Products for Productivity: Things to Help You Get It Done
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It’s a new year and you got some new resolutions under your belt. You WILL accomplish your goals this time!
Or….at least…that’s what you keep telling yourself, but you just can’t seem to gather the time, energy, motivation, or even all three at once.
Don’t worry, I’ve been there too! I think everyone has! But this year, I wasn’t going to let it stop me! I spent an entire month (and a little bit of coin) trying different products, classes, apps, and strategies to see if they really work. The following list is my roundup of everything that I have used that helped me regain focus, inspire motivation, and be more productive!
** this post may (cough-it does-cough) contain affiliate links. Any profit made from these links is donated to the Global Dreamers Foundation. That said, my opinions are my own and honest **
Health
I want to start with the health pillar, because in my opinion, that is the root of all productivity. Healthy body, healthy mind, healthy output, yanahwahimsayin’??? As much as I hate to admit it, I really let my personal health slip in 2018 (while I was having the time of my life), so this year it is one of my main focuses. Here are some great health products and practices that I’ve tried out! I hope you find some that work for you as well!
Skin care routine: SokoGlam
Hopefully you haven’t noticed, BUT MY FACE IS CURRENTLY AT WAR. I feel like every day I have 5 new uninvited pimple guests popping up to crash on chin and basically ruin my life. Not even the peak of puberty was this bad man, I have no idea what’s going on.
Well. It could be a lot of things actually. BUT BASICALLY I needed to actually invest in my skin care. It was long overdue, and after my trip to South Korea, I absolutely FELL IN LOVE with Korean beauty products. However, my trip to Korea was 2 years ago and I was rapidly running out of face masks and oil cleanser. What was I supposed to do? BUY THINGS AT SEPHORA AT A 10000% MARKUP??? Or even worse – buy something NOT Korean??
Thankfully, I found SokoGlam. It’s a website that puts all the best K-Beauty products on one website so you don’t have to hop around online and fiddle with google translate. You can sort by product type, skin type, and even skin concern. But my favorite part was that this site walks you through the Korean skin care routine STEP BY STEP so you know what you should be buying and what order to use them in.
Workout routine: Be Consistent!
No one ever asks me actually, but if they did, my workout of choice is (and always has been) Blogilates. I have actually been doing Blogilates for about 9 years now, basically since I learned working out was a thing people can do, and I have been an avid fan ever sense.
Blogilates is founded by Cassey Ho, and the workouts are free on youtube for you to follow along at home! They are basically pilate moves, but with awesome music and they will KILLLLL you. In the best way. All you need is a yoga mat and an internet connection! Not only do I love her fun and upbeat videos, but I also love the community she engages and inspires, it is truly one of the most supportive I have ever been apart of.
While I hope you love Blogilates so we can gab about the latest INSANE challenge she cooks up, I am also a strong advocate of finding a workout that motivates and challenges you personally. In order for a workout to do that, you kind of have to LIKE IT. That’s why I’m also recommending Class Pass. The way Class Pass works is that you get a certain number of classes you can take -ANYWHERE AT ANY GYM- so that you have the opportunity to mix and match different workouts and exercise routines! It’s a great way to find the perfect workout and gym/studio for you! Or, even if you just love variety in your diet. They currently have 1 MONTH FREE!!! So dudes, try it out while you get a MONTH of free classes!
That said, make sure you make and stick to a regular workout routine! WRITE IT DOWN! Blogilates makes it easy with a free workout calendar and she tells you which videos to do on each day!
Workout equipment: Make working out fun!
HONESTLYYYY, you can use any equipment that works for you. Do not feel like you NEED to buy new things in order to start working out, because that is false. You can use any water bottle you may have at home. If you workout at home and don’t have a mat, you can use some towels or a rug in a pinch.
BUT, if you are looking for some new workout equipment, here are two products that I absolutely love!
The first is the Bindle water bottle! I love it because I don’t need to carry a bunch of stuff in my pocket (or a separate bag) when I go to a gym. I can keep my keys and my cards in the secret compartment! It’s super convenient to me.
