Because you asked: Balancing productivity and wellbeing

Welcome back to “Because you asked,” our productivity advice column featuring Laura Mae Martin, Google’s executive productivity advisor. She’ll answer your questions about how to work smarter with Google Workspace. If you missed our last post, check out “How to create a Workflow Dashboard with Gmail.”

Our question comes from Jack H.

“Hi Laura, how can I strike a balance between maximizing productivity and maintaining my mental wellbeing, especially in a fast-paced work environment?”

I love your question, Jack. We’re more productive when we prioritize our mental wellbeing. 

Here are three ways to strike a balance between getting more done and nurturing your mental wellbeing. 

1. Put your tools to work

Power through your workday with Google Workspace tools. 

• Use Gemini for Google Workspace to draft Google Docs and emails, or to summarize information across several documents in Google Drive. 

• Upgrade your email routine by using multiple inboxes or features like snooze and schedule send in Gmail.

• Sharpen your time management with Google Calendar. Schedule “Focus time” events and group together similar types of meetings.

• Get the most out of your meetings and increase inclusivity with Take Notes for Me (coming soon) and live captions in Google Meet. Bring everyone into the conversation with features like polls and breakout rooms. 

Subscribe to Google Workspace Productivity Tips to get more out of your tools.

2. Build routines that support wellbeing 

Create routines that help you accomplish more and build downtime into your schedule. Try these tips to complete everyday tasks and maintain wellness.

• Night-before planning. Set aside time to review your schedule and make sure you’re working on the right things at the right time.

• Themed meal nights. Take the pain out of meal prep with themed nights like Meatless Monday, Pasta Tuesday, and Takeout Friday. 

• When: then. Want to start a new exercise routine? The trick is to use “When: then,” statements, as in “When I get home from work, then I put on my sneakers and go for a run.” 

• No-tech Tuesdays. A wellness routine can be as simple as disconnecting. Try “No-Tech Tuesday Nights.” I’ve been leading this initiative at Google for years, with participants giving up screen time between dinner and bedtime every Tuesday in January and February. So far, 97% of the 2,500+ participants report this small practice benefitting their overall wellbeing and productivity the next day.

• Mindful mornings. Create a practice around “Mindful Mornings” and begin your day with at least 30 minutes just for you. Write in your journal, meditate, read for pleasure, or simply drink your morning beverage. This can help you generate energy and focus throughout your fast-paced day.

3. Set boundaries

First, define some clear boundaries to help avoid burnout. For example: 

• I take meetings Mondays through Thursdays and schedule focus work on Fridays.

• I leave the office every day at 4 PM.

• I only check email on weekdays.

Then, use tech tools to communicate your boundaries. Appointment scheduling can help you limit meeting availability, add buffer time between meetings, and prevent last-minute bookings that can throw off your day.

Read my piece “How Google Calendar can help boost your productivity” for more on scheduling for success.

Taking care of yourself is essential to your productivity. I find that my work flows better when I spend about an hour a day in silence — without music, videos, or background noise. Try it. You may find that “The quiet mind is where the magic happens.”

If you’re already part of the Workspace Community Forum, you can submit your own questions at the Google Workspace Q&A. Otherwise, you can send your question to: asklaura@google.com.

Ready to lean into productivity? Check out some additional productivity tips.