Hey, hey friends!! Something I struggle with a lot during the school year is finding time and motivation to get everything from homework to tennis to blog posts done. It’s easy to find yourself overwhelmed with a lengthy to-do list that only ends up leaving you stressed. Obviously, productivity is key when trying to tackle your lengthy to-do list, but easy distractions such as your phone and people around you can prevent you from hitting your maximum productivity levels 
Trust me, this happens to me all the time!
That’s why today, I’m sharing my #1 productivity tip that beats out all the distractions by giving into all the distractions. Does this sound crazy? Keep reading and you’ll see what I’m talking about 😉
Some people have the ability to focus on one thing for a long period of time, some people can only focus during short bursts of energy, while others simply can’t focus at all. The best way to productivity can come down to who you are and how you work best, but for me it all comes down to…
TAKING BREAKS!!
You may be thinking to yourself, “what?! but, Olivia, doesn’t that defeat the whole purpose of being productive if you’re taking breaks to NOT be productive?” My answer? No, it doesn’t defeat the whole purpose, rather taking breaks helps the purpose of productivity.
For example, I enjoy the end product of my blog posts, but sometimes the motivation to actually write them isn’t there. Therefore, when I was writing my How to Pose for Instagram Photos series, I would write one tip (about one paragraph) then read one chapter of my book. I kept doing this routine until lo-and-behold the blog post was finished! I have found this method to be more productive than just sitting and trying to grind out the whole blog post or essay or math problems all at once.
Balancing out a to-do with a more enjoyable activity like reading or a passion project can make your long-term productivity for the day higher, but seemingly less intensive. It’s hard to be busy all the time, and important for the sake of your own sanity to take breaks and relax throughout the day.
How frequently and how long you take breaks when working on a project/to-do is up to you, but I recommend every 25-30 minutes for at least 10 minutes. There are, of course, always exceptions, and if you feel as if you can keep hustlin’ through to the end with no breaks, then do it! You’re unstoppable!
But some days there are more distractions and its easy to lose focus. These are the days when my #1 productivity tip comes into play: take breaks for something you love!
I hope you enjoyed this post and will give my lil bit of advice a try next time you need to maximize productivity. Want to know more of my productivity tips? Let me know in the comments below! Also, free free to ask leave any questions or blog post ideas while you’re down there. Thanks so much for reading!
💜Love, Olivia
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This is a good piece of advice, but only when the breaks are done responsibly! Otherwise you never know–you could get lost in the book for hours and whoops!
Your pictures and outfit in this post are so fab though xx
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Omg yes, so important for them to be done responsibly! Thanks so much for stopping by!
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Hi Olivia! I really enjoyed your post and pics 🙂 This was so helpful. I have been struggling with distractions and staying focused while I study. It got to the point where I would be reading my book, but also thinking about other things. I think that taking breaks is the ONLY thing that has worked for me. I even have to take it a step further and set timers for myself. I hope you will have a wonderful week and thanks again for the tips and tricks!
❤ Alana
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Timers is such a smart idea, I will have to try that! I hope you have a wonderful week as well, thanks for reading!
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I felt silly at first, but it is actually really helpful to have a timer. It keeps me on task 🙂
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Love this tip! xx
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What a great post! Taking breaks helps the brain so much when you’re working on anything (:
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It really does! Thanks for stopping by boo ❤
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Thanks for the tip 🙂
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Anytime!
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This was actually really good tip which I’ve heard of earlier but just haven’t gotten into doing, but now I have to try it!
Love, Veera
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Yes girl, you have to try it!
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Thanks for the advice hun!! Productivity has been one of the areas I need to improve so I’ll definitely try talking breaks as I work! Xx
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I feel like productivity is something that always be improved haha 😉 And I hope this tip works for ya!
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Great tips girly! And I love your outfit- very retro and cute x
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Thanks so much! and yeah, I think this is one of my fav outfits to date 🙂
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Hehe, I can understand why x
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Thanks for the tips! I’ve got lots of exams coming this week & the other and this will come really helpful!
I’ve just posted my favourites from Paris Fashion Week and I would love if you check it out! Hope you like it!
https://marioness.wordpress.com/2018/10/15/five-shows-from-paris-fashion-week-and-my-opinion/
Mariona xx
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You’re so welcome girly!
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I’ll definitely have to try this! Usually I’m the type of person who tries to get stuff done all in one sitting, but maybe I just need to take more breaks. And of course, I love your outfit–the hair scarf in your ponytail is SO cute!
Random question: what program do you use to make your graphics (like the first pic of this post)? Thanks, and have a great day Olivia!
Miles of smiles,
Grace
gracefulrags.com
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Omg, that used to be me too! Then I discovered the wonders taking short breaks to do stuff you love and how it can help maximize productivity.
The program I use is the website, Canva! Thanks so much for stopping by!
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Aah this came just in time. I have a test coming up soon and I’m being super unproductive – I’ll be sure to take breaks and multitask toward my goals. I love the idea of doing something you love and YES I can so relate with not finding the motivation to finishing a blog post (*cough*merightnow*cough) 😂 Awesome post!!
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Good luck on your test (or I hope you did well if you’ve already taken it)! Thanks for reading girl 🙂
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Yeah, sometimes I either take too many breaks or do all of my assignments one after another and take a break for the rest of the day. The first is easier to manage, but the latter feels nicer. I like that rewarding feeling of finishing everything so you can just sit back and relax. Thanks for the tip!
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Oooo the rewarding feeling is so nice! Glad you liked the tip 🙂
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This is so nuts because I just talked about this with a friend today! Breaks are sooo important. You nailed it! I definitely am more productive when I have something to look forward to. Thanks for sharing, girl!
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Thanks, Mackenzie!! I knew I wasn’t the only one who lovessss breaks 😉
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Long sitting definitely takes practice. My mind starts wandering once I try to sit for more than an hour.
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