Second, my all time new favorite yoga mat: the HoneyFeet yoga mat. My previous yoga mat was like…$10 from Amazon. And that one worked! I have very achy joints, so cushion is a big factor for me when choosing a yoga mat, and I am pleased to say the HoneyFeet brand lives up to the comfort, but at 1/4 the size of my old mat! It rolls up EXTREMELY effortlessly, easy to clean, it’s extra long, and I love the feel of the mat. The texture is cork, and it is non-slip, for even the heaviest of sweaters!
If you use a mat that is much wider than industry standard, you might have a problem, but otherwise it is a great size for most people!
website – use the code AwkwardTravel15 at checkout for a discount!
Meditation: Your Brain is a Muscle Too!
I can’t speak much on meditation, especially because I LITERALLY just started giving it a try, but one app that I wholeheartedly recommend is Headspace.
One thing I like is that it is very customizable for whatever kind of meditation you are looking for. Do you need something to help you de-stress? Do you need to reflect on personal growth? Or are you looking for mindfulness exercises to help increase your productivity?
Ding Ding Ding! Headspace has your back. Or rather…your…head…
Anyways. The thing is Headspace is that you need to schedule it into your daily routine, just like working out. THAT is how you are going to get the most out of it.
If you’re looking for something more along the lines of therapy, here are some of my favorite podcast therapists (and yes, they are licensed mental health care professionals!)
A Different Perspective. by Dr. Amber Thornton. I like her podcast because she discusses mental health topics specifically related to women of color. She also touches on social justice, racial identity, and activism.
Listen on Soundcloud, iTunes, and Google Play Music.
Therapy for Black Girls by Dr. Joy Harden Bradford is another great therapy podcast for women of color. While the title states Black Girls, Bradford tackles issues like personal boundaries, life after divorce, sexual freedom, and much more that are applicable across ethnicities.
Listen on her website, iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, acast, and RadioPublic.
Celeste The Therapist by Celeste Viciere, licensed mental health clinician and cognitive behavioral therapist. I love her podcast because every topic is so relatable. Dealing with toxic friends, cuffing season, dragging yourself out of a pit of negative spiraling…you know, your average Tuesday night problems.
Listen on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Player.fm.
With That Being Said by Esther Boykin and Erica Turner, licensed marriage and family therapists. I love their podcast because it focuses on building healthy relationship strategies – because there doesn’t need to be a problem to work on your relationship!!
Desk Help
An organized desk is proven to increase productivity by 72%. *cough* OKAY, so I made that statistic up, but I’m pretty sure it’s something like that. Really guys, if you want to be more productive, start by creating an atmosphere that you would WANT to work in. First off, that means de-cluttering your work space. That’s honestly the hardest, but most important part. But for everything else, here are some tools that have helped me at my desk!
Passion planner: Write. It. DOWNNN.
Throughout my academic career, I have ALWAYS used planners. Usually the free ones they give out at school and in university. If you didn’t know me during me school days (you’re lucky!), then let me tell you that I was the textbook definition of productive. Striking something off of my planner was the best feeling in the world. And frankly, it still is. I don’t know why it took me so long to remember how effective they are!
I’ve used a couple different planners, and BY far my favorite is the Passion Planner. First of all, the covers are SOOO nice, I just want to rub my face all over them. You’ll understand when yours arrives. Each week has a section for the daily schedule, but there’s also space for personal and work to-do lists, a section for your weekly and daily focuses, a blank section (for doodles! or yanno, useful notes), and an inspiring quote.
I also love their roadmap pages so that you can actually map out your goals and create a timeline to GET IT DONE!
They often have sales throughout the year (especially around holidays), and you can use the coupon PASHFAM for 10% off any planner!
Brain Juice: Focus Yourself!
So you know how there is pre-workout powder to pump you up before a workout? Well as it turns out, they have the same thing for regular work too! It’s called Brain Juice, and I first got it at Whole Foods in a little easy to-go bottle like 5 hour energy. It works, but then I found the powder form, which I like WAY MORE!
It’s not magic, but I did feel more focused and energized while at my desk that pretty much lasted all day.
Adult coloring book: De-stress!
A lot of people write in gratitude journals, but I actually haven’t tried that yet. BUT something I do like having nearby is a coloring book! You’ve probably seen them around, but trust me, you should get one for your desk. If you need a little break from work, just grab your colored pencils and fill in a page!
Reading book: Great writers are great readers!
