Here we will go over some ways to stay productive while living in Illinois.
Illinois has more remote jobs than %90 of the country, with %5 of residents currently working from home.
Staying on task can be difficult for anyone. Still, Illinois residents tend to have a harder time with productivity due to the influx of remote jobs and the general busyness of its larger cities.
Luckily, there are many ways to stay productive so keep reading to find out what you can do.
Go to a coffee shop
There are hundreds of coffee shops in Illinois that you can visit when you have difficulty concentrating on your work.
If you work remotely, your kids, pets, and daunting chores may make it difficult to get anything done, and if you work on-site, sitting at the office each day can be overwhelmingly dull.
Consider packing up your work and heading over to a coffee shop with free wi-fi. Sometimes a change in scenery is all it takes to get back on track.
Take a walk
Taking a break in the fresh air is a great way to stay productive when you start to feel yourself losing focus.
Getting distracted and straying from tasks is a sign you may need to step away from work for a little while. Getting some physical activity in nature can increase concentration, boost mood, reset your mind and allow you to come back to your work with a fresh set of eyes.
Consider spending your breaks in one of Illinois’ many parks.
Try using cannabis
Cannabis is an excellent tool for productivity since it can improve your mood, cognition, and concentration, and luckily, recreational use is legal in Illinois.
Many strains of marijuana can provide a high that is relaxing and promotes hyperfocus. However, if you are not comfortable using a psychedelic, you can opt for THC-free CBD products.
You can visit marijuanadoctors.com to find a local dispensary with staff trained to help you choose a product specific to your needs.
Make a home office
Having an organized space dedicated to work can make staying productive a lot easier.
Find an area in your house that is available for use, offers few distractions, and is quiet.
Make sure your office is somewhere you won’t mind spending a large portion of your day.
Additionally, add a comfortable ergonomic chair, relaxing decor, and all equipment you may need for your job.
Create a schedule
No matter where you work or what you do, making a schedule and sticking to it will make staying productive easier.
You can use a google calendar, a planner book, or create a calendar your way for easy scheduling. Include meetings, events, project due dates, and any other tasks in your schedule.
It is also helpful to go more in-depth with your planning and set specific time frames for each item on your day’s to-do list.
Practice self-care
Taking care of your work, house, family, and pets can be overwhelming and cause anxiety, especially if you feel that your daily tasks are taking time away from your own happiness. These feelings can interfere with your concentration and ability to think clearly.
Before starting your workday, take a shower, get dressed, and have breakfast to create a “ready to work” mindset. After work, spend time on things you enjoy like hobbies, television, or going to the gym.
Illinois is a heavy tourist destination with many attractions and events, and some residents say the temptation to join the festivities interferes with their productivity.
For you, practicing self-care may include getting out and going to events, so prioritize enjoying the state in your free time; that way, you don’t feel like you’re missing out.
Set the mood
If you have a hard time getting started on tasks or staying focused, it may be because you’re working in an uncomfortable atmosphere.
You can turn any workspace into an environment that encourages motivation with the right tools.
Aromatherapy- Candles, incense, and essential oil diffusers can aid in relaxation and focus. Rosemary, lavender, lemon, and peppermint are often used for boosting concentration.
Music- Listening to music while you work drowns out distracting noises and sets the tone of your mood. Any genre of music is influential, but it is common for individuals to choose a tempo similar to their work pace. For example, listen to upbeat music for a physically demanding job or slow, mantra-like music for a mentally demanding job.
Lighting- Choose lighting that is easy on the eyes. Opt for natural daylight or CFL bulbs, and avoid fluorescent lights and incandescent bulbs.
Although staying productive in a busy state like Illinois can be difficult, there are many things you can do to get in the zone and stay focused.
Consider going to a coffee shop to avoid distractions at home, following a detailed schedule, dedicating time to yourself, using cannabis for concentration, and making your workspace more comfortable.
