Looking for the best productivity hacks that actually work and aren’t a bunch of bullsh*t? Let’s talk productivity.
Do you ever lie in bed thinking, “Ugh, I wish I was one of those super-organized, gets-it-all-done-before-lunch type of people”? No? Just me? …Yeah right. I know I’m not alone in this.
I mean, maybe you weren’t literally lying in bed fantasizing about ticking off to-do lists with Beyoncé-level efficiency, but if you clicked on this post, chances are… you do want to be more productive. And that’s okay! We all do.
But let me tell you something important before we dive in:
No one is productive all the time.
Not me, not you, not that Pinterest-perfect influencer who claims she wakes up at 5 a.m. to do yoga and journal for an hour before deep-cleaning her apartment. Lies. All lies.
Some days we’re in the zone, knocking things out left and right. Other days, it’s a win if we remember to reply to one email and drink some water.
And that’s totally normal.
You’re human—not a robot. Your brain and your body will not always be on the same page. Sometimes your brain says, “Let’s do this!” and your body says, “Absolutely not, we’re watching Netflix and eating in bed.”
So what do we do?
We take advantage of the moments where our brain and body are on the same team—and we make them last as long as possible.
Here are 15 productivity hacks that actually work—no toxic hustle vibes, no guilt trips—just practical, simple tips to help you get things done (and still have a life).
1. Eliminate the obvious distractions
You know the ones: Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, your inbox, the Zara app…
Put your phone on Do Not Disturb. Turn off unnecessary notifications. Close the tabs. You don’t need to be reachable 24/7—protect your focus.
🛑 Hot tip: If you keep grabbing your phone without thinking, try using the Forest app or Freedom to block social media during work blocks.
2. Time batching = game changer
Group similar tasks together and do them in one go.
Answer all your emails at once. Edit all your Instagram photos in one sitting. Write two blog posts in one batch session. Your brain loves consistency—bouncing between tasks just confuses it and slows you down.
3. Do the most important thing first
Don’t start with the easy stuff. Start with the essential stuff.
What’s one thing that, if you got it done today, would make you feel like a boss? Do that first. The rest will feel easier once that big task is off your plate.
4. The “Top 3” rule
Stop trying to conquer the world in one day. Choose three important tasks to focus on. If you get those done, you win the day.
Anything extra? That’s a bonus—not a requirement.
5. Take breaks before you burn out
You are not a machine. Your brain needs breaks to function.
Try working in 50-minute blocks with 5–10 minute breaks in between. Stretch, refill your water, stare out the window… Just breathe.
🧠 Bonus tip: Avoid scrolling during your break—it’s not restful, it just makes you more tired.
6. Keep snacks and water nearby
Productivity dies when you’re dehydrated or hangry.
Keep a water bottle and some healthy-ish snacks nearby so you don’t have to get up every five minutes to raid the fridge (we’ve all been there).
7. Create templates and checklists
For anything you do often—create a template.
Weekly blog post? Instagram captions? Client emails? Make a reusable structure so you’re not reinventing the wheel every time. Future you will be so grateful.
I have templates fro everything in Notion -most are from this template, but I’ve created some of my own as well.
8. Learn to actually prioritize
Folding laundry vs. applying for a freelance gig? Only one of those could change your life today.
Be honest about what really matters, and stop wasting your peak energy on low-priority tasks.
9. Avoid multitasking (no, you’re not good at it)
Multitasking is a lie.
You’re not doing more—you’re just doing everything slower and worse. Focus on one thing at a time, finish it, then move on.
10. Try time blocking your day
Give every task or activity a time slot—yes, even “relax” or “watch Netflix.”
It sounds silly, but having structure helps you stay on track. Plus, knowing you have time to chill later makes it easier to focus now.
11. Set a shutdown time
Pick a time—like 7 p.m.—and stop working after that.
No checking emails, no quick to-do list edits, no last-minute brainstorming. Let your brain rest. You’ll be more productive tomorrow if you unplug today.
12. Don’t wait for motivation—create momentum
Motivation is unreliable. Discipline gets results.
Start with something small to get into the flow. Make your bed. Clean your desk. Write one sentence. Action creates motivation—not the other way around.
13. Use a visual to-do list
Seeing your progress is satisfying.
Use a physical planner, a whiteboard, a digital task tracker (like Notion or Todoist)—whatever works for you. Just make sure you see what you’ve done and what’s next.
14. Clean your space = clear your mind
Cluttered space = cluttered brain.
Take 5 minutes at the start of your work block to tidy up your desk or digital workspace. You’ll be shocked how much better you feel.
15. Give yourself grace
Some days will be messy. Some days you’ll crush it. Both are fine.
Stop expecting perfection and start focusing on progress. Even baby steps move you forward.
Final thoughts
Productivity isn’t about squeezing every second of the day into a task.
It’s about being intentional, using your time well, and still having space to live your life.
So no, you don’t need a 5 a.m. morning routine or color-coded calendar to be productive (unless that’s your thing, in which case—go off). You just need a system that works for you, a few mindset shifts, and a whole lot of self-compassion.
Which of these hacks are you trying first?
Or do you have a fave tip I didn’t mention? Slide into the comments or DM me—let’s swap ideas!
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