Another great thing to have at the ready is a book to read! If you don’t have a resolution to read more, YOU SHOULD. Honestly, reading will automatically make you more productive. Reading will grow your creativity, as well as hone your writing skills. Plus, you could learn a thing or two! So pick up a book and make it a goal to finish at least one new one this year! If you need somewhere to start, allow me to recommend THE NOVEL THAT I WROTE MYSELF!! It is my first novel! -shameless plug-
Travel
Is one of your goals this year to travel more? Surprisingly, traveling is a lot more than just buying a ticket and hopping on a plane. As a travel blogger, here are just some of my tips to make your travel processes a bit more efficient!
Packing checklist: Make One
If I was a good travel blogger, I would probably already have one made. But I haven’t.
Hi, I’m Kay. Welcome to my page.
Anyways, you can make your traveling life like 5000x easier if you come up with a packing list. You will cut your packing time in half, easy. While you’re at it, another helpful thing is having a travel toiletry bag. Get a separate toothbrush, toothpaste, some moisturizer under 3.0 oz, face wipes, etc. etc. That way you can just through it in your backpack and head to the airport!
Suitcase: with packing cubes
I’m not going to try to sell you a suitcase here. One, because I have no discount or affiliate code. SECOND AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, as long as your suitcase meets YOUR needs, then you’re Gucci. BUT, I will recommend packing cubes. They will literally change your life. They save space and make it easy to organize and compartmentalize your suitcase.
You know what they say, once you go packing cubes….
Travel Agents: Let them do everything for you!
Travel agents are truly a blessing. Yeah yeah yeah, you can book your own stuff and plan your own itineraries, but hear me out.
You don’t have to!
AND – they can end up saving you money! For example, my last trip to Dubai, Singapore, and Hong Kong, a travel agent got together all my flights for $500 cheaper than anything I could find online. And I’m an experienced traveler! They do this by working with their contacts in the tourism industry. So give them a try! The ones I recommend are as follows:
Cate Kittlitz – an expert in travel throughout Canada, Ireland, Scotland, and Europe in general!
Join a Tour: Let them plan everything AND take you around!
Even easier than booking an agent, you can join a tour! These are especially great if you have no one to travel with but do not want to travel solo. Or if you just want to make new friends! There are tons of super popular tours to choose from (even Costco has one), but I’d like to point your attention towards a new company on the horizon!
The Roaming Republic is co-lead by two of the hypest travelers, Cass and Cedric. What makes the Roaming Republic different than the hundreds of other groups is that they truly create a mini family during their trip. Everyone is involved in the planning process and the group stays in a large villa instead of separately in hotels. Also revolutionary – they do payment plans!!
Also. Their trips are MAD LIT. Their target audience are young adults, mostly 20-40 year old minority travelers (which is CLUTCH!!!), but there are no restrictions on age, race, sexuality, or religion. If you vibe with them, I recommend you check them out!
Blogger Collab Guide: Traveling for Content
It is a planner SPECIFICALLY for bloggers and influencers. It’s pretty beautiful. And not just aesthetically (although that too!), but it’s also very motivating. You’re always more likely to achieve a goal when you physically WRITE IT DOWN. I think the best part of this planner, and one you won’t find anywhere else, are the pages dedicated to blog post ideas ! Me personally, I take FOREVER to write blog posts. When I’m traveling, I have ideas pop up in my head and I quickly write them down in my phone…but then I completely forget about the note when it comes time to actually write the post (like…6 months later lol).
It was made by a blogger, FOR bloggers. Specifically, by Carry-On Chronicles! I keep this planner at my desk so when the mood to write hits, I can easily look up my ideas. The collaboration page is great also, especially during the planning stages! Basically, if you’re a travel blogger/influencer, you should get it.
Blogging/Instagram/Small Business
If you have any kind of business (even as a hobby!) that has a presence on social media, than I have both good news and bad news.
The good news is that social media is an AMAZING tool for networking, exposure, and growth of your business. The bad news is that there are a lot of variables that contribute to social media success. The good news is that there is help! The bad news is that there is an OVERWHELMING amount of people offering help. The good news – I’ve tried most of them out for you. Here are the all stars of the bunch!
