Hi

This is my first post, so hello to everyone and Happy New Year!

I just started my first postdoc and I'm looking for tips\suggestions on maximising productivity. I am now working full time for the first time since having a baby 2 years ago. I'm trying to make the best use of my time at work, so that I can reserve evenings and weekends for my husband and child (where possible).

So, how do you make the most out of your time? One change I've made since finishing my PhD is to switch off alerts for emails and notifications after 9.15 AM. I then check them at lunchtime, and in the hour before I go home. This has definitely made a difference as I don't get distracted by other things.

What things do you do?

Best wishes,

postdoc_mum

I find that the best thing to do is to forget about the idea you can only work an hour at a time before needing a break. Instead I do 3 hour stints before having a short break. And before I know it I've done 6 hours solid.

Hi postdoc_mum, welcome to the forum!

I live in a noisy city and I get quite anxious over lots of things, which can distract me quite a lot. I've found putting in earplugs, and then listening to white noise/streams and bird noises (loads on youtube) with over-ear headphones is really helpful. It sounds a bit cheesy, but it totally blocks out car horns, loud pedestrians, etc and has been really helpful for my productivity.

Also, I take frequent breaks (at least once an hour) of 10 mins, and in those breaks, either make a cup of tea, do some stretches or lie down and close my eyes - anything to get away from a screen for a bit. I have bad eyesight and posture so it helps with that too. Lastly, I put my phone and tablet out of grabbing distance, or in another room (knowing that I'm too lazy to go and pick them up). Hope that helps!

Yup, just ignore as best you can whilst you finish your PhD.
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sara

9 hours to write 500 words doesn't sound very productive, does it?! But they are 500 very good words for the introduction to my first data chapter, and the points that link the other thousands of words I've already written for it, so I am very happy! :)

Hi postdoc_mum- Happy New Year to you too!

First of all I like what you do with your emails and I have been trying to limit how often I look at mine too as these are a major distraction, particularly when you have undergraduate students!

My productivity has started off quite well this new year and this is down to taking care of myself better and ensuring I have 'down time'. I go to bed at a reasonable time (Rock and Roll, I know) and I rise at around 5 am and crack on with work at 5.30 as early morning is my most productive time. I make sure that I have a 'cut off' time each day too where I stop everything, make something nice to eat and relax (normally 6pm). I have found that being kind to myself has been very useful by ensuring I eat and rest regularly- having the cut off time too makes me put more effort into cooking healthier and avoiding convenience foods.

It sounds though that you have the 'down time' thing cracked by switching off from your emails for the evening :) another thing I can recommend is green tea as it really boosts energy and focus.