Smart habits to develop so you can leave the office earlier

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lot of millennials feel guilty when they leave the office on time, for fear that doing so may be interpreted as them not caring about their jobs enough. And while it's true that some may take it against you, remember that your output and its results will always outweigh office politics.

And if it’s your productivity that you're worried about, it's important to note that an overworked mind and body will not produce the best results. As we know, regular overtime work not only raises stress levels, but also ruins your diet, disrupts your sleeping habits, increases your blood pressure, and ultimately ups your risk of getting heart i ssu es.

To be able to make sure that you achieve work-life balance without compromising your tasks, here are some easy changes you can make to be more efficient at work:

1. Set work intervals Don't underestimate the value of giving yourself mini-deadlines to finish tasks. One way is to use a timer to work in 90-minute 'sprints', interspersed with significant breaks. While there's really no specific period that's ideal for everyone, it is important to set a time limit based on your nature of work, and more importantly, stick to it.

2. When you do get a break, go for a fiveminute walk

As you get older, your body needs more attention. If you often experience back pain, it might be because of sitting in your cubicle all day. Walk around your office if you don't have much time for a break, but if you can, try stepping out completely and catch some sun. Feeling cold uses up your energy, and natural light will help keep you alert.

3. Limit time spent on social media

It's good to stay updated, but remember that unless you have a real purpose for being online, scrolling mindl essl y through Facebook and Instagram could be cutting into valuable work time. Try saving social media for your commute, standing in long lines, and for when you're finally home. That way, you can interact with friends without work at the back of your head.

4. List down every single thing you have to do before you start your day

It's one thing to know what you have to do, but a proper visualization will help you be more strategic with your flow. Bullet journaling may be intimidating and confusing, but at the end of the day, your bullet journal is all about you: it reflects your schedule, your list of tasks and, helps you find clarity and answers to questions you may not have answers to.

5. Delegate!

No man is an island. While it's good to show your value at work, sharing what you know with your team goes a long way. A skilled person’s output is great, but if that person teaches another and demands the same quality output, the results are immediately doubl ed.

6. Exercise for product i vi t y

Exercise is usually the first thing millennials sacrifice for work, but doing so just leads to longer hours in the office. You don't need to go big, and you don't have to dedicate hours of your day to working out, either. Exercising to boost your productivity is about sticking to shorter bursts of physical activity, either in the morning, at lunch, or during a break during the day.