Focusing on my health has been my best productivity boost.
For a few months, I didn't exercise and ate lots of cheap, unhealthy food, thinking that I was too busy and could work more with that stuff. The result? Great progress with work and horribly diminishing productivity. My overall output increased but I got far less done every hour. And I felt like shit all the time.
So last week I started to eat healthy foods and exercise. Nothing fancy - I just stick to simple meals that I know are good for me, so it doesn't consume extra time. And I keep workouts to 20 minutes every other day (not much at all).
It's worked wonders. I have far more energy now and have been getting 20-30% more done per day, probably at higher quality.
Taking time for yourself also gives your brain a break. How often does a solution to a problem or a new idea present itself when you simply take a break?
For a few months, I didn't exercise and ate lots of cheap, unhealthy food, thinking that I was too busy and could work more with that stuff. The result? Great progress with work and horribly diminishing productivity. My overall output increased but I got far less done every hour. And I felt like shit all the time.
So last week I started to eat healthy foods and exercise. Nothing fancy - I just stick to simple meals that I know are good for me, so it doesn't consume extra time. And I keep workouts to 20 minutes every other day (not much at all).
It's worked wonders. I have far more energy now and have been getting 20-30% more done per day, probably at higher quality.