This 60-second productivity hack is the best way to avoid procrastination: expert

Got a minute?

Immediately completing tasks that only take 60 seconds to do is the key to productivity and decluttering, according to experts.

While household tasks can seem insurmountable — heaps of laundry to wash and fold, a mountain of dirty dishes in the sink, dust collecting on shelves — a simple 60-second rule can help mitigate how overwhelming it may seem.

“It builds a habit that reduces clutter,” therapist Mikela Hallmark told the Daily Mail.

In short, the rule is that if a chore can take less than a minute to do, such as picking up dirty clothes off the floor or wiping down countertops, it should be completed immediately.

Then, people can focus on “bigger tasks,” whether that’s spending time with loved ones or working on a personal passion.

“There’s some sense of urgency that comes with the understanding that if it takes a minute or less, I need to do it,” she said.

“It also allows you to quickly knock things off of a to-do list, which leaves room for the bigger tasks.”

The 60-second rule could be a game-changer for seasoned procrastinators or people who have mental health struggles or ADHD, according to Hallmark.

This is because doing one small task at a time is less anxiety-inducing than an onslaught of chores to complete all at once.

“The one-minute rule can be effective for people who struggle with overwhelm when there’s clutter in life, and for people who tend to struggle with focus, laziness, or simple procrastination,” she said.

“Habits can be difficult to form and difficult to break, and for those who are in the habit of simple procrastination, giving themselves a rule that has a time frame associated to it can really help them get out of the rut of procrastination.”