#212 : Time management: Tips to reduce stress and improve productivity
Monday, July 22, 2013 @ 10:44 PM
Do you find yourself overwhelmed by the number and complexity of
projects that need to be completed at work each day? As the day flies
by, do you often feel as if you haven't paid enough attention to each
task because other tasks keep landing on your desk, co-workers interrupt
you with questions or you can't get it all organized?
You probably know that managing your time effectively will help you get
more done each day. But it has important health benefits, too. By
managing your time more wisely, you can minimize stress and improve your
quality of life.
But how do you get back on track when organizational skills don't come
naturally? To get started, choose one of these strategies, try it for
two to four weeks and see if it helps. If it does, consider adding
another one. If not, try a different one.
- Plan each day. Planning your day can help you
accomplish more and feel more in control of your life. Write a to-do
list, putting the most important tasks at the top. Keep a schedule of
your daily activities to minimize conflicts and last-minute rushes.
- Prioritize your tasks. Time-consuming but
relatively unimportant tasks can consume a lot of your day. Prioritizing
tasks will ensure that you spend your time and energy on those that are
truly important to you.
- Say no to nonessential tasks. Consider your goals and schedule before agreeing to take on additional work.
- Delegate. Take a look at your to-do list and consider what you can pass on to someone else.
- Take the time you need to do a quality job. Doing
work right the first time may take more time upfront, but errors usually
result in time spent making corrections, which takes more time overall.
- Break large, time-consuming tasks into smaller tasks. Work on them a few minutes at a time until you get them all done.
- Practice the 10-minute rule. Work on a dreaded task for 10 minutes each day. Once you get started, you may find you can finish it.
- Evaluate how you're spending your time. Keep a
diary of everything you do for three days to determine how you're
spending your time. Look for time that can be used more wisely. For
example, could you take a bus or train to work and use the commute to
catch up on reading? If so, you could free up some time to exercise or
spend with family or friends.
- Limit distractions. Block out time on your calendar for big projects. During that time, close your door and turn off your phone, pager and email.
- Get plenty of sleep, eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
A healthy lifestyle can improve your focus and concentration, which
will help improve your efficiency so that you can complete your work in
less time.
- Take a time management course. If your employer
offers continuing education, take a time management class. If your
workplace doesn't have one, find out if a local community college,
university or community education program does.
- Take a break when needed. Too much stress can
derail your attempts at getting organized. When you need a break, take
one. Take a walk. Do some quick stretches at your workstation. Take a
day of vacation to rest and re-energize.
Ask for professional help
If you're too frazzled to think about trying any of these tips, it's
time to ask for help. Does your life feel totally out of control? If so,
contact your employee assistance program (EAP) at your workplace for
assistance, or discuss your situation with your doctor.
Labels: reads, work