Have you ever looked up from your computer and realized that although the hours have passed, you haven’t done anything at all productive? Many have, and with the current situation shaking up people’s normal work environment, it’s increasingly difficult to have a productive workday.

There are lots of unique things getting in the way of our productivity, which can all be contributing factors to disrupting our workdays. The habits below are good to keep in mind when considering what could be sabotaging your productivity.

Not Having a Routine

By not prioritizing your work and accepting far too many meeting requests, you run the risk of causing negative effects in your productivity. Far too many professionals put off their most important work until later in the day. Doing this can lead to the important work not getting done at all.

Meetings, although often essential in any business environment, can seriously disrupt the flow of productivity. Take on too many “unnecessary” meetings and it’ll just simply be a habit that will sabotage your productivity. For example, tools like email, instant messenger, and video chats are just as reliable and will have less of an impact on your working day.

Something as simple as sitting all day can also lead to a serious lack of productivity and can disrupt your routine. Be sure to get up from your desk from time to time to stand, or go for a walk.

Checking Emails Too Regularly

It’s argued that checking your email first thing is not a good idea, as it’ll ruin whatever game plan you had when you sat down to start your day. Instead, try working on something important for 30-45 minutes, and then checking your emails.

Each time you look at your inbox, it could easily lead to you losing up to 25 minutes of work time. Constant internet access can also lead professionals to getting sidetracked into scrolling through their news feed on social media, or going off on a research spree for something unrelated to the task at hand. Internet shopping is the worst culprit, so only do this during your lunch break.

Lack of Sleep

A good night’s sleep can help increase productivity by enhancing happiness, smarter decision-making, and by helping to unlock bigger and better ideas. If you’re lacking sleep, work on activities that will help you relax before bed – by having a bath, reading a book, or listening to music.

Juggling far too much work that eats into your evening can seriously alter your sleeping pattern and lead to you hitting that snooze button, which will lead you to getting a slow start to the day and have a lack of motivation.

Not Eating a Balanced Diet

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It’s what kick-starts your metabolism and replenishes blood-sugar levels so you can focus and be productive. If you skip breakfast, then your blood-sugar levels will be low. The lower they remain, the harder it is to focus and you’re more likely to feel tired or irritable.

Lunch is just as vital, and eating one that’s high in fat and high in sugar will make you feel sleepy and have low energy as the day goes on. Eat more protein and healthier fats and don’t go too crazy on the carbs.

Are you able to avoid the habits that can sabotage your productivity? What are your tips?