How to...stay productive when times are tough
Winter is coming, and the world is churning... So here's some productivity advice with a difference
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How has your week been?
Honestly?
Mine has been… challenging…
It’s half term here, and I’ve been juggling days off with my husband, and favours with friends, whilst trying to keep my 10 year old entertained without the aid of everyone’s favourite babysitter - said babysitter is called “Nintendo Switch” or “iPad” - no-one knows her real name, she is an enigma ;) I’ve also been to the dentist (ouch) and felt terribly sleepy thanks to the clocks changing here in the UK.
So if you’re finding it harder to stay focused on work lately, you are not alone.
With the US election around the corner, a new government and budget in the UK, and the humanitarian crises happening all around the world, there is a lot on everyone’s plates right now. The days are getting darker, and the endless news cycle can leave us feeling restless and distracted. We can feel our energy and our focus ebbing away with each shorter sliver of daylight.
So today I want to share some advice that really helps me and I hope will help you too if you’re struggling with motivation and productivity at work. Don’t worry, I’m not going to ask you to become a member of the 5:00am club, do a cold plunge or anything like that! It’s far too cold for that…
Here are some realistic and supportive ways you can manage your focus and maintain a good level of productivity during a pretty challenging time. I hope it helps.
Identify Your Stressors
First, let’s be real: There’s a lot happening in the world and most likely in YOUR world too. Give yourself a moment to recognise what’s weighing you down. Maybe it’s political uncertainty, financial stress, or simply the seasonal shift. Getting specific can help you loosen the mental clutter and start your day with a clearer mindset.
Try this: Take a few minutes each morning to jot down any lingering thoughts or concerns. You may want to do it again at the end of the day too. I love to journal - it’s a simple and helpful practice. Simply acknowledging what’s on your mind can free up mental space and create a sense of calm. It’s a small, powerful habit that puts you in control of your focus for the day ahead.
Embrace Micro-Goals
When motivation dips, even simple tasks can feel like mountains. I feel this acutely as soon as the clocks change for winter! Rather than pressuring yourself to tackle everything, break tasks into manageable steps. Start small - think of them as “micro-goals”:
Begin by outlining a project instead of diving straight in.
Set a timer for 10 minutes to tackle a specific task, like clearing out emails or reviewing one document. The Pomodoro technique is great for things like this.
These small wins boost motivation, help you build momentum, and keep you moving forward. Your brain craves that sense of accomplishment, and each micro-goal adds a fresh dose of energy to keep going.
Prioritise “Active Rest”
As the season shifts, our natural rhythms do too. Instead of fighting the need for rest, integrate it intentionally into your day with “active rest.” This isn’t about tuning out; it’s about choosing activities that recharge you, so you can bring your best energy back to your work. Getting into a “flow state” can also help here.
Try this: Get outside during daylight, even just for a few minutes, or take a short stretch break between tasks. Simple actions like these clear the mind and boost energy naturally. Give yourself permission to add small, restorative breaks throughout the day - they’ll help you stay productive over the long term. Full disclosure, I’m terrible at this, but I really notice the benefits when I take regular breaks, especially for some fresh air or simple stretches.
Set Boundaries with News and Social Media
If you know me, you know I love a boundary! And for me, that often means stayung away from “doom scrolling” the news on social media. It usually makes my latent anxiety worse! Staying informed matters, but constant news exposure can amplify stress and overwhelm. Create intentional boundaries around news and social media to prevent information overload.
Try this: Limit news check-ins to a few specific times, like once in the morning and once after work. During work hours, turn off notifications or set your phone to “do not disturb” mode to stay focused. Don’t take your phone to bed (I struggle with this one myself!) Creating these limits helps protect your mental energy and makes it easier to stay present with your work.
Refocus on What You CAN Control
When the outside world feels unpredictable, redirect your focus to what’s within your influence. These small, purposeful actions - like refining a process, improving team communication, or offering a bit of support to a colleague - keep you grounded and remind you of your positive impact. I’m going to share some really good coaching tools with you next week that I think help with this.
Try this. Consider setting a simple goal each week focused on what you can influence within your team or role. The aim isn’t to add more to your plate but to build a sense of purpose and meaningful connection, no matter what’s happening around you.
Staying productive doesn’t mean pushing through as if things are normal.
Things aren’t normal for so many of us right now.
It’s about finding balance, getting clear on what matters, and creating supportive routines that help you move forward, even if just one step at a time.
My most important tip is the one about active rest - when I commit to this during my working week, it’s transformative, but I need a bit of accountability to keep me going!
Speaking of, if you’d like some accountability with your routines, just email me and let me know, i’m happy to send you some encouragement or additional resources that may help.
Louise