10 Best Psychology Hacks that You can Use to Improve Productivity

The dream of each one of us is to be on top at work, complete personal projects, or just use time more productively. In the course of my life, I looked into many different methods for increasing productivity.  Recently, I discovered a pretty effective one: psychology hacks.

These are simple yet powerful techniques based on human behavior and cognitive principles that can help anyone perform at their best. Let me share some of the most effective psychology hacks that I’ve personally tried and tested, with tips and insights that can make a real difference in your life.

1. Set Clear and Achievable Goals

One of the very first things I learned about productivity is that clear and achievable goals are set. As I began to break my larger objectives into smaller, specific tasks, everything became manageable. I do not say anymore, “I need to finish this project.” Now, I have goals such as, “Write the first draft of the report by 2 PM” or “Research three key topics by the end of the day.”

The brain has been proven by studies to work effectively with a clear goal. Once the mind knows where it is going, it will tend to concentrate and not procrastinate. 

In a study published in the journal Psychological Science, specific, measurable goals increase the chances of success compared to those who are only going to do something very vaguely.

Tip: SMART goal framework- Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. 

This is the most beneficial for me because it makes writing my goals more engaging. It is like focusing the laser in my brain.

2. Practice Positive Self-Talk

I used to be my biggest critic. Every wrong thing I did would make me say things like, “You are so careless.” Over time, I realized how much that was killing my self-confidence and motivation.  Today, I actively ensure using positive self-talk.

For instance, I am trying with an attacking mindset. Say if I ever face a sticky situation or a situation that I feel cannot be achieved, I turn to myself saying, “I handled tougher before; I can make it out.” That simple turn in attitude seriously helped me retain my productivity while keeping on as things seemed a little rough in the process.

Science has also backed this claim. Studies have proven that positive affirmations can wire your brain to decrease stress and boost performance. So, the next time you find yourself doubting your capabilities, put a stop to them by replacing the negative thoughts with empowering ones. Trust me, it really does work wonders.

3. Take Regular Breaks

I had believed that if I were working all the time, I was productive for many years. That wasn’t true at all. Fast forward to experiencing it the hard way, only it led to burnout. Today, I make a habit of regularly taking breaks. I have discovered this to be a game-changer in my productivity.

Short breaks give your brain a chance to recharge and refocus. For me, the “52/17 Rule” applies: work for 52 minutes and then take a 17-minute break. During these breaks, I move away from my desk, stretch, or take a short walk. Sometimes I just sit there and do nothing. These moments of rest make it easier for me to tackle the next task with renewed energy.

This is supported by research. According to a University of Illinois study, breaks help focus and avoid mental fatigue. Again, it’s not about the hours you work, but how you make the most out of your time.

4. Focus on Tasks

Do you ever get overwhelmed? Been there, too. What really helped me get out of that mindset was learning to prioritize my tasks using the Eisenhower Matrix-organizing tasks into four quadrants.

• Things which are urgent but carry lesser importance.
• Those which are important but not urgent
• Things that are urgent but possess no importance
• Neither urgent nor important

It’s a very life-changing approach for me, really. If I’m concentrating on what matters, then high-priority items will get the priority time. It is pretty impressive how much you get done when you stop trying to do everything at once.

Pro tip: Start your day by identifying your top three priorities and commit to completing them. It’s a small but powerful habit that ensures you’re always working on what matters most.

5. Eliminate Distractions

Distractions are the biggest productivity killers, and I’ve battled with my fair share of them. Whether it’s my phone buzzing with notifications or the temptation to scroll through social media, distractions can derail even the best-laid plans. To combat this, I’ve implemented a few strategies that work wonders.

For, I keep my phone on the “Do Not Disturb” mode while I am working. 
Then, while in work hours, I block such websites in the applications, Freedom or Cold Turkey. 
Further, I’ve made sure of establishing an appropriate, untidy space while working without interruptions.

Here’s an interesting fact: According to a study by the University of California, it takes an average of 23 minutes to refocus after being distracted. Think about how much time you’re losing! By eliminating distractions, I’ve reclaimed those precious minutes and improved my focus significantly.

6. Use the Pomodoro Technique

I have talked about this method before in my blogs, It’s probably one of the most effective tools for productivity I’ve ever used in my life: the Pomodoro Technique. It’s as simple as to roll up my sleeves and working for 25 minutes and breaking for 5, and after four Pomodoros, I take a longer break that lasts 15-30 minutes. This has helped me concentrate much more and avoid burnout.

I enjoy how the Pomodoro Technique puts me on edge; it forces me to really stay laser-focused since I only have 25 minutes to do anything. In addition, short breaks give one a kind of something to work for while making the long stretches somewhat more tolerable.

If you haven’t tried this yet, I really would suggest giving it a shot. All that is needed is a timer and commitment. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.

7. Surround Yourself with Positive People

Have you ever noticed how the people around you influence your mood and motivation? I certainly have. That’s why I’ve made it a priority to surround myself with positive and supportive individuals who uplift me rather than bring me down.

Surround yourself with positive people; they increase your positivity and productivity. To me, that means spending time with friends and colleagues who encourage, celebrate my success, and challenge me to be the best. It’s amazing how much more motivated and focused you are when you’re in a supportive environment.

8. Sleep Enough

This one’s a no-brainer for me. I used to sacrifice sleep just to get more done, but I quickly realized that was counterproductive. Lack of sleep made me irritable, unfocused, and less productive overall. Now, I make sure to get 7-9 hours of sleep every night, and the difference is night and day.

Do you know that lack of sleep will range your thinking performance by 40%? Huge, right? Improvement in productivity is among the aspects of directing focus towards proper quality sleep; I also had improved my overall well-being on a huge basis. Sleep more, if you sleep less; you will thank for it both through your body as well as in your mind.

9. Do Exercise as a Ritual

Exercise isn’t just good for your body; it’s also a powerful productivity booster. I’ve found that even a quick 20-minute workout can improve my mood, reduce stress, and sharpen my focus. Whether it’s a morning jog, a yoga session, or even a few stretches at my desk, moving my body helps me stay energized and productive throughout the day.

Research supports this too. Exercise boosts blood flow in the brain and enhances cognitive function, which improves focus. If finding time for physical activity is the problem, don’t worry: even a 10-minute walk may make a big difference.

10. Use Visualization Techniques

My favorite hack in psychology is visualization. If I am stuck or not motivated, I will take some time to feel how it would feel to have accomplished my goals, completed that tough task or done something big. That mental imagery is what actually gets me to act and keeps me on the bigger picture.

Visualization isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s backed by science. Studies show that visualizing success activates the same neural pathways in the brain as actually experiencing it. So, the next time you’re feeling stuck, close your eyes and picture yourself succeeding. It’s a simple yet powerful technique that can reignite your drive.

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These psychology hacks are not disposable, these hacks have allowed me to transform my productivity and get things done much more effectively over time. Remember, the key is to experiment and find what works best for you. Start with one or two tips and gradually incorporate more into your routine. Productivity isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. So, take the first step today, and watch how these small changes can lead to big results!

I hope this article helped you in any way, if yes, do let me know in the comments.

Thanks for reading this article, See you in the next one.

Take Care!