Being productive is hard. It, often, requires us to do things that we don't necessarily want to do. This may include things we are procrastinating or just day-to-day tasks we continuously put off. Being productive doesn't have to be that complicated or overbearing. Here are 5 little things you can do to majorly increase your productivity.

1. Chunk out your time.

Set your timer on your phone for fifteen minutes. In that time, start attacking something you know you need to be doing. Doing something for only 15 minutes doesn't seem that daunting right? This is especially effective for checking e-mails and tidying up a room. Usually, once the fifteen minutes are over you're either done or have made some headway into your task! Easy enough and you'll thank yourself for taking those fifteen minutes later.

2. Make use of the time before you go to sleep.

I don't know if this is just me, but I'm a ton more motivated at nighttime. However, I often don't really use this to my advantage. Although I feel very motivated, I often just sit around and watch Netflix. Instead, use your motivation and put it toward something productive. Plan for the next day. Get your backpack ready and plan for a less-stressful morning. Even if you have Netflix on in the background, at least you're being productive.

3. Make your to-do list the night before.

Going into the next day knowing the tasks you need to get done, in my opinion, doubles your productivity for the next day. As a college student, a lot of times I don't really plan my afternoons after classes are done. Considering this, I am highly unproductive. I've found days where I planned my to-do list the night before were the days I got the most things done. Going into the day with plan leaves less room for "guess work," and you'll know exactly what you need to get done.

4. Multitask as much as possible.

Multitasking is a hard skill to master, but when done increases productivity two-fold. It's really in the little things. This may include going over your Quizlets while you're on the treadmill or simply just reading emails in the morning while you're eating your breakfast. Whatever you can do to decrease the amount of time somethings takes, the better.

5. Last, but most importantly... actually use your planner.

I really cannot stress this one enough. I feel like I'm one of two people: I either use my planner religiously or I am super lackadaisical about it. I go through periods where I embody either person. However, having a planner and using it does wonders for your productivity. Knowing when things are due, when they're occurring, and seeing events laid out before you helps you prioritize. Considering this, you know which tasks you need to put emphasis on and which you don't. This makes you incredibly more productive. Therefore, be the former person stated. Find a planner you love. Maybe Google Calendars is more your thing... Whatever. Use it. Write all over it. Cherish it.

In the end, being a productive person has multiple payoffs. First, you get more things done in less time. Second, it helps you feel less overwhelmed with tasks at hand. Lastly, it really just makes you feel great about yourself. Hopefully, these simple tips help you increase your productivity.

Now I'm off to clean my room....