Virtual assistants play an integral role in the development of businesses and entrepreneurs. They are masters of organization and can save you countless hours of work. If you want to level up your virtual assistant game, try these smart productivity hacks that will change your life.

Wake up earlier 

We all know the saying, “Early to bed, early to rise.” It’s true that starting your day earlier can help you get more done. If you’re a morning person, get up at least 30 minutes before the rest of your family or roommates and start working on something productive.

Paper to-do list is your friend

I know it sounds very old-fashioned, but I swear by it! When I am not sure what needs my attention immediately or what task I should tackle first, I write it all down on a paper to-do list. This helps me sort through my thoughts and prioritize what needs to be done today.

Complete the most difficult tasks first

You’ll have the energy for it, and you won’t be thinking about it all day long. Furthermore, by completing these tasks first thing in the morning, they will be out of the way and will not hang over your head the rest of the day. 

Stay focused

It’s easy for your mind to wander when you’re working from home. There are so many distractions around you—television, family members, and pets—that it’s easy to get sidetracked from what you’re actually doing. Instead of trying to fight off these distractions, try using a timer instead. Set it for 10 minutes, then focus on what needs your attention during that time period only. Once your timer goes off, give yourself a break and then start again with another 10-minute session. After two or three of these sessions back-to-back, you’ll find yourself getting more done than ever before!

Give yourself breaks

One way that many people try to boost their productivity is by working nonstop without taking breaks or eating lunch. While this may be a good tactic for some people, it’s not always the best choice for everyone. If you’re feeling burnt out or overwhelmed with work, take a short break! A short walk around the block or even just getting up from your desk can give you a fresh perspective and help put things into perspective again.

Take care of yourself

In addition to regular exercise, it’s important for virtual assistants to take care of themselves by eating well and getting enough sleep every night. Your health affects your ability to perform well at work, so make sure you’re taking care of yourself outside of work as well!

Utilize a timer

A timer can be an incredibly useful tool when it comes to completing tasks on time and in a timely manner. A good example of this is using one as a Pomodoro timer, which breaks down work into intervals with short breaks in between each interval. This helps keep your mind focused on the task at hand without being overwhelmed by fatigue or boredom.

Keep your workspace neat and organized

A clean space makes it easier to find what you need when you need it. Clutter is distracting, so make sure everything is in its right place — even if that means creating an “office” area in your home!

Eliminate distractions around you

It’s easy for distractions to pile up when you work from home or from a remote office space. The more distractions there are around you, the harder it is to focus on the task at hand. You might find that you’re constantly stopping what you’re doing every few minutes to respond to an email or check your social media feeds. Take steps to remove as many distractions as possible and get rid of anything that isn’t essential for your job (or even just your sanity).

Reward yourself for accomplishments

There’s nothing wrong with rewarding yourself when you finish a big project or reach a goal at work, especially if those rewards are related to your job! If there’s something that will make you feel accomplished after completing an important task, consider giving yourself a treat or small reward once it’s done (even if only mentally). This will encourage you to continue putting in the effort and make you feel good about what you accomplished.

A Virtual Assistant can be very productive if they know how to maintain that productivity level

Conclusion

There you have it: ten productivity hacks that will help you make the most of your day as a virtual assistant, and hopefully make your life more pleasant overall. Some may seem like common sense, while others might require a little extra motivation to get started. Either way, if you follow these tips, you’ll be well on your way to working smarter, not harder. The lifestyle of VAs can vary widely depending on the company’s expectations and requirements. But these tips will most likely be helpful no matter where you spend your day. And who knows? A little efficiency hacking might just help you enjoy your work life that much more.

Resources: 

General Tips on How to be Productive at Home

20 Tips for Working From Home: How To Be Productive Outside the Office

How To Be Productive Working From Home In 7 Steps

Top 30 Tips for Staying Productive and Sane While Working From Home