Psychology-Backed Strategies: 5 Time Management Hacks to Maximize Productivity

Have you ever noticed that while we all have the same 24 hours in a day, only some people are able to achieve much more whereas others struggle. What makes all the difference between them is how well they manage their time. Psychology shows that productivity is not just about working harder but also about working smarter. And so, when you learn to organise your day well, you are more focussed and produtive. So, here we list some psychology-backed time management tips that will help you do more work in less time:

The Eisenhower Matrix can help you separate tasks into four categories: Urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither. When you segregate your tasks in these categories, you can prioritise your work and focus better on tasks that truly matters. This will also help you avoid wasting your energy on low-value tasks thus reducing decision fatigue and mental clutter.

The Pomodoro Technique means working in short, focused slots or bursts (generally of 25 minutes), followed by small 5-minute breaks in between. A UCL study highlights that 'Our brains have an upper limit on how much they can process at once due to a constant but limited energy supply'.

This makes taking regular breaks important for maintaining focus, improving productivity, and preventing burnout in the long run. So, divide your work into smaller sessions-- this will make you feel less overwhelmed and more motivated; it will also make you feel accompalished when a task is over.

While many people think multitasking is 'cool' and it helps you do more work in less time, but psychology shows that in reality it reduces one's efficiency and increases the chances of making more mistakes. Switching between tasks forces your brain to re-focus repeatedly, which wastes valuable energy. Instead, practice focusing on a single-task at a time before moving on to the next. This helps improve your accuracy, speed, and reduces stress.

To avoid multitasking, reduce your distractions like silence notifications, close unnecessary tabs, and set a timer for focused work sessions.

SMART goals are: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. By splitting your big tasks into smaller, actionable ones, it gives you more clarity and structure and also makes tracking your progress easier.

In order to be productive, one not only needs to work harder, but also smarter. So, taking regular breaks are important to rebalance yourself and your focus. Short mindful breaks, such as deep breathing, stretching, or a quick walk, refresh your brain and help improve concentration. So, give yourself a break from constant work or mindlessly scrolling social media during breaks, and instead engage in activities that truly calm your mind and make you happy. Spend time with your loved ones and nurture relationships that truly matter.