Speeding up by slowing down: 6 productivity tips for business owners

When running your own business, it is easy to get caught up in a “work, work, work” frame of mind. It’s only natural to want your business to do well, and sometimes we become so focused on making this happen that we charge ahead and forget how important it is to slow down.

I don’t know about you, but for me, the past few months have been hectic. Don’t get me wrong, I love being busy, but the amount of work that's coming in lately had me thinking, is being so work-oriented good for my business?

It turns out the benefits of slowing down and taking a break are actually better than you’d expect. In the past few weeks, I’ve tried to take more time for myself, and my productivity has soared.

By reading this post, you’ll hopefully understand why I believe increasing productivity by slowing down is one of the best ways to grow your business. Why not use one of my top 6 ways of stepping back and give it a go for yourself?

The benefits of slowing down

Do you remember the fable from when we were younger about the tortoise and the hare? The hare rushed ahead, so focused on his goal that he got exhausted and lost the race, while the slow and steady tortoise took the crown. 

Surprisingly, the tortoise’s way of thinking is still relevant today and can do wonders for business and your health! Don’t believe me? Maybe this list of benefits will change your mind.

Minimise mistakes

When you’re constantly rushing through tasks, it can be easy to miss stupid mistakes. By taking the time to complete and examine your work carefully, you’ll minimise the errors that fall through the cracks and ensure that your clients always receive your best work.

Get creative

One of the best ways to grow your business and increase productivity is by being creative and coming up with new ideas. With more time on your hands, you’ll be able to take the time to generate new ideas and seek other people's views.

Improve communication

If your head is constantly on your work, you’ll never be fully there when communicating with others. Whether it be a team member, a client, or a friend, it’s better to have the time to clear your mind and focus on what’s being said so that you don’t miss anything important.

Become more efficient

When you work as part of a team, it’s essential that every member is clear on what their role is. If your team has time to coordinate themselves and set clear expectations for each person, your business is sure to become more efficient.

Enhance your mental health

The constant hustle of business can really take its toll after a while and cause issues such as stress, anxiety, and burnout. By slowing down and practising self-care, you can actually prevent these issues from happening and be in a better mindset to achieve your goals.

Six ways to slow down

1. Take a break from the screen

As a virtual assistant, most of my job involves a screen. Whether it’s my laptop, phone, or iPad, it’s the rare occasion that I spend my workdays without technology. That’s why I think taking a break from the screen is so important.

This can be easier said than done, but if I ever have a brainstorming session or need to take notes during a call, a pen and paper are always my go-to. This means I have to focus on what I’m writing, and I’ve found that it also helps boost my creativity. Win-win!

2. Try a change of scenery

I don’t know about you, but I always find it hard to switch off from work once I’ve entered my office. No matter how small the task that I set out to complete, I’ll still find myself sitting at my computer hours later, having gone down a rabbit hole of work that I had no intention of doing.

Try getting a change of scenery now and then so that work is pushed from your mind once and for all! Although I find going for a walk is amazing for clearing my head, even a relaxing space in your home away from distractions can work wonders.

3. Engage in calming activities

One of the best ways to slow down your mind is to engage in a calming activity. When our minds are constantly being bombarded, it can be hard to shut down. We go from focusing on work to binge-watching the latest shows and never really learn to take a deep breath and participate in a mindless activity.

There are loads of ways to get into a calming headspace. I try to do yoga each day, but that could easily be changed to meditation, a walk, or arts and crafts. Whatever interests you, there is sure to be a calming activity that can be worked into your weekly routine.

4. Order in instead of to-go

In today’s society, it’s become so much easier to neglect your lunch break. Not only can you have your food or drink delivered to your work, but even if you always make sure to eat away from your desk, the temptation to check your emails or make a call on your mobile can be hard to resist. 

Instead of ordering your coffee and sandwich to go, order in for once and turn off your phone. Become aware of your surroundings, and really take the time to appreciate your time away from the office.

5. Learn to say no

Being able to say “no” when your schedule is too full is crucial when you want to have time to slow down, but feeling the need to say “yes” all the time is a hard habit to break. I’m as guilty of this as the next person, because by saying “no”, I feel like I’m letting the other person down. However, learning to set your own boundaries and turn down work is super important!

Every task that you add to your schedule reduces the time and energy you have to spend on the other things in your life. By prioritising the work you already have, you’ll have more time to focus on these tasks rather than rushing through your work and exhausting yourself in the process.

6. Schedule free time

Although it may sound stupid, I’ve found that scheduling my free time is a great way to ensure I take time for myself. I’m not talking about an afternoon off, either. Everyone needs a proper break from the office every now and then to recharge their batteries and come back to work feeling refreshed.

If you’ve got too much on your plate, why not try outsourcing some of your tasks to an expert virtual assistant? Get in touch or email me to learn more about how a VA can help your business.

TLDR: Taking time to slow down may seem counterproductive, but it is a valuable skill for any business owner. Try scheduling some free time or having a change of scenery and see how your business can soar!

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