a productivity slump. Try taking your break in a different location, such as a nearby park or coffee shop.
Incorporating breaks into your workday can be a game-changer for your productivity and creativity. By taking the time to recharge and refresh, you’ll be able to tackle your work with new energy and focus.
8) Taking Time Off to Recharge
It’s important to recognize that short breaks throughout the day are essential to maintain productivity. However, longer breaks, such as taking a few days or a week off, are equally important. Many busy online entrepreneurs are hesitant to take time off, thinking it will set them back. However, the opposite is true. Taking time off allows you to recharge your batteries, come back with fresh perspectives, and ultimately, improve productivity.
Going on a longer break doesn’t necessarily mean you need to go far. As someone who lives in a tourist location, my family and I often take short holidays by packing ourselves into a beach resort and enjoying some quality time together. Disconnecting completely and opening up to new experiences is a great way to tap into other aspects of yourself or rediscover something about yourself. This can give you a new outlook on your work and ultimately increase creativity.
And remember, time off means switching off the tech too. If you’re hesitant to step away from your business and feel compelled to carry work along, take a closer look at what aspects of your business are holding you back. My free discovery call is designed to help online creative entrepreneurs bring systems and processes into their business operations so they can spend more time doing things they enjoy.
9) Simplifying Your Workspace for Improved Focus
As a creative entrepreneur, your workspace can often become cluttered with documents, notes, and various items if you’re not being mindful. A disorganized workspace can make it difficult for you to focus and be productive, especially when you’re already trying to juggle a million different tasks.
I’m guilty of a cluttered desk, and when that happens, I take some time to do an audit of my workspace and determine what I really need. In your own audit, think about what items you use regularly, and what can be stored elsewhere. Get rid of anything that you don’t need, and make sure that the items you use the most are within arm’s reach.
Having a clean and organized workspace can do wonders for your focus and productivity. Instead of wasting time searching for things, you can devote your energy to completing your tasks efficiently. Moreover, you’ll be less distracted by clutter, and this can lead to better mental clarity and a greater sense of calm.
It’s easy to let your workspace get messy over time, so it’s important to maintain it regularly. Consider making a checklist of items that you need to have on your desk and sticking to it. If you like to work with paper and stationary, create a filing system that makes sense to you. It’s all about finding what works for you and sticking to it.
Start small, and tackle one area at a time. A clutter-free workspace can help you stay organized, reduce stress, and improve your overall work output. So, take a deep breath and start clearing your desk today!
10) Building Strong Relationships for a Balanced Life
Last but not the least – taking the time to nurture these connections can be a valuable asset to your productivity and overall well-being. Locking up yourself in your office and ignoring the world can be counterproductive too.
Having supportive relationships can provide you with a sense of fulfillment and motivation that will keep you energized throughout your workday. So, whether it’s with family, friends, or colleagues, investing time in building these relationships should be a top priority.
One way is to be present. When you’re spending time with someone, give them your full attention. Put your phone away and listen actively to what they have to say. Showing that you value their presence will help you create deeper connections.
Also, take the time to express gratitude. Show appreciation for the people who support and uplift you. Thank them for being there when you needed them, or just let them know how much you appreciate their presence in your life.
Building strong relationships can bring so much joy and balance into your life. Make sure to take the time to invest in them and watch your productivity soar!
In today’s world, technology has made our lives easier and more efficient. However, as busy online entrepreneurs, it’s important to remember that our humanity is what truly keeps us moving forward. Incorporating non-tech habits into our routine can help boost productivity and creativity, while also improving our overall health and well-being. At the end of the day, our happiness and success come down to finding that balance. If you’re interested in streamlining your business and getting back your time to focus on what truly matters, book a call with me today. Let’s work together to create a more fulfilling life and business.
