Becoming a more productive person in your farm office is not only beneficial to your business, but it can also reduce stress. Increasing productivity takes commitment. If you are up for the task, here are seven tips to help you become more productive:

1. Time. Whether you go to work early, schedule a day without meetings or block out time to focus on tasks that need completing, it is important to create uninterrupted time to complete tasks.

2. Tech to keep you focused. One can easily get distracted with Internet access providing a window to the world of instant news and cat videos. The good news there are apps and browser extensions available to help you avoid procrastination. StayFocusd is a Chrome browser extension that allows you to self-regulate your web browsing for a period.

3. Take breaks. Just as vital as staying on task is giving your mind and body a break. Go for a walk, stretch, eat lunch—stepping away can help you refresh and refocus.

4. Make a list. For some, lists may be overwhelming, but you won’t know the climb you have ahead of you until you can see the whole mountain. Make a list, take a deep breath, and prioritize. If list-making gives you anxiety, avoid keeping the full list in view. Instead, focus on three to four priority items.

5. Delegate. You hired your employees because of their skill and dedication. Utilize it. There’s no reason to carry the load when members of your team can help out.

6. Outsource. When it makes fiscal sense, you should outsource work. Why are you spending 10 hours trying to figure out where a paper jam is when an expert can find it in one? Your time is valuable. Do not waste it.

7. Use apps. Mobile apps that sync with your desktop or browser-based software can help you stay on task and productive. Scheduling and email apps are commonplace but consider other options as well. For example, Wunderlist is a list-making application that syncs with your desktop and mobile phone. Also, OneNote or Evernote can make all of your notes and links available anywhere you go. You may also want to consider utilizing cloud storage to access all of your smart office files at a moment’s notice.

What helps you stay productive in the office? Tell me about it in the comments below, on Twitter @nerdsquawk or via email at [email protected].

The opinions of the author are not necessarily those of Farm Futures or Penton Agriculture.