Sometimes we find our workdays seem to run
into each other and we're constantly working on yesterday's (or last week’s)
to-do list. This can be a big struggle over the holidays.
When that happens, it’s time to step back and
look at our routines and find ways to ease the stress and regain our focus.
Here are five ways to manage your workday more
effectively and productively.
Focus on your health and
wellness. You cannot underestimate the importance of daily meditation,
exercise, healthy eating, and good and adequate sleep on your ability to be
productive and successful. Incorporate these aspects of your life into a
routine, as mentioned above, and you'll find yourself enjoying greater success.
Start
the day with a tall glass of water and some energizing food. You need energy
and strength to be at your best and so it's important to hydrate with water
when you awake and to eat something high in protein and low in sugar, in order
to avoid a crash later in the morning.
Find an app. Many routine
tasks we need to do in our lives and at work can be made simpler and more
effective by using technology to help us. Often, we think of technology as
enslaving us as we spend too much time on social media but look to find apps to
make your life easier.
Eat the frog and tackle the most difficult task first. One
simple strategy that will pay significant dividends for your productivity is to
take on your most pressing task immediately and work to complete it before
moving on to something else. Avoid getting bogged down by email early in your day.
Save the email for the afternoon and attack your most important task of the day
first You'll find that knocking out a difficult
or dreaded item on your to-do list first thing motivates you to get more day
and take on some of those things you really enjoy with more energy.
Work
in short bursts followed by a short break. Focus more efficiently by working
hard but briefly on your tasks. If you work for 45 minutes and follow that with
a quick walk, you'll return to your work with more focus.
Plan for success. Your day should start the previous night or
afternoon by identifying your top three priorities for the next day. You're more productive when you plan your day out,
allowing you to more easily accommodate and integrate surprises into your
schedule as they come up. Also plan to attack your email and clear out
your in-box in the afternoon, once you've completed your most important daily tasks.
By
implementing these methods your workday will be more focused and productive.
