You know how they say, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks”? Well, I’m starting to think that’s a load of nonsense. Over the past few months, I’ve been feeling a bit… stuck. Maybe it’s the endless data analysis or the 90th draft of the same chapter, but I’ve been searching for ways to feel more productive in my PhD journey.
Spoiler: Some have worked wonders, and others? Not so much.
If you’ve ever felt that your productivity was in a nosedive, this post might just save your sanity. I’m sharing three productivity hacks I’ve been experimenting with, plus one I’ve decided to ditch entirely.
Ready? Let’s go.
Why trying new productivity hacks is important for your PhD journey
Let’s be honest: the PhD journey is a marathon, not a sprint. If we keep repeating the same routines, we risk burning out or, even worse, hitting a plateau without even noticing.
Take me, for example. I used to think that my hectic multitasking was getting the job done. Balancing research, full-time work, motherhood, and life in general—how else was I supposed to manage it all? But when I realized my to-do list was outpacing my ‘done’ list, I knew something had to change.
Making adjustments to my productivity habits wasn’t easy. But here’s what I discovered:
Productivity Hack 1: Single-tasking like a Boss
I’ve always been a multitasker, proudly juggling several tabs, projects, and tasks at once. It made me feel like I was conquering my to-do list. Turns out, I was just getting overwhelmed. My brain wasn’t focusing properly, and I was constantly switching gears without actually finishing anything. Plus, I was dreaming about how I had 1 million things to do and wasn’t even sleeping properly, Yikes!
So, I started single-tasking and focusing on just one task at a time. Instead of jumping between emails, research, and writing, I block out time for one specific task, like writing a section of my analysis chapter.
No phone, no distractions, just deep focus on that one thing.
The result? I’m actually finishing tasks faster and with more clarity. Who knew that slowing down could make me so much more productive?
Pro Tip: Set a timer for 25 minutes and work on just one task. Then, take a 5-minute break before starting the next.
Yes, it’s the Pomodoro technique *wink wink*!
Productivity Hack 2: Turning your phone into a “Dumb Phone”
We all know that smartphones are productivity killers. Between notifications, group chats, and social media, it’s easy to get sucked into an endless cycle of distractions.
That’s when I decided to turn my phone into a “dumb” phone, essentially, stripping it down to the basics. I removed all the distracting apps every Monday (looking at you Instagram) and activated app blockers to limit my time on other essential but equally distracting platforms (that’s you Gmail). One app that makes this easier is Freedom, which allows you to block apps and websites for set periods. But there are plenty of others out there, and the idea is to make your phone a tool for work, not a distraction.
Since making this shift, I’ve noticed I’m much more focused. Without notifications going off every few minutes, I can get into a deep work state much faster.
Try This: Start by disabling push notifications, removing social media apps, and setting time limits for non-essential apps. You’ll be amazed at how much extra time you get back.
Need help turning your phone into a “dumb” phone? Download my list of recommended apps and step-by-step instructions for setting up your device for productivity here
Productivity Hack 3: Changing your work location
Recently, I started working from the public library instead of my usual desk at home, and let me tell you – game changer. The shift in environment, combined with the quiet atmosphere, really boosts my productivity. I think there’s something about being in a new space that tricks your brain into a “work mode,” making it easier to focus.
Instead of sitting in the same spot all day, I try switching up locations when I feel my energy or focus dipping. A simple change of scenery can sometimes be all it takes to regain momentum.
Try This: If you’re feeling stuck, take your laptop to a new location like a café, library, or even a different room at home. Fresh surroundings might be the boost you need.
What I’m Giving Up: Strict Time-Blocking
Ah, time-blocking. It sounded like the productivity solution of my dreams. The concept is simple: schedule every hour of your day and assign specific tasks to each block of time. In theory, this should keep you on track and ensure you get everything done. But for me, it was just too rigid.
Life (and PhD work) is unpredictable. I’d block out time for writing, only to get caught up in an urgent task or unplanned meeting. This led to frustration when my schedule got derailed, and I’d end up feeling guilty for not sticking to the plan.
So, I’m letting go of strict time-blocking and switching to a more flexible daily priority list. Now, I set three top tasks for the day and make sure to complete them before the day ends.
At the end of the day, finding your PhD productivity groove is all about experimenting with what works best for you. Single-tasking, turning your phone into a productivity tool, or shaking up your workspace – all these approaches can help. The key is to create systems that work for you. Remember, if something doesn’t work? It’s okay to let it go (looking at you, time-blocking).
Want a little extra help?
I’ve created two useful guides to keep you on track:
- A checklist for setting up distraction-free work zones and,
- A list of apps that will help you turn your phone into a “dumb” phone and stay focused during your work hours.
Download them both for free and start boosting your productivity today!
The PhD Race 
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