We all know that staying productive at work every day of the week can be a challenge with frequent chatter, occasional distractions and the ever-present allure of social media. But staying productive at work during pregnancy seems downright impossible.
The joy of bearing a child mixed with all the changes our body is going through can make a powerful distraction, but if you want to or have to work during your pregnancy you have to do your best to not let this sidetrack you from the tasks at hand.
To help future moms regain focus at work, I am going to share a few tips on how to stay productive during pregnancy.
Create a Schedule and Set Reminders
The main problem with staying productive during pregnancy is staying focused on your tasks and manage all the symptoms of pregnancy. Add to that the constant distractions in the form of social media and procrastination, it might seem you cannot get any work done.
Here’s what I propose: create a thorough work schedule that is also going to include downtime and other activities like exercising, taking a walk and yes, checking social media. Write what you plan to do and when you plan to do it, including your lunch breaks and client meetings but also work break you can use to search for the perfect stroller or visit your doctor.
To further enforce this schedule, set reminders for your to-do tasks. You can use your phone’s calendar or if you spend a lot of time on Facebook, use an app like Blink the Bee, a messenger-integrated app that delivers your reminders straight to your inbox.
Get Plenty of Rest
Your body is using much more energy to nurture that sweet thing inside your belly. Normally, not getting enough rest can affect your performance at work. But in this scenario, it can be downright dangerous. That is why you should make sure you get plenty of rest throughout the day to stay energized. You can also start a light exercise routine before bedtime to give your body an extra boost and make the rest more effective. Of course, you should consult your doctor before starting any exercise routines.
Know when you’re the Most Productive
For some, morning is when they get the most work done. For others, mornings are a productive nightmare until they’ve had their first coffee. Others prefer doing the proverbial heavy lifting later in the day. Find out when you’re feeling the most productive and aim to plan your schedule accordingly. Plan the most challenging tasks and projects around the times you feel the most productive, as it will make it easier to avoid distractions.
Communicate when you’re the Least Productive
Even if you follow all of the tips mentioned above, no one is impervious to bursts of procrastination. If you don’t feel like you can tackle the demanding tasks, use this time to communicate with clients, colleagues and managers. Checking our email and sharing thoughts with our colleagues can take up a lot of time, but they also don’t require you to be as focused as you have to with some of the more challenging tasks.
