7 Productivity Hacks For The Halloween Season

Tips to being more productive this month

Okay, so Halloween is fast approaching. You have to plan your costume— which we all know will be last minute anyway, you have to decide which party to go to… on top of that, you have deadlines. Over all the excitement of the upcoming holiday, don't lose focus on what you really need to be doing. Here are 7 productivity hacks that will let you stay on track while counting down the days to Halloween!

1. Write everything down on a sticky note

Juhan Sonin / Via Flickr: juhansonin

Something that has always helped me stay productive is by writing everything down. I get a bit overwhelmed by all the things that I have to do sometimes, but by writing it all down, I see exactly what I need to do all laid out so I can start tackling them one by one. Once I start doing it, I realize that the tasks are no longer scary.

dannysplannercuties / Via etsy.com

Here's a tip: Write down each task on a sticky note, and stick it to your wall. You can group them by importance. Once you complete a task, take the sticky note down. You'll have a sense of accomplishment when you've completely taken down all those sticky notes. Try these Halloween themed sticky notes for the month of October! Get it here.

2. Clean up your workspace

Caio / Via pexels.com

They say your workspace is a reflection of your mind. Cluttered desk = cluttered mind. And having a cluttered mind = stress. You don't need all that extra pressure on yourself — so just clean up your workspace. Although there is such thing as organized chaos, make sure everything on your desk has its purpose and its place. If you find random receipts and old Starbucks cups lying around, I doubt those things are doing you any good. Having a tidy and calming environment will let you focus on what's in front of you.

Amazon / Via amazon.com

Try these spooky ghost lights for maximum ambiance and efficiency! Get it here.

3. Make lists

Ex-Smith / Via Flickr: ex-smith

I make lists for everything — whether it's for note taking, making tough decisions (Pro's & Con's) or creating shopping lists. It makes everything very organized. And by writing it down manually (rather than typing it up) I feel like I remember it better.

Try these cool syringe pens! List making will be extra efficient, plus you get to freak everyone out! Get it here.

4. Hydrate

Via kaboompics.com

I know when you’re busy being overwhelmed with school or work, drinking enough water is the last thing that’s on your mind. But according to science, dehydration can hinder your productivity. Even when you’re a little bit parched, the lack of water disrupts the blood vessels in the brain, which reduces cognitive performance. So next time you reach for that coffee, which dehydrates you… maybe try some old fashioned H2O instead.

Via amazon.com

Water doesn’t have to be boring. Try filling up these cool “blood bag drink containers” with water. Fill all 5 packs of them so you can ensure you’re getting enough fluids for the day. Get them here.

5. Two Minute Rule

closa / Via pixabay.com

Simple tasks like responding to that quick email or washing that dirty dish can be daunting. But if it can be accomplished within 2 minutes, do it now. Those small tasks can add up, and you’ll soon find yourself with 10 dirty dishes in the sink that will take longer to wash.

Via Flickr: cookylida

Try filling up a jar with Halloween candy and reward yourself with a treat when you complete a small task.

6. Make the most out of your commute

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If you’re like me, you take a subway to school/work everyday. And those 20 minute rides do add up. Do something meaningful during that time rather than scrolling through Facebook. Read some articles, or even a book. Since I get dizzy if I read on a moving vehicle, I like to listen to audio books instead.

Via skullcandy.com

These all white skull earphones are a must! I always keep a pair of spare headphones in each one of my bags/purses so that I’m never without earphones during my commutes. Get them here.

7. Take a break

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After all that hard work, have a break. Do something relaxing and perhaps something different. Having that break helps boost productivity and as soon as your break is over you’ll get back to your work with even more power and efficiency.

Via amazon.com

I enjoy mindless things when taking a break — something where it doesn’t require me to think so much. Like coloring! Try this Halloween Adult Coloring book for your break! Get it here.

So you really don't have any excuses as to why you cannot make your deadlines because of Halloween. Get organized and plan accordingly and you will find that work/play balance!