How to Be More Productive When You're Stressed Out

Boost productivity by keeping stress at bay.

 Feeling stressed out, overwhelmed and frazzled can take away from your productivity and limit your ability to get things done. Whether you're stressed out because of too much work on your plate, a rocky relationship or from a lack of sleep, it can be hard to focus and concentrate on the task at hand. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to increase productivity -- even when stress levels are running high. Taking a brief time out to get organized will put you on a more positive track, and help you get more control over the situation.
Use some of these useful tips to stay productive when you're feeling stressed out:
1. Go for a walk. Give yourself a mental break from your environment and get some fresh air! Some fresh oxygen is good for the brain and the body, and a quick walk can also help to reduce stress. Head outside for a 10- to 15-minute walk and just enjoy the scenery. This brief exercise session can help to clear your mind and may help you be more productive when you get back to that to-do list.
2. Skip the caffeine. Too much caffeine circulating through the system can make it difficult to concentrate. Caffeine will raise your blood pressure and will give you an energy boost, but if you're already stressed out, this boost can make things worse. Adding more caffeine to your day won't necessarily help you become more productive and could make it even harder to stay focused for long periods of time. Avoid the coffee, soda and green tea until you can calm down a little.
3. Eat more protein. Protein-rich foods contain the amino acid tryptophan and other compounds that help you focus and concentrate. Dr. Barry Sears points out that these foods act as a sedative and can relax the brain. When you're feeling like your thoughts are all over the place and you're stressed out about not being able to focus, enjoy a protein-rich snack. A cup of yogurt, some cottage cheese, or even a protein shake could be all it takes to feel calm and focused.
4. Create a new to-do list. Even though you might already have created a task list for the day ahead, it might help to reorganize your day's itinerary and re-design the list. Don't be afraid to rewrite your task list and prioritize tasks and activities to make things easier on yourself. Remember that the day's to-do list isn't set in stone, and some flexibility can actually help you get more accomplished. When things don't seem to running smoothly or going to plan, take a quick break and rewrite the plan!
5. Write down what you have accomplished already. If motivation is running low or you're feeling too stressed to think, look at the positive. What have you already accomplished today? This week? Sometimes looking back at what you've already done can help you change your mindset and help you focus on what needs to happen next. Get into the habit of tracking your progress so that this process becomes a habit.
6. Create a rewards system. It's usually easier to commit to getting something done when there's a reward attached to it. Create your own rewards system for getting a difficult task done to keep yourself motivated. Sometimes focusing on the reward or results associated with the project or task - rather than the task itself - can put you in a more productive mood and help you get things done faster.
Staying productive when you're stressed out can be challenging, but there are some ways to take control of the situation and put yourself on a more positive track. Use these tips and ideas to be more productive when stress levels are running high.
Sources:
AskDrSears.com: Brain Foods