Do more at work

“It takes the brain four times longer to process each thing,” says Julie Morgenstern, author of Making it Work. Instead of changing jobs . . .

LEAVE EARLY: “If you’re putting in long hours and aren’t feeling productive, shorten your workday by 30 minutes,” Morgerstern advises. When’s the last time you trawled the Net when you wanted to leave early?

RECRUIT A TEAM: Working in a group cures procrastination. “You will have to stick to the structure,” states Dr John Ratey, co-author of Delivered from Distraction. Set a schedule and hold follow-up meetings to update everyone on your progress.

CLEAR CLUTTER: “Your mind gets wrapped up in the unfinished work around you,” according to David Allen, author of Getting Things Done. File away papers until you’re ready to start a new project.

GET A LIFE: Take 10 minutes every day to plan a holiday, organise a cards night or take a walk. “A new perspective or a change of scenery is refreshing for your brain,” reveals Ratey.

PACE TO FINISH: Let big jobs drag on unfinished and you’ll feel stalled. Instead, build momentum by tackling jobs you can finish in the time you have. “The most productive workers also make time for thoughtful, time-consuming tasks,” Morgenstern says.

SWEAT THROUGH LUNCH: A midday work-out will boost your focus, according to Allen. Taking small stretch breaks periodically during the day can benefit you as well. “They help you loosen up,”he explains.