And before you’re all like “but KAYYYY, if you’ve taken all these business and Instagram tips – WHY DOES YOUR INSTAGRAM STILL SUCK AND YOU HAVENT GAINED ANY FOLLOWERS?!??!”
First of all – rude.
Second, I like learning, but I am lazy in practice, okay? I haven’t implemented all of their advice yet. Everyone grows at *~*their own pace*~*
Small business coaching: Create Something Captivating
If you have ANY sort of small business (including blogging/influencing), then my top recommendation is Luisa. Luisa is a journalist and digital business strategists AND SHE KNOWS HER STUFF MAN. I had the pleasure of having a one-on-one business advice call with her and can someone please tell me how I opened up to her more than my own diary?? She helped me get my non-profit gameplan worked out, as well as give me some tips to up my Instagram bio.
Luisa has a 6th sense about knowing how to elevate your business to the next level, you just need to put in the effort to meet her halfway. Trust me on this one.
Instagram courses: IG Bootcamp with Christina
I’m sure you’ve seen TONS of these floating around, with promises of tripling your number of followers and gaining top luxury brand sponsorship upon course completion. Tbh, 97% of these courses SUCK. BUT, if you are someone that loves courses and a collaborative learning experience, the ONLY one I recommend is Christina’s IG Bootcamp. And I recommend it pretty highly.
What sets Christina’s course apart from the rest is that she is ACTUALLY present and engaging in her classes. She also holds monthly lives to chat with her students, answer questions, and hold discussions about different social media topics. Some of the topics in the past have been: dealing with imposter syndrome, how to handle negative backlash, and brand pitching. I appreciated that Christina does not set herself on a pedestal, nor did she come off flat or stagnant. She is always working on her course to improve and update, and truly takes feedback to heart for her next adjustments.
Content Creation: Content Organizer and Planner
Now you’re ready to get into the nitty gritty of your social media posting. From first hand experience: YOU WILL BE LESS STRESSED IF YOU ARE ORGANIZED. The best organization tool I have found for managing content ideas, planning, and execution is the use of an editorial calendar. THE BEST editorial calendar is from The Quirky Pineapple shop. I can go on and on about my love for Cassandra and her studio, but I’ll leave it at this. IF YOU WANT TO ELEVATE YOUR CONTENT CREATION GAME – BUY THIS EDITORIAL CALENDAR.
I’m terrible at explaining things (lol remember when I said I was a writer?), but basically it is a program to help map out your content as well as schedule postings, newsletters, and new ideas and collaborations. The calendar comes with an entire video explaining the process! The Quirky Pineapple Studi also has copywriting and strategy hints, events, and workshops, so give their IG a follow while you’re at it to get the latest info. BUT GET THE EDITORIAL CALENDAR FIRST. Thank me later.
website – workbook and editorial calendar bundle
IG story help: Storytelling Guide
Once you’ve got the basics of your Instagram pretty solid, but you haven’t quite gotten the hang of Instagram Stories. That’s where Traveling Fro comes in. Instagram stories are the new feed. And Jakiya’s are THE BEST. Her stories on Instagram are not only beautiful and aesthetically pleasing, but she is also such a powerful storyteller. And she has a guide on how to improve your storytelling (and making them pretty!) FOR FREE!
Jakiya also does 1 on 1 brand coaching and mini courses to refocus and reinvigorate your business. I took one of her mini classes and I had never been MORE INSPIRED in under an hour before! And she’s doing a retreat in Senegal! Jakiya is all around amazing, but start with the storytelling guide!
website – you can pick up her IG story guide FOR FREE here!
In Conclusion
Hopefully this list has inspired you a little to get your productivity on! I truly endorse all of these products and services, so I am confident you will find value in at least something on this list! But, if you’re not looking to spend money (I get that!), here are some fool-proof tips to live by.
Take care of yourself, declutter, write down your goals (and read them DAILY) and have an accountability buddy!
I love Korean skin care products! I make sure to buy things in bulk to bring them wherever i go haha
Super informative and helpful!
Hey it’s me!!! Aww thanks for making me feel like a celeb 😅💙 also I really appreciated the thoroughness of this post!! As soon as I read the title I knew I needed it in my life and you did not disappoint! 11/10 would recommend.
I’ve been a long time fan of blogilates, so many good recs on here I hadn’t heard of before!