Work can sometimes get overwhelming and it isn’t a good feeling if you don’t know how to deal with it. Whether it’s working two or three jobs or pulling late nights at the office, the hectic pace can really increase the stress levels. No fear though! The project presentation will be a success we fully believe in you. To aid in the day-to-day of things, here are tips we personally find useful for dealing with a busy work schedule:
1. Be Ready to Re-Prioritize
(Photo via 1to1media)
What does this mean? Well, it’s essential to know what is a necessity and what can be done later. If you’re working on a project with a tight deadline it’s important to do the tasks within that project that are most important. That way, you aren’t cramming and stressing out at crunch time. Even if you’re used to doing things a certain way and in a certain order, be ready to think outside the box and switch things up as the situation calls for it.
2. Be Prepared
(Photo via qkme)
How many times have you attended meetings without a clear idea of what it is about, or without having read the necessary documentation beforehand? Especially when it’s a busy stressful time at work? Often when things get busy, many of us go into full “let’s just wing it” mode. This figure-it-out-as-you-go-along method is usually not too successful. Perhaps it has its merit if you’re Pollack painting a canvas or Dave Chapelle doing stand-up but for most situations you really should have certain things prepared. If you know you need to do research, jot down useful ideas, or what not, make sure to do this nice and early. When the schedule is already busy you really don’t want to be add unpreparedness to the list.
3. Say No and Communicate Effectively
(Photo via sharpmindmarketing)
When things are crazy, helping out colleagues with their work assignments will only make things worse (no matter how nice you’re habituated to be). It’s essential to be clear with your colleagues about your work assignments and to be forthright about your inability to add less urgent tasks to your day. They will appreciate the honesty because it allows them to be honest on similar days. In addition, make sure to communicate effectively with your team and support staff. When things aren’t urgent make sure to tell them to relax and take their time with their work. When things are urgent, then you can be confident in telling them that things need to get done by a certain time. Your honesty during the ebb and flow of work will make them appreciate working with you.
4. Go Outside
(Photo via jesslively)
Unless it’s zero hour and you’re closing a deal, chances are you do have a few minutes to regroup during a busy work day. Get some fresh air! You’ll come back refreshed and with a new perspective on your projects that will help you work better. You’d be surprised at how much more innovative and creative you are when you step away from something. Go for a short walk, take deep breaths, and relax.
5. Do One Thing at a Time
(Photo via amandakrill)
This isn’t always possible but it’s a good habit to practice. If you are focusing on one thing at a time, you’ll become fully present and give the proper amount of energy to your work.
6. Stop Procrastinating
(Photo via bigthink)
Before stopping procrastination, figure out why you’re doing it. Are you doing it to avoid the stress of work? Are you getting into a cycle of stress followed by relief (through procrastination)? If so, then it’s best to realize that the way to escape this cycle is through giving yourself permission to relax while you’re working! This cycle really exists because of the stress you feel while you work. If you learn to relax while working, you won’t feel the constant need to procrastinate. Notice the negative thoughts and negative energy while you work and remind yourself that everything is going to be fine and if you just focus on the task at hand, removed from worrying, you’ll be just fine. Once you do this, the urge to procrastinate will get a little weaker and you can enjoy your work a little more. Internally become like the monkey in the picture while working. Easier said than done, conquered by few (even fewer if you don’t think Yoda is a real person), but I believe it’s possible.
