There are days when I open my laptop, stare blankly at the screen, and somehow still feel exhausted from doing absolutely nothing.

I try to work. I really do. I have my coffee beside me, my to-do list ready, even a playlist that’s supposed to make me hyper-focused. And yet, hours pass, and I’m still stuck on the same task I started two hours ago. My productivity? Basically on vacation.

It’s frustrating. It’s guilt-inducing. And let’s be honest, it’s something most of us go through more often than we’d like to admit.

So I started digging into how to be more productive at work. Not in the hustle-till-you-drop kind of way, but in a “how do I get things done and still have energy for my life” kind of way.

Here’s what I’ve learned and what I try to practice, on good days at least.

Start with One Small Task

When you’re feeling unproductive, don’t aim to tackle everything all at once. That just leads to panic and paralysis. Instead, start with the smallest thing on your list. Something ridiculously doable. You’d be surprised how checking off one tiny task can give you a little boost to keep going.

Time-Block Like Your Peace Depends on It

One of the best productivity tips I’ve picked up is to divide my day into chunks of focused time. Allocate time for emails, creative work, meetings, even breaks. When you give tasks a place in your calendar, they’re less likely to pile up and mess with your day. It’s also easier to stop working when you know you’ve done what you said you would.

Stop Multitasking (Seriously, Stop It)

I used to think I was amazing at multitasking. Until I realized I was just doing five things poorly at the same time. When you jump from tab to tab, app to app, task to task, your brain never fully locks in. You’re actually draining your energy faster. Focus on one thing, finish it, then move on. Simple, but not always easy.

Create a Distraction-Proof Zone

Distractions are sneaky. They disguise themselves as quick notifications, harmless scrolls, or “I’ll just check this real quick” moments. Next thing you know, it’s lunchtime and you’ve done nothing. Put your phone out of reach. Turn off pop-ups. Wear noise-canceling headphones. Make it inconvenient to be distracted.

Take Real Breaks

I used to think breaks were a sign of laziness. Turns out, they’re a secret weapon for staying productive. Step away from your desk. Take a walk. Stretch. Breathe. Even just a five-minute pause can reset your mind and help you return with more clarity and less frustration.

Learn When You Work Best

Some people thrive at 6 AM. I, however, am not one of them. Knowing your peak productivity hours helps you schedule important work when your brain is actually awake. Don’t waste your high-energy time on busywork. Save that for the afternoon slump.

Keep Your Workspace Clean

A cluttered desk is a cluttered mind. I used to roll my eyes at that, until I noticed how messy surroundings made me feel scattered. You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect setup, but keeping things tidy can do wonders for your focus.

Say No When You Need To

Not every task is urgent. Not every meeting is necessary. And not every “favor” needs to be accepted. Saying yes to everything is a fast track to burnout. Protect your time. It’s one of the most valuable things you have.

Be Kind to Yourself When You’re Not at Your Best

There are days when nothing works. When your brain feels foggy, your motivation is gone, and every task feels like climbing a mountain. Don’t beat yourself up. Rest if you need to. Productivity is not about perfection. It’s about consistency over time.

Final Thoughts

In the end, being more productive at work isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters, with more intention and less self-judgment. Some days will feel like a win. Others, not so much. But every small effort adds up.

I’m still figuring it out too. But if you’re trying, that already says a